Student Life Postgraduate Edition 2024 by University of Plymouth

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Postgraduate Edition

HOW TO SECURE THE FUTURE YOU DESERVE

WHERE WILL YOUR MASTERS TAKE YOU? YOUR FINANCES: FEES AND FUNDING EXPLAINED CHANGING DIRECTION: CONVERSION PROGRAMMES

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Postgraduate Edition

HOT TOPIC P.6 Alumni spotlight How studying a masters helped shape the future for some of our graduates

Welcome to the postgraduate edition of Student Life. In this issue you’ll find content from our alumni and discover where their masters has taken them since graduating, as well as fees and funding information, the social side of postgraduate student life and much more. We’re so proud of our postgraduate community, and we hope this edition will provide you with the information you need to take that next exciting step towards securing your future.

FEATURES P.12 Your finances Discover all you need to know about funding your future

Meet some of this issue’s contributors:

Isobel MRes Marine Biology Finding a postgraduate community. P.24

Aaron MA Illustration How being supported can help you achieve your dreams. P.26

Thiago MA Game Design Travelling across the globe to follow a dream. P.8

P.22 Where will your masters take you? The importance of careers guidance for postgraduate students P.30 Student Hub Discover our range of support services available

D O N ’ T BE A ST R AN GER Visit us at our open evening

Discover more — order a prospectus

Embarking on a postgraduate programme is a major decision, and one for which you may need further advice and guidance. Take this opportunity to have your questions answered or find out more about your subject of interest. Scan the QR code below for more information and to book your place.

Make sure you don’t miss out on crucial programme information, top tips from students and insight into university life. Download or request a prospectus by scanning the QR code below.

A VERY WARM WELCOME TO OUR POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY The University of Plymouth is renowned worldwide for its high-quality research, teaching and innovation. With a mission to Advance Knowledge and Transform Lives, the University drives the global debate in disciplines from marine and maritime to medicine, law, computing and climate action. With a city centre campus and further state-of-the-art facilities spread across Plymouth and beyond, plus Devon and Cornwall’s stunning coast and countryside on the doorstep, the University provides a unique blend of urban

and outdoor lifestyle opportunities for everyone who studies and works here. A three-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education – most recently in respect of its pioneering research on microplastics pollution in the ocean – Plymouth consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities for its innovation, research and teaching in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

In recognition of its efforts to reduce the impact of campus activities on the environment, the University has been verified carbon neutral. The independent PAS 2060 verification acknowledges a reduction in emissions of 78% since 2005, with the University more than halving its carbon footprint since 1990, and significantly reducing its water usage, waste, and business travel. This has enabled it to achieve its initial net zero ambition three years ahead of target, and the University continues to invest in a sustainable future through upgrades to its estate. That commitment includes 2023’s opening of the Babbage Building and InterCity Place as new engineering and design and healthcare facilities, respectively – both of which extend and breathe fresh life into old structures – plus the forthcoming creation of a new green space at the heart of Plymouth’s urban campus. First established more than 160 years ago as the Plymouth School of Navigation, the University has a proud track record of helping its students find their way in an increasingly

complex world, including developing the essential skills, resilience and experience they will need throughout their future careers. With strong connections to business and industry, the University generates opportunities for placements, internships and employment, alongside inspiring and nurturing creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Students also have access to a full range of non-academic and wellbeing support throughout their studies, meaning they get the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally. Plymouth’s teaching and learning excellence is reflected in one of the highest numbers of National Teaching Fellows of any UK university. With over 18,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, plus a further 7,000 studying at partner institutions in the UK and around the world, and over 140,000 alumni pursuing their chosen careers internationally, the University of Plymouth has a growing global presence.

H T TOPIC W H AT M AT T ER S TO O UR ST UD EN TS ...

OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY Find out how studying in Britain’s Ocean City has helped shape the future for our postgraduate students.

