Author: Emily

Settling in to postgraduate life

Posted on by Emily

We’ve been asking current postgraduate, Lixuan, some questions about settling in to postgraduate life at Bristol.

At our upcoming undergraduate to postgraduate live chat, you can talk to postgraduate ambassadors like Lixuan so that you make an informed decision about undertaking postgraduate study. If you already know you’re coming to Bristol, chatting to our ambassadors can help you be prepared to start your postgraduate journey when you arrive.

 

What has the difference from undergraduate study to postgraduate study been like for you?

Coming from a chemistry background in undergraduate study, the course content in MSc Biomedical Sciences Research is a completely different discipline. I find it challenging but interesting as this is where my interests lie. The main thing that sparked my interest are the depth and breadth of my lecturers’ knowledge. They always speak about the topic with so much enthusiasm that us students cannot help but get involved in as well. I was also unprepared with how much self-directed studying we have, although help is always available from our personal tutor and programme director.

I find that you have to take a lot of initiative to be able to make the best out of your master’s programme. You can apply for internships or attachments, get career advice, and join workshops to prepare yourself for the future; but if and only if you take the initiative to follow through. I have the chance to have an attachment in the field I’m interested in, thanks to a lot of hustling! From my point of view, the opportunities for personal and career growth are never lacking in UoB.

“You can apply for internships or attachments, get career advice, and join workshops to prepare yourself for the future; but if and only if you take the initiative to follow through.”

How did you find settling in to the city of Bristol?

I find the experience of being in Bristol novel and thrilling, as this is my first time being away from my home country for longer than 6 months. Bristol is a truly amazing place to explore your passions, especially if you appreciate art and music. Travel-wise, it is the best base to go to London, Bath, Salisbury and other nearby places of interest. Bristol airport also has cheap flights to many other countries which makes it easy to catch the travel bug. For me personally, Bristol is busy enough to be fascinating but not too hectic that I feel drained living here. The accommodation I’m currently living in is tip-top as well and a stone’s throw away from the city centre.

“Bristol is a truly amazing place to explore your passions, especially if you appreciate art and music. Travel-wise, it is the best base to go to London, Bath, Salisbury and other nearby places of interest.”

How did you find the first few months of postgraduate life?

The first few months in postgraduate study flew by so fast. We had classes, assignments and exams to study for. Socially, there are University activities every week and hang-outs with friends, so there’s never a quiet weekend. I wish I knew how much work we had to do and how to schedule my time effectively before starting the course. However, this is a skill I’m learning on my own as the course continues. I would have warned myself to layer up more in winter, as the cold chill is not fun most of the time!

What is the role of a PG ambassador? Why is it helpful to talk to an ambassador before you arrive?

A PG ambassador aims to use his/her own personal experience to provide a reference for prospective students. It would have been great to have a graduate from my current programme to talk to prior to coming to the University. An ambassador could provide unique insights in not only the academic aspect but the after hours student life: where is the cheapest place for lunch, the hidden nook in libraries, best pub for live jazz etc., which for me makes the student experience worthwhile.

All in all, studying in UoB is a challenge, which is expected from a top 50 university. Academically, this is one of the best universities to be in. Socially, you will most definitely find your crowd in and out of the University.

 

An insight into the importance of research by Professor Moin Saleem

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We asked Professor Moin Saleem what he thinks is so important about research and his tips for pursuing a research focused career.

Professor Moin Saleem, FRCP, PhD

Research is crucial for all aspects of medicine, in order to move our knowledge forwards and to apply that knowledge in a scientifically sound way to patients for their benefit. Without active research at all levels, no aspect of medical care can develop further.

It is also important for us as scientists and clinicians on a personal level, to be able to make a difference to patients and public, the scientific community, and importantly to satisfy our own curiosity!

“…it is an incredibly exciting time to be a researcher, with many, many opportunities available”

Biological advances and techniques are advancing at an incredible pace, from understanding of the genome, to cell and gene therapies, to artificial intelligence approaches, it is an incredibly exciting time to be a researcher, with many, many opportunities available, and advances being actively translated to patient therapies. In kidney disease for example, we are currently developing gene therapy programmes for the first time ever in the kidney, which will move to clinical trials within the next 2-3 years. This has stemmed from basic laboratory research in Bristol, and in particular the work of PhD students in the lab.

