Jinglan Xu

What made you want to apply to your MA course and to Leeds?

I always wanted to be a member of the ‘creative class’, and the culture and creative industries are well developed in the UK. Leeds is a city that has lots of culture and creative industries such as gallery and theatre. They also have teacher and companies that attracted me.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

Tutors always provide lots of help to us, not only the theoretical knowledge but also give us many opportunities to practice. For instance, they brought us to exhibitions in London and they helped us to find placements with companies and galleries.

What has been the most surprising thing about coming to Leeds?

The city centre of Leeds is not very big, so at first I thought that Leeds is a small city in the UK, it was really surprised me that the financial circulation system of Leeds is so important in the UK. 

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

There so may activities for students, as my hobby is singing and dancing, I had a really great time in the chorus group and dancing groups at the University. As a school rep I also learnt a lot and met many great friends in LUU.

What do you plan to do now you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed at Leeds will help with these plans?

I would like to work in cultural and creative companies such as media companies and galleries. I learnt a lot both in my theoretical knowledge and my practice. Also, I have developed my social skills, I have learnt how to communicate with friends from different counties and cultural backgrounds. I believe what I’ve learned and developed in Leeds will help me a lot in my future career plan.