Caitlin Cox BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology graduate MRes Sustainable Environmental Management student Since graduating, the University has been hugely encouraging with my plans to continue my studies via the MRes Sustainable Environmental Management, alongside working for ARC Marine. After I finish my masters, my main goal is to eventually complete my PhD in ecological engineering and nature-inclusive designs, which develops on my findings from my masters thesis. Hopefully, it will lead to real-world experiments. However, I am looking into Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to create a research relationship between ARC Marine and the University which would lead to the development of my academic and commercial skills. Caitlin’s top tip: Grab any opportunity you can. Get involved with university researchers, commercial researchers, citizen science projects. Volunteer your time, this will allow you to build your profile of experience. Be prepared. For interviews, assignments, anything! The more prepared you are the better your chances of success, and you can increase your time for relaxing and going on adventures!

Madhusha Wijesiri BA (Hons) Architecture and MArch Architecture graduate My degree has influenced potential employers to hire me because Plymouth has placed me amongst a cohort of qualified candidates in the job market. Even today, it really helps when dealing with clients, as they really look into your educational background prior to deciding if they want you to be the one who designs and handles their project. Since graduation, I have designed, managed, and realised a great amount of projects ranging from villas, high rise towers, commercial buildings, urban

regeneration projects, master-planning projects, and furniture designs. Madhusha’s top tip: Architecture is one of the most competitive fields. Competition should not be taken as an opportunity to defeat someone, but to improve yourself and to push yourself a bit beyond where you stand today. Never forget to offer your helping hand and to carry others with you, so that you will see competition within you disappear and turn into strength. This reveals a wonderful purpose and a meaning to all the design work you do.

Joanna Harris MRes Applied Marine Science graduate My passion for reef manta rays was cultivated whilst studying for my undergraduate degree. While researching, I came across the Manta Trust. The hard work and dedication of the charity’s scientists and staff were inspiring. I knew then that I wanted to dedicate my research to helping protect mantas. I conducted the research for my honours project with the support of the University of Plymouth and the Manta Trust. I then continued as a researcher for

Sharique Ahmad MSc Data Science and Business Analytics student I travelled from India to Plymouth to pursue a masters degree in data science. The MSc Data Science and Business Analytics is a conversion programme, which allows you to pursue a career or gain additional skills and knowledge that your undergraduate course did not prepare you for. As I had no prior background related to data science (coding in particular), I faced a bit of challenge adapting to the programme. But the modules are

the charity for my MRes and PhD and became the Project Lead for the Manta Trust’s Chagos Manta Ray Project. Joanna’s top tips: If you’re looking to work in a similar field make sure you become familiar with the software that is industry standard, such as R and ArcGIS. Also embark on volunteering or internships with organisations you are keen to work with. Once you have the necessary skills, use your initiative to find gaps in research that you could fill and propose a project to an organisation.

designed in such a way to get you up to speed quickly, and the teachers are so helpful and approachable at every step that they make things easier. Sharique’s top tip: Since I like exploring natural places, I would highly recommend future students to explore the little gems in and around Plymouth. Cornwall is right next to Plymouth and is a really beautiful place. Take a trip to Dartmoor, Mount Edgcumbe, Plym Bridge, Looe, Polperro… the list goes on and on.

Leo Russell DClinPsy Clinical Psychology graduate The programme was fantastic. The programme team have wide-ranging interests, an incredible depth of experience in the application of psychology and the development of the profession in the UK, and were also wonderful and fun people to be around. The programme taught me how to hold a ‘both-and’ position, the value of integration and research, the importance of critical psychology perspectives, and also

about working in complete collaboration with service users. Crucially, the staff supported me to follow my passions. Leo’s top tip: Find people who help you to learn and give you energy, courage, and joy! Find a mentor, network, and connect with others. One of my mentors, Steve Allder (neurologist), has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development and we have also ended up collaborating and researching together which has been great fun!

GRADUATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING! There are a whole host of amazing benefits open to you as a graduate of the University of Plymouth. If you haven’t done so already, make sure you update your details and enjoy benefits such as invites to networking events, ongoing career and start-up support, and up to 20% off your postgraduate fees!

CHASING A DREAM WE TALK TO THIAGO ABOUT MAKING THE CHANGE TO FIND A NEW CAREER IN A DIFFERENT SECTOR, AND HOW HE BUILT HIS COMMUNITY AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN PLYMOUTH. My name is Thiago Sena, I’m 35 years old and from Brazil! I was a national marketing manager in the fashion industry, in Brazil, but I decided to leave my nice life behind and chase my dream to work with games and creation. In my home country, I graduated from courses in Social Communication, specialising in Advertising and Marketing

and Digital Games, before obtaining an MBA in Project Management. I speak five languages (Portuguese, English, Italian, French and a little German) and have worked for some big companies in Brazil. But even having this nice life and a career with my name in the national market, something was still missing.... so, I decided to save my money and pursue a masters in

Game Design here in Plymouth, as part of my plans to change my career, expand my network, improve my knowledge and build a good portfolio. WHY PLYMOUTH? There were many reasons I wanted to pursue a masters: to be more prepared for the job market, construct a network of people in the industry and so that in the

was very important to me, not only because I am a gay person but also because making games for that particular audience is a goal of mine.

future I would be able to teach at a university in Brazil, where having a masters is mandatory. I want to be a game designer, so a masters in Game Design seemed logical! The attention the Admissions team gave me when I applied was amazing. My programme leader called me on Skype to answer all my questions and concerns and I researched the masters (which is really amazing!) to see the labs and how up to date everything on the programme is. Besides this, the fact that the team is extremely LGBTQ+ friendly

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CHANGE CAREER AND PURSUE YOUR MASTERS IN GAME DESIGN? I’ve always been a creative person and have loved video games since I was a little kid. When I was a manager, I had to deal with reports, meetings, planning, budget and so on – managerial stuff! But I felt I was missing a creative part, I wanted to not only have ideas but also to be able to put them out into the world myself. So I decided I didn’t want to live my life without trying to realise my dream. I started studying Digital Games in Brazil alongside working and saving my money. After graduating and saving enough money, I then made the plunge! I love creating,

and I’m so happy I made that choice and that I’m here right now. WHAT’S YOUR PROGRAMME LIKE? After researching other universities, Plymouth was the one that gave me the most attention through the admissions process and had all the labs and equipment for an up-to-date programme. Now I’ve started, I know the facilities are very good, with powerful computers and the game lab itself is completely awesome! We have lots of modern equipment like 4D mapping, 360® projectors, movement sensors, 3D printers and so much more. It is like a dream! I can’t wait to use them in my projects and keep discovering what these tools can offer and what I can do with them. HOW HAS THE SUPPORT BEEN SINCE ARRIVING? Everyone has made such an effort to answer my questions and

make me feel welcome. When I’ve struggled with English, people have done their best to find other ways to help me understand. If they haven’t had the answer when I’ve asked something, they’ve gone out of their way to point out someone or a sector that would be able to help. There are so many ways to contact the University if you need help. I personally talk to people through emails and calls, and there is always someone to help; whatever I need, someone has been there to help me. This has made me feel way more secure and like I can really get out there to explore and “see the world”. I have had really great experiences with different members of University staff from the library, Careers and Student Hub teams, to my lecturers

and staff around campus from reception to cafeterias. They are all amazing and have been so kind to me! WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES LIKE? As a postgraduate student, I have some awesome places to study: the labs for my programme are very important for technical things, but also the general postgraduate study spaces are great, like having an area in the library especially for us. It’s a really comfortable space and knowing it’s just for postgrad students is really cool and definitely makes me feel valued as a student. For me personally, on my programme, the building we work in is amazing. It’s not only super modern and well equipped, but has all the facilities needed for daily studies. Not only this, but many cafés and vending machines

to keep you going throughout the day! HOW HAVE YOU FOUND MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND MAKING FRIENDS? Building a new community can be very difficult sometimes, but here at the University there have been many activities to help me socialise. For example, I even made friends with someone at the workshops run for writing academic English. There is also the ‘Hello Project’, where the University matches international students to home students, as buddies; they showed me around the Uni and the city which was really helpful. The Welcome Events also helped me to get in touch with new people and continue to increase and build friendships. Now I have settled into my uni life, I have my