In order to develop a career in research it is therefore important first of all to get some direct experience and find out if you think you are suited to it, and whether you enjoy it. This involves both reading around the topics and hands on work with experienced researchers, so that you can take ownership of your own piece of work. This is exactly what a summer studentship will provide.

“…get some direct experience and find out if you think you are suited to it, and whether you enjoy it… This is exactly what a summer studentship will provide.”

To further develop a research career, it is important to be aware of the steps you would need to take. This means finding a suitable research project, and most importantly in my view, a good supervisor and research group where there is enough critical mass for you to be learning the key basics of scientific methods.

You need to identify relatively early on what type of research suits you, for example basic laboratory science, or epidemiology and statistics, or perhaps bioinformatics and big data projects. Then you will need to work towards developing a project suitable for a PhD, for which you will need to apply for your individual funding, with the support of your supervisor.

A PhD is a training period, where you will develop the skills and mindset needed to establish your own independent research career. It will foster independent thinking and working, and allow you to learn all the basic skills needed to continue on an academic path.

Bristol is a great place to be involved in research. It has some world leading research groups, with excellent overall pastoral care, and the ability to immerse yourself in all areas of science. It is also a great city to live in, with many graduates and young professionals to mingle with.

 

A week in the life of a postgraduate student at Bristol

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Current postgraduate student, Meera, gives us an insight into the typical life of a postgraduate at Bristol.

 

 

I have classes from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. My programme – MSc Public Health – has opened my eyes to the vast potential and relevance of the subject and field. My professors come from a variety of schools within the University, ensuring what we learn is not guided by a linear perspective. The lectures are well-supplemented with practicals which give a well-rounded learning experience. Constant engagement with students coming from a range of academic, social and cultural backgrounds allows me to exchange knowledge, understand new ideas, build teamwork-related skills and practise cultural relativism.

It can be nerve-wracking to be in a new environment; however, my coursemates, other students and professors have always lent me a helping hand. The libraries felt comfortable and managed to incentivise study. I enjoy the vast collection of books and hope to find leisure-based reading when I find some extra time!

“Studies occupy a significant portion of my time, but I also undertake part-time work to learn new skills, engage with people and earn a little on the side!”

I work on assignments and revise taught coursework throughout the week to ensure I am on track. When in doubt, the professors are ready with solutions. Studies occupy a significant portion of my time, but I also undertake part-time work to learn new skills, engage with people and earn a little on the side! It feels encouraging to know I can contribute as a Postgraduate Student Ambassador, and I am able to learn and recognise my potential every day.

Having made some friends from my home country, I make it a point to meet with them once a week to balance the workload. Familiarity is comforting and reinstills motivation and confidence in me to get my work done. The course has helped me connect with individuals from various nationalities and cultures and recognise cultural similarities and differences.

“The course has helped me connect with individuals from various nationalities and cultures and recognise cultural similarities and differences.”

The Bristol International Student Centre has become my go-to place on days when cooking seems tiring and the BISC menu is delicious. I have managed to meet interesting people over their weekly Friday lunches, which makes University seem more fun. Bristol is a beautiful place to explore, and I purposefully make time to diversify my food palate, visit the famous tourist places and reconnect with nature!

The number of clubs and societies I had the opportunity to join was incredible. Considering my coursework, I managed to follow through with only three – the Indian society (which helped me remain rooted in my culture by being regularly involved in cultural festivals and other events), Bristol Sikh Society (whose weekly gurudwara/Sikh temple visits helped nourish in me a feeling of seva/working with compassion) and Krishna Consciousness Society (which helped me embrace the everlasting teachings of my holy scriptures). Bristol has truly proved to be a welcoming place for me and is lovable in all respects (excepting the cold weather)!

“Bristol has truly proved to be a welcoming place for me and is lovable in all respects (excepting the cold weather)!”

 

To hear more insights from current students like Meera, sign up for a virtual event and ask them your questions!

 

My favourite things about postgraduate study

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Current postgraduate student, Ffion, lists her five favourite things about studying her master’s at Bristol.

