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Simon

Programme of study

MA in Applied Linguistics

Tell us a bit about your background

Hello! I am a mature, first-generation student, hailing from Swindon, Wiltshire. Having recently completed my Undergraduate degree (in English Language & Linguistics) here at York, I am back for another year to do a Masters degree.  

My interest in Linguistics was piqued when I began a degree with the Open University during the pandemic; after a year of remote learning, I decided I wanted to take studying full-time, applied to York, and here I am!  Prior to beginning my studies here, I worked at the Medical Research Council, administering research grants and Panel funding meetings.

Why did you want to get involved with the Student Expert Panel?

There are a few reasons I wanted to join the panel! Predominantly, I felt that my experience and background would bring a fresh, different viewpoint to the table, and contribute to the diversity of the panel. I was keen to join the discussions on initiatives brought forward, and in turn be a part of guiding the change I want to see within the University. Additionally, I believed this role would allow me to develop myself, and ‘give something back’ to both the University and my fellow students.

What are you involved with at York, and what are you interested in outside of your studies? 

It’s fair to say I wear many hats in the University!  As well as my Panel membership, I am the Department Rep for Language & Linguistics, championing the student voice in academic representation. I am also the Vice-President for Alcuin College’s Student Committee, having had the privilege and pleasure of serving as President in 2024.

In my free time, I am a church bellringer, and a member of both the York Minster band and the York Colleges Guild (the University’s bellringing society). I have also been involved in Scouting since the age of 6, and am DofE rep for SAGGY (Scouts & Girl Guiding at York). I also enjoy cycling, following football (as an Arsenal fan), performing with the University’s Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and going to the theatre.

What do you think has been your biggest impact so far on the Student Expert Panel?

Aside from my input into a number of initiatives (including the shape of the newly-launched Liberal Arts degree, and how the student-facing VLE portal could be improved), I wrote the panel's code of conduct, and represented the SEP at the 2023 Inclusive Impact Awards Ceremony.