11 SUPPORTING OUR LGBT+ STUDENTS AND STAFF We are proud to be ranked one of the top 10 universities for LGBT+ inclusion by The Stonewall Equality Index (February 2023) . Our campus is an inclusive space and we aim to create an environment that welcomes all and celebrates everyone for who they are. The LGBT+ student society is dedicated to not only supporting and representing students who are part of the LGBT+ community, but to empower them to be themselves and to be proud.

“I decided I didn’t want to live my life without trying to realise my dream. I started studying Digital Games in Brazil alongside working and saving my money. After graduating and saving enough money, I then made the plunge! I love creating, and I’m so happy I made that choice and that I’m here right now.” main friendship group and these connections were made at events at the start of my degree and from studying with other postgraduate students. HAS YOUR MASTERS PROVIDED YOU WITH GOOD INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS AND MADE YOU FEEL LIKE THIS IS A CAREER YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PURSUE? In short, yes! A masters, like any other programme, doesn’t make for itself. But it is a tool in our hand, to use the labs, tools and knowledge shared to make you a better professional. My professors have great industry connections and are able to point us in the direction of companies. Using the work I have developed here, as well as the Uni name to help promote myself, has been great as it’s a very respected

programme in the industry. The feedback I’m getting on my work from my professors is great, and they’re helping to direct me to the companies and paths I should be pursuing to achieve my goals. CAN YOU GO INTO MORE DETAIL ABOUT YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE? I would like to be a huge game designer, known and respected in the industry, mainly for making games about minority groups, especially linking back to indigenous people from my country and the LGBTQIA+ community. Another goal of mine is to build my own company, in my home city, to grant more opportunities to the poorer communities that live there, especially in the area of creativity and game design. I came from a

very humble family, and I know that a good opportunity can change your life, so I want to help and inspire other people to show their talents and take on anything, like I am trying to do! STUDY GAME DESIGN Take your skills to the next level, refine 3D modelling, 2D art and animation skills, level design and gameplay coding. Our programme will give you access to state-of-theart facilities, help you to network with industry professionals and give you flexibility to specialise in certain areas. Duration: 1 year

FEES AND FUNDING EXPLAINED

We know finances are a key factor when considering postgraduate study. Did you know there are loans and scholarships available to help fund your studies? Read on to find out how we can support you. POSTGRADUATE LOANS The government provides a non means tested loan (up to £12,167 per student in 2023–24) for those under the age of 60 wishing to commence postgraduate masters studies for the first time. Doctoral students are not eligible for the postgraduate masters loan but can apply via Student Finance England for a postgraduate doctoral loan up to £28,673. The loans are paid directly to you for use towards the cost of study and can

Scan the QR code below for further information on postgraduate masters loans and doctoral loans.

be spent on tuition fees, accommodation, books and general living expenses, etc. Please visit our website for programme exclusions and full eligibility criteria. POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTSHIPS We offer a variety of studentships, including some funded by UK research councils, for specific projects and disciplines. Please visit plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduateresearch-studentships

GRADUATE BANK LOANS Most UK banks offer graduate loan packages. These are only available to Home students – you can compare and apply for them at moneysavingexpert.com/ students/postgraduate-loans UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS The University offers a range of scholarships for students who have applied for a postgraduate taught degree. We welcome applications from non-UK/EU students. Please visit plymouth.ac.uk/fees

EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP Many employers sponsor employees as part of career development. If you’re in work, consider asking your employer whether they can help to fund your studies.