1. The programme

What I like most about my master’s programme (MA Law) is that it’s almost entirely seminar-led which leaves the sessions open to a lot of free discussion. As a group we talk about what we found most interesting or challenging in the reading and our tutors will point us in the right direction. This is not only a great way to learn but also keeps things interesting, as where the session goes is completely up to us.

“Our lecturers are open to our ideas and are very supportive and happy to listen if you have a different perspective on something.”

2. Independence

There’s an independence I’ve experienced at postgraduate study that isn’t matched at undergraduate, even within a taught course. Our lecturers are open to our ideas and are very supportive and happy to listen if you have a different perspective on something.

Overall, I’m enjoying postgraduate study more because I feel more independent from the University. While the staff and lecturers are there when you need them, studying at postgraduate level means you’ve made a choice to invest in your future, so the whole learning experience is really what you make of it.

“…studying at postgraduate level means you’ve made a choice to invest in your future, so the whole learning experience is really what you make of it.”

3. The people

For me, one of my favourite but least expected things that I’ve loved about postgraduate study is the people. I think making friends has been easier and more relaxed outside of the freshers-bubble that is often a source of pressure for people at undergraduate. I’ve really got to know people I’m working with very quickly. Although it may be something that people find daunting when starting postgraduate study – especially if you studied undergraduate elsewhere – it’s actually been a highlight.

I’ve also met people from vastly different backgrounds studying for very different reasons. People choose to study at postgraduate level for a number of reasons; some have already had jobs, others are fresh out of university or might have had a break for a year or two. The range of students and where people are in their lives makes meeting new people more interesting as you learn from each others’ experiences.

“I’ve really got to know people I’m working with very quickly. Although it may be something that people find daunting when starting postgraduate study – especially if you studied undergraduate elsewhere – it’s actually been a highlight.”

4. The city

Bristol is a city that I’ve always been excited by and wanted to move to. It’s a very progressive place with a lot of jobs in entrepreneurship, a growing technical industry, and (lucky for me) a large legal hub. One thing that I love about the city is their recycling scheme, it’s extremely efficient and you can recycle almost anything; what else would you expect from Britain’s greenest city, which also boasts top cycling numbers and smart city status in 2019?!

5. Beyond student life

What I’ve really enjoyed about moving to Bristol is that there’s a lot going on beyond the student hub, so it’s not just club nights and socials like in many university cities. The local community is very busy here. Whether it’s the Science Museum and Planetarium, Bristol’s first zero waste shop in Bedminster, or UPFEST (Europe’s largest street art festival); you’re able to take advantage of the city itself in addition to University events. As I’m hoping to live here after I graduate that’s been really valuable.

To get more insight from current postgraduate students, register for a virtual event and chat to students like Ffion!

 

Choosing Bristol for postgraduate study

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Current postgraduate student, Dionysia, talks about the steps she took when choosing Bristol for postgraduate study.

Learn more about postgraduate study at Bristol by registering for our virtual events. Talk to current students like Dionysia, as well as experts in admissions and funding for tips and advice on the application process and financing your postgraduate degree.

 

How did you go about choosing Bristol as your postgraduate study option? 

When I was applying for my postgraduate studies, there were a number of things I had in mind. Once I had all the questions I wanted to ask about each particular university, I searched online for course structure, student satisfaction, academic staff and university rankings. I found the answers to most of my academic enquiries online, but I still wanted to find out more about the student experience in Bristol as I felt that this would offer me a more complete representation of the University and perhaps my course. Academic curricula are important to me, but I personally look for a more rounded and inclusive student experience.

 “Rankings certainly contributed to making this decision; Bristol has consistently been in the top 10 UK universities for an impressive period of time.”

What did you want to know before choosing Bristol? 

Having completed my undergraduate degree, I had a rough idea of what study methods are more conducive to my learning. I wanted to get some more information on the course structure, materials, contact hours per week, seminars, tutorials etc. Importantly, I wanted to know if the department I was applying to offered students the opportunity to choose their modules and dissertation topics.

What avenues did you use to learn about Bristol?  

To get some extra information on the student facilities and my department, I browsed the University’s official website; it is by far the fastest and most accurate source of information. Bristol’s website is very detailed and user friendly, which made this process significantly easier. There are multiple links directing you to sections which address your questions and answer relevant queries that other students have had in the past.

What helped you to make your decision? 

