FURTHER STUDY
A degree double act
We hear from our very own comedian Chrissy Ross about how he felt going from his
undergraduate to postgraduate degree at GCU.
Can you tell us why you chose to study your
programme at GCU?
I felt it would be the best place to develop my professional
practice for the events industry.
Why did you decide to continue further study at
GCU, and what support did you receive?
I really enjoyed my undergraduate course in International
Event Management and studying on campus. I chose to
continue at GCU and do my postgraduate MSc in
International Tourism and Events Management (ITEM)
because I knew the staff and I knew the high level of teaching
I would receive would help massively in my professional
development.
The support I received from my lecturers throughout my
studies was great. Claire Bereziat, Daniel Baxter, Nick Davies,
Pauline Bell, Mandy Sheridan, and Maren Viol were
exceptionally knowledgeable about the modules they taught.
They were also inspirational and encouraged us all to achieve
the best we could, to challenge ourselves, and to be the best
version of ourselves academically and professionally.
I also received support from the University through the
COVID Winter Fund and the Discretionary Fund, which
massively helped as all the work I had lined up for 2020/2021
evaporated due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
How did further study help your career?
Further study has helped me broaden my horizons and taught
me the importance of collaboration and resilience. The MSc
course was brilliant for developing my professional practice,
and in helping me develop knowledge and skills to operate
more efficiently and effectively within my industry.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking
of doing further study?
I would say that we are always learning in life, be it
experientially or academically and if there is a course
that can develop the skills and knowledge you desire,
go for it.
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What was it like being a stand-up comedian
alongside your studies?
During my undergrad it was hectic. I counted 423 events I
either organised or performed at throughout my first four
years of study. The postgrad was not as hectic, in fact, I wish
it was but alas the pandemic shut down events. I have
enjoyed returning to the stage recently, supporting my friend
Gary Faulds at his gigs. They have been a lot of fun.
What are your plans for the future?
At present I am performing stand up at the weekends and
teaching at GCU during the week. I don’t think I have ever
been as content and happy at work as now. Though it’s just
until January, I am absolutely loving being back at GCU
teaching, and it is a lot of fun.
Find out more about our Loyalty Scholarships at:
gcu.ac.uk/postgraduate