“I would say it’s really easy to schedule my parttime work around my lectures and I think that the main thing to consider about doing a masters is how much extra work you can personally take on.”

BRITISH COUNCIL AWARDS The British Council offers a number of awards for international students studying in the UK. You can get details from your nearest regional office in your country of residence and from britishcouncil.org

Georgia, MSc Zoo Conservation Biology FINANCIAL SUPPORT FUND We offer additional financial support for students who find themselves in financial hardship after taking up all other sources of funding. The fund cannot provide an income in its own right and cannot cover the cost

of fees. Home postgraduate students – both full and part time with a minimum 25% intensity (though not overseas students) – are eligible to apply. The awards are means tested and non-repayable.

TUITION FEES If you are paying all or a portion of your tuition fees personally, University policy is that you pay in full upon enrolment. However, we do make provision for students who are unable to pay the full amount at once. Payment can be made in 33/33/34% instalments at dates dependent on when you start your studies. If you are in receipt of a postgraduate loan, these payment dates should match up with when you receive your loan instalments. Fees for postgraduate taught programmes, including fees for part-time study, can be found on the individual programme pages of our website. Postgraduate research fees are

also available on our website. Fees are not fixed at the year of entry and may be subject to increase. For details on how to pay your fees, whether self-funded or through sponsorship, please visit plymouth. ac.uk/fees ADDITIONAL COSTS Some taught programmes have field trip expenses in addition to tuition fees. Research programmes may have additional fees to cover training, laboratory costs and other resources. For details of compulsory and non-compulsory costs, please visit the individual programme pages on our website. For research degree students, these will be outlined as part of the admissions process.

ALUMNI LOYALTY REWARD FOR POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT STUDY If you have previously studied at the University or at one of our partner colleges, you may be entitled to our Alumni discount to help towards the tuition fees of your postgraduate taught programme. Research degrees are not eligible for the alumni discount. • An exclusive 20% tuition fee discount for most UK postgraduate taught students. • 10% discount for MSc Research Methods in Psychology, MSc/PgDip/PgCert Clinical Psychology, MSc/PgDip/PgCert Psychology, MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc/PgDip Physiotherapy.

“In Plymouth, you won’t spend too much on your monthly expenses because it’s a very compact city. You don’t spend too much on transportation. It’s also easy to find a parttime job to cover your expenses.” Abdalbast, MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

• £2,000 discount for international taught students. Scan the QR code below for further details, programme exclusions and contact information.

THE ALTERNATIVE GUIDE TO POSTGRADUATE FUNDING This resource is recommended for anyone looking for alternative financial support towards funding postgraduate study, in addition to both institutional bursaries and government loans. Current

students can access it by using their student email address, and graduates or non-Plymouth students can also access the platform by typing in a PIN. To access the platform, register with your email address and the following PIN number if required: 8337. Once registered, you will be sent a password to gain full access. Scan the QR code below for more information.

WORK WHILST STUDYING FOR A MASTERS? Leonie is currently studying part time for her masters in Environmental Humanities as well as working full time. We chat to her about finding the right balance between work and study. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES AT PLYMOUTH? I’ve always been passionate about the environment, but as an English Literature graduate I found it hard to see a place for myself in the field. Then I came across the Environmental Humanities programme and I knew I had to sign up! It’s an incredible interdisciplinary programme where I can do modules in sociology, anthropology and education. The academics are incredible and have fantastic ties with the Sustainable Earth Institute, the Marine Institute and the Environmental Cultures research cluster so you are working closely with some research groups that are really impacting the field. There is a focus on employability and work

opportunities or placements, and we have a designated placement officer called Ryan. He is fantastic and has provided me with some amazing opportunities to work with local companies. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT? I am currently working on a blog page called Turning Tides for which I am the Co-Managing Editor. I run it with three other students from my programme, so it is a great way to get to know my classmates and share ideas. We started the blog as we are passionate about exploring intersectionality in all its forms. Our ethos is to provide a platform that spans science and humanities, covering a wide range of political and cultural perspectives. We believe in an inclusive environment

