Ewan is currently studying Web Development at Edinburgh Napier and is on 'S2E4: Computing' of the podcast. He talks about his transition from college to university, what he loves about the campus location and the societies he's involved in. Read on to find out more about his university journey. 

I like the more hands-on elements of the course - learning how to use specific languages, and software, and ultimately using my learned skills to make websites.

Ewan Blake

BSc (Hons) Web Design & Development

The Course


Tell us about why you decided to choose Napier?
Napier was the only university which offered web development - a course that I feel is under-looked across the United Kingdom, the web is such a huge and ingrained part of everyday life and traversing through the digital world. Additionally, Napier was located within Edinburgh, and particularly easy-to-access parts of Edinburgh via public transport - primarily buses.

What do you like about your course and why?
I like the more hands-on elements of the course - learning how to use specific languages, and software, and ultimately using my learned skills to make websites, and practical projects that reflect the skills I have. Merchiston itself has a lot to offer regarding facilities to accommodate for studying and learning, such as the JKCC and the libraries study rooms. My hope is this course will act as a stepping stone for taking on a Masters at Napier.

What's your dream career/job? Is your course preparing you for that?
I want to be either a front-end web developer, or a full-stack web developer. I believe the course is preparing me for this role via helping me understand and confidently use the tools mainly used to create websites (Python, VSCode, etc). Additionally, the course of web development and design is structured to be less specialised and more foundational in the skills it offers, offering a variation of modules relating to other courses such as User Experience. This provides flexibility, and allows for multiple options of careers, meaning being a web developer is not the set choice, however something related to the creation of websites is the realm I want to stay within.

Is there something about your industry or subject that no one is talking about enough?
I feel like AI isn't mainstream enough within courses - specifically in the correct ways to utilise it.

What advice would you give someone just starting your course?
Balance study and social life, don't allow one to rule the other, and get ahead with planning deadlines and working on big projects - don't leave work to the night before!

Student Experience


Do you feel at home at ENU?
Yes :)

Are you involved in any sports or societies at the university?
I am currently secretary of both the Book Club and Chess Club. Being engaged in Book Club is what got me through 3rd year of university, I had been having doubts about continuing on, and whether I should quit, but that club got me through it.
I enjoy being able to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who I can be myself around and make memories with, it has allowed me to make new friends, become more confident in myself and my surroundings.

Who's your biggest cheerleader through University?
My family and the Book Club :)
If I didn't have them, I wouldn't be at university still currently

What helps you through tough times at Napier? Have you used the support services?
I have not particularly needed to use support services, rather instead relying on my friends and the societies available (like the Book Club).

Studying in Edinburgh


What's the best thing about studying in Edinburgh?
The diverse options for studying environments. One of the greatest things about Edinburgh is the amount of independent cafes that act as cosy and quiet studying environments that also double up as social environments, allowing someone to go with a group and study together.

Whether you moved into student accommodation or stayed at home, how was your experience of starting university life and what advice would you give to others?
Take advantage of everything the university has to offer - especially on the social side of things.

What's one thing you'll take with you from your experience in Edinburgh/Scotland/Edinburgh Napier for the rest of your life?
The memories I've made from the friends I've found :)

College to University Transition

What are the benefits you have found of joining university direct from college?
The transition is a lot smoother, and things are handled by others more so for you than if you were to join university separate from a direct entrant route in college. Additionally, I think the route from college being considered more practical than the first couple years of university really helped me to prepare for the independent study in year 3 of university.

Have you felt supported in your transition from college to university?
Yes! I was given a lot of advice from college teachers regarding the transition, and had people from Napier come into college to give talks regarding the transition, and how it would work.