Audrey Mizzi

I originally studied Museum & Gallery Studies at the University of St Andrews where I also carried out my research on digital storytelling and its potential within cultural institutions. Driven by my passion for art history and museums, I then worked with many cultural institutions including the National Trust for Scotland and National Archives of Malta both through voluntary and formal work to enhance my skills in the cultural field. This passion also led me to study Preventive Conservation at Northumbria University, developing a keen interest in the preservation of photographic collections.

What are you doing now?

I’m working full time with the Marketing & Communications Team at Fondazzjoni Kreattività to present its public image across all media including its programmes – Spazju Kreattiv & ŻiguŻajg

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Preventive Conservation in Malta is not so well known, so I chose Northumbria for a number of reasons. It offered the course via distance learning, which at the time I could do considering that my employment could allow me that flexibility of doing the MA Degree. Personally, status also made me look at this University over others.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

I think my experience at Northumbria could have been better if I was on campus. I was supported via online seminars and given the course materials in advance to be able to study at my own pace. The assignments were a highlight because they give you the ability to practice your skills even though you are following online. I also always look at courses that allow me to do work placements in order to apply what I’m learning in a professional setting and this course had both. Feedback from lecturers at the time was encouraging, constructive and well balanced which helped me make it through the year.

How connected was your course with industry?

I did make a connection with the local National Archives in Malta where I did continue to volunteer for months after the required hours were done. This helped me build a professional relationship with archivists in Malta.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

Volunteering in the cultural heritage sector is essential, and it was one of my requirements when I furthered my studies in Museum & Galleries in St. Andrews, Scotland. With the help of this course, I managed to volunteer and work on other projects in Malta as well as in Scotland later on in 2020

What was the best thing about your course?

The availability and support from the programme leader, the lectures available all at once and the flexibility to do things at your own pace. And, a special shoutout to the library service of having the ability to ship books over when studying via distance learning!

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

The Preventive Conservation MA allowed me to understand better the realm of Collections Care and how important it is to have such knowledge within the field of archival work and collections within museums. In Culture, it’s always engrained in us to have flexibility and adaptability and with this course I can do that freely and move from one section to another within a cultural organisation. I can also consult on different projects. The ability to understand both perspectives, and make informed decisions with fellow colleagues is a plus.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Communication, decision making, time management and critical thinking. Also, a special mention to accountability and the skills to recommend best way forwards to several institutions as a professional in the field.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I was on campus for two instances – once during my studies to make use of the library services and meet with the programme leader, and for my graduation. I made use of the services while I was there as much as I could and as a distance learning student, I enjoyed the feeling of campus life. The graduation was indeed the most encouraging graduation I attended (to give you a comparison, another graduation I attended was all about the new rebranded logo). It encouraged us to be those people who can change the world, even if it’s a daunting task.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

If you’re looking at distance learning as a way to access education but can’t take the cost of living on campus, then I would recommend you to do it.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in three words?

Enlightening, encouraging and proactive.