17 STUDY MA ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES Drawing on wide-ranging and world-leading staff expertise, this programme brings multiple disciplinary perspectives into dialogue with the ecological sciences, conservation and environmental thought. DURATION: 1 year full time (parttime route available)

“I was initially worried about doing a masters alongside working full time and although it can seem daunting at times, the hours are manageable and the academics have been really understanding.” that advocates the protection of people and the planet. We focus on projects like ocean advocacy and sustainable communities. HOW HAVE YOU FOUND WORKING FULL TIME AND FITTING IN A PART-TIME MASTERS? I was initially worried about doing a masters alongside working full time and although it can seem daunting at times, the hours are manageable and the academics have been really

understanding. My biggest tip would be to keep your work bite sized, and try and set aside time each week to either do your reading or start working on assignments. DID YOU FIND IT HARD TO GET BACK INTO ACADEMIA YEARS AFTER YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE? I was really nervous about that at first. I was worried I would be lagging behind everyone else, but I think going into a masters

as a mature student and having a big break is quite a normal thing so there were lots of people in the same position as me. Everyone was also from different fields as it is such an interdisciplinary masters, so we all learn a lot from each other – it's a great group of people! It definitely was a shock to the system but it’s been really fun getting back into it again. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GET OUT OF YOUR MASTERS IN THE LONG TERM? Ultimately, I think I would like to pursue a PhD. Or there are some really amazing nongovernmental organisations that I would love to work for, and the University has some great links to these to help you get your foot in the door. ARE YOU GLAD YOU STARTED YOUR MASTERS? Yes, definitely. I think it’s always a leap of faith but it’s really opened my eyes up to the opportunities out there. I would recommend it to anyone!

CHANGE

YOUR CAREER PATH Choosing a different postgraduate degree from your undergrad may seem daunting, but our conversion programmes are designed to help you navigate that change of direction. These programmes are a really great stepping stone, allowing you to set out on a completely new career! We sat down with PhD student Megan to discuss her journey from an undergrad in History to a doctorate in Computing – two very different subject areas.

A CHAT WITH MEGAN Hi, my name is Megan and I’m a PhD student here at the University of Plymouth. I have previously studied an undergrad in History at a different university, but I came to Plymouth for my masters degree, which was in Data Science and Business Analytics. Now, I’m doing my PhD in Computing, focusing on using AI to try and detect Parkinson’s disease early through brain scans. TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH FROM WHEN YOU COMPLETED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE. Between my undergraduate degree and now, I’ve done a lot of different jobs. I did my undergraduate degree

in history, but I decided not to pursue that as a career. The first job that I had out of university was as a domiciliary care worker, which I thought would be a nice, helpful thing to do; I was going to people’s houses and providing personal care. Then I decided I was interested in becoming a detective with the police, so I became a special constable, which is a voluntary police officer, and there I did a number of civilian police roles – I was a 999 call handler, and I worked in major crime preparing evidence for court, and then finally, I worked in roads policing. At that point, I had decided that having worked in major crimes, I’d had a lot of experience working with detectives

and that I decided it perhaps wasn’t the job for me! I was particularly interested in going back to academia because I really missed university, and at school I had always loved maths and sciences, and I felt that I had kind of missed out on applying that in life. So that’s how I ended up doing the masters in data science. My dad’s actually a data scientist, and he suggested that it might be something I’d be interested in. And he was right! I really loved the programme and I really love what I’m doing now.

Find out more

about how to change direction with our conversion programmes.

