Flynn Mahon

Meet Flynn, who joined us on the Summer School from the University of Western Australia.

Why did you choose the UCL Summer School? 

Since I was in secondary school, I have always dreamt of studying in the British capital and, with a passion for humanities and the arts, UCL was always going to be the ideal institution. I was very pleased to hear about the UCL Summer School because it allowed me to achieve my dream of studying in London over a time period which suited my academic commitments back in Australia. 

Tell us a bit about the module you took – what have been the highlights? 

While at UCL, I took Educational Representations Through the Media. I felt lucky to be able to study a module which was so unique and different to what’s available back home. It was fascinating to explore the potential of the classroom to be a space of inspiration and an agent for change. We engaged with a variety of popular and academic texts to inform deep conversations in our own diverse classroom. 

What is the style of teaching like at UCL? 

UCL offers a balanced teaching style which combines information with discussion. At UCL, you have plenty of opportunities to share ideas with classmates, which helps you to find your voice about issues which don’t have a simple answer. Our tutor supportively broke down a lot of the complex readings with us in class, making more challenging content very accessible. 

What was your favourite thing about London and why? 

Everyone says about how many things there are to do in London. What I found exciting was the number of unique experiences I could enjoy. Many events and exhibitions in the city weren’t stand-alone. For example, a visit to the National Gallery led me to a panel discussion at St James's Church, Piccadilly. The city’s activities really do form a cultural tapestry. 

Where is your favourite spot on the UCL Campus and why? 

My favourite UCL spot was the Student Centre, with its comfortable study areas and tall windows looking out into Bloomsbury. The study zone is also multi-storeyed - gazing up and down the building makes you feel like part of something great, placing your Summer School experience into UCL’s larger academic context. 

What advice would you give to any students looking to apply next year? 

I would encourage any students looking to apply for the Summer School to have a close look at the modules on offer at UCL. This exercise won’t only allow you to make sure the programme is right for you but will likely excite you about your application and future studies.