Rankings certainly contributed to making this decision; Bristol has consistently been in the top 10 UK universities for an impressive period of time. Apart from that, I found the discussions that I had during the open day to be extremely insightful. They gave me a real summary of what it is like to be a postgraduate student in Bristol, touching on a number of non-academic issues such as student societies, accessibility, nightlife, and the facilities available to students. The open day was paramount to my decision; I would highly encourage prospective students to pay a visit and speak to postgraduate ambassadors about their experience in Bristol.

“The open day was paramount to my decision; I would highly encourage prospective students to pay a visit and speak to postgraduate ambassadors about their experience in Bristol.”

Why are you getting involved with the virtual visit? 

I’m excited about the virtual visit; it’s a great opportunity to share my experience as a postgraduate student in Bristol to prospective students that cannot visit our campus. Through the virtual visit, I hope I can help prospective students to make their choice, answering questions about the city, student facilities and services, finances and much more. This will also be an ideal opportunity to get the best tips about libraries, affordable food and drink, employability and numerous other aspects of postgraduate life that many wished they knew before they started their programme.

 “I’m excited about the virtual visit; it’s a great opportunity to share my experience as a postgraduate student in Bristol to prospective students that cannot visit our campus.”

What do you hope people will get out of the virtual visit? 

I hope people see how much we value student satisfaction in Bristol. There are several teams in the University that are specifically addressing issues around the quality of studies and constantly ask students to give feedback. Through the virtual visit, I hope our participants get an idea of what postgraduate student life is like in Bristol and that it helps them to make their decision to come here!

 

My New Year’s Resolutions

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As we head into the New Year, many of us will be setting resolutions to make 2020 count. We’ve been talking to current student Harry, studying an MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy, about his resolutions and plans to make the most of his time left studying in Bristol.

 

 

Harry will be a guest at our postgraduate taught virtual event on 10 February. Register your place now for the chance to ask Harry your questions about postgraduate study.

I’m Harry, I’m studying an MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy and I’m having a great time at Bristol so far! Here are my five New Year’s Resolutions: 

1. Learn some new skills in the Magic Society 

Having been doing magic on and off for about five years now, this is the first time I’ve been around other magicians and I’ve loved it. So far, I’ve really enjoyed teaching some sleight of hand and card magic to newbie magicians and saw them doing the tricks I taught at our first show. But I want to try my hand at something different. A couple of the society members are really good at stage magic – bigger tricks with vanishes and changes – so I would love to learn from them how to do some routines that I could put towards a society stage show later in the year. 

“…next year I want to branch out more and use the libraries so I can work with friends and experience the aesthetic of the beautiful Wills Memorial Building” 

2. Use the libraries more

My lecturers are great at giving our reading material online, so lots of my work has been done at home, where I have my perfect desk set-up. But next year I want to branch out more and use the libraries so I can work with friends and experience the aesthetic of the beautiful Wills Memorial Building. The Wills also has all the dissertations from my course for the last few years so being able to go through them will be very useful for thinking about what to do for my own. 

3. Use the Careers Service

Now I’ve got my teeth into my degree and am comfortable with my workload I need to start thinking about the future. I’ve spoken to a few friends who have said the Careers Service have been a great help for them; thinking about what to apply for, how to write great applications, and even with just helping to get a good LinkedIn profile. I’ll also start checking the Careers Fair Plus app that the University uses to see if there are any events that I would like to go to. 

 “I’ve spoken to a few friends who have said the Careers Service have been a great help for them” 

4. Explore the city

Living quite close to campus in my accommodation has been great for getting into classes quickly, but I’m yet to have a wander around much, and judging from the view from Cabot Tower there’s plenty to see. The picturesque Clifton Village will definitely be on my to-do list. I would really like to go to the Bristol Zoo as well, the glass-floored gorilla house seems like a very strange yet fantastic experience.  

 “I’m yet to have a wander around much and judging from the view from Cabot Tower, there’s plenty to see” 

5. Get involved more with the University

I’ve had a great experience at the University so far, so I’m keen to help others experience it, too. That’s why I’m going to be doing this virtual event next term to talk about these great things and hope that others come to Bristol and experience them.  

Register your place on our postgraduate taught virtual event on 10 February to hear more from Harry and ask him your questions.