DID YOU FACE ANY BARRIERS WHEN STARTING YOUR POSTGRADUATE JOURNEY? WERE YOU ABLE TO APPLY FOR LOANS TO HELP WITH THE FINANCIAL SIDE? To contextualise my financial situation, when I applied for the masters, my husband and I were both working full time. We had salaries at that point and we had bought a house, so my major financial commitment was the mortgage, of course. I very much had to take that into consideration when applying for the masters. I should acknowledge that I’ve been very fortunate in terms of finances, that I’ve been able to pull on a number of resources. When I applied for the masters, I applied for a postgraduate loan, which covered me for that year. I also continued to work part time for the police, so I did have a small salary coming in as well. I had some help from my husband’s salary and also a bit of help from family as well. When it came to doing the PhD, I’m doing a studentship, which is funded. I now have a stipend, so I no longer need the postgraduate loan and I could stop

“I’ve now started a career that I intend to go on in. I finally feel, after ten years of studying and working different jobs, that I’m in the place that I’m supposed to be.” working full time and just focus on the PhD. WHAT WAS IT LIKE RETURNING TO STUDY? WAS THERE A BIG JUMP BETWEEN UNDERGRAD AND POSTGRAD? It was a very interesting experience – it’s almost impossible to compare. For one thing, I was at such a different point in my life when I went to do my history degree: I was 18 and I was leaving home for the first time. I was setting out to establish

myself and work out who I was. Whereas about ten years later, coming to the postgraduate degree, I was a lot older, I was married, I had a house. I knew what I wanted in life. I think it was really important for me that I had had that big break between undergraduate and postgraduate. I had done a lot of work and a lot of quite serious real life work for the police. I’d done the 9 to 5 jobs and been very stressed at various points. It allowed me

to mature and get to know what I wanted in life, and from my studies. I enjoyed being part of a community of students again. It’s been particularly great being able to meet other mature students, like myself, who had had different life experiences and were coming to this at different stages of their lives. So overall it’s been great to meet new people.

for it! It’s been so important and positive in my life and I’m so much happier now having had time to think about my career over the past years. It’s obviously something you have to think carefully about before you undertake a big change like that. But if you are sure that this is something that could work well for you, then you should do it.

I came to the postgraduate degree very focused, very set on working hard and to get a lot out of it. What I wanted to study was entirely unrelated to history, so that is why I did the conversion programme. The Data Science conversion programme here was just brilliant for taking all kinds of levels and abilities and getting us all to do data science and teaching us coding from scratch. So, a completely different experience, but both of them really fun in their own way!

I’ve now started a career that I intend to go on in. I finally feel, after ten years of studying and working different jobs, that I’m in the place that I’m supposed to be.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER CHANGE OR A COURSE CONVERSION? My advice to someone considering a career change or course conversion would be, if they can, to absolutely go

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF STUDYING HERE? I have been very well supported, I have great supervisors and a really interesting project that I’m absolutely loving working on. So, the whole thing has been my favourite memory! If I had to be specific, I might point to the travel opportunities that it has given me; I’ve been to a couple of conferences. I went to Madrid last September and, as I haven’t been able to travel much before, it’s been really exciting that my studies have allowed me to do that, and for it to be a part of my

studying and be able to present my work at these conferences. IMAGINE YOU’RE ABOUT TO START UNIVERSITY AGAIN. WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT, WHAT WOULD YOU NOW TELL YOURSELF? I ask myself that question all the time... what I would do differently if I were starting university again? I probably ask myself that question every day because I’ve had such a strange career path and I’ve done all these different things. The answer that I come to all the time is that I wouldn’t actually do anything differently. Everything has been so valuable and has got me to where I am today. It’s given me all sorts of skills that I personally don’t think I would have gained if I had gone straight into what I’m doing now. Life has just been serendipitous – I met my husband when I was doing my history degree and I wouldn’t change that for the world. So, it might seem strange, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

WHERE WILL YOUR MASTERS TAKE YOU? WE ’ R E H E R E TO H E LP YOU TH ROU G H YOU R J O U R N E Y, E V E N A F T E R YO U G R A D U AT E . Our Careers Service are here to support your journey as you navigate the increasingly complex world of study and employment. If you are considering a postgraduate qualification you are already potentially preparing yourself for this ‘new world’ of work, which is increasingly cognitively complex. Graduates with skills in innovation, enterprise, quality and research can bring real value to an employer.

postgraduate qualification, supporting you to make the decisions that will help shape your career both during your postgraduate study and after. Our goal is to help all students, past and present, make the most of their studies and develop a fulfilling career.

Postgraduate study can be a great opportunity to advance your skills and in-depth subject knowledge. Alongside this, postgraduate study can help you access additional opportunities which may not otherwise be available to you, including career changes, progression to roles which require a postgraduate qualification, and nuanced expertise/knowledge which can help you to become an expert in a particular area or subject.

The digital age is altering labour markets and changing the skills employers require. Artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies continue to drastically alter the workplace and environment, with roles that consist of ‘routine’ tasks often being taken over by technology. This is an exciting time, creating new opportunities and gaps in the labour market as new roles are created. As a careers service we’re well aware of, and thinking about, the impact that this will have on your career. We’re here to support you to understand what

The Careers Service is here to help you make the most of your

DID YOU KNOW? Postgraduate students are 20% more likely to be in a more professional role than their counterparts. (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2021)

“The University of Plymouth Careers Service is a great service, and every student should make good use of it. I have really benefitted from it. I remember having issues in my job searching, so I arranged an appointment with the Careers Service to go over feedback I had received after an interview. I had no idea how to make a CV look good to attract more employers. I had the chance to visit the Careers Service as many times as I needed to build my confidence in my job searching. They were very helpful and gave me useful advice, helped me rearrange my CV, supported me with a mock interview, secured a short internship for work experience and helped me successfully get a job in London.” Ignatus Amoako, MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

THE CUBE

“The Careers Service has been an invaluable tool for me in applying for graduate jobs. Career options in marine conservation are very broad so I started by watching the Careers Service webinars to help me decide what path to take. They also taught me how to write a professional CV and cover letter, which the Careers Service reviewed for me in an appointment, and I am now in the process for applying to graduate jobs – fingers crossed!”

F The Cube is the University’s business creation and growth service, offering a range of activities and support to our students and graduates. The Cube’s enterprise support service provides advice, funding and support to students to enable them to develop enterprise skills. It offers information, training and guidance on starting a business or becoming a self-employed freelancer. WHAT’S ON OFFER? • Events and workshops from the experts • One-to-one appointments • Business competitions and awards • Free Chambers of Commerce membership • Professional Entrepreneurial Mentoring Programme • Workspaces • Resources and e-learning

Annabel Ridsdale MSc Marine Conservation

that world of work may look like, as well as help you prepare to navigate it effectively. Being able to understand and articulate your skillset to employers is really important to support your success in job applications, and we’re available to help with this at every stage, from creating your CV to interview preparation. We’re also here to help you find out about the different career opportunities that are available, and to help you evaluate and prioritise what your preferred next steps might be. Rest assured, we don’t expect you to have all the answers about what you want to do from now until retirement! Our services are free and easy to access as both a current student and graduate. Visit plymouth.ac.uk/careers to find out more. From here you can also log into myCareer, an innovative system available 24/7 which offers plenty of information and advice. We have a wide range of resources to support you at every stage, including exploring and identifying your skills and qualities, discovering opportunities and assisting you with applications or preparing for

FIND OUT MORE Discover The Cube’s services for all students and graduates starting, or hoping to start, their own business.

“Even now, when I am running a business and beginning my career as an educator, I continue to receive outstanding careers and enterprise support from the University of Plymouth team.” Eleanor Rockett, graduate

upcoming interviews. We advertise a wide range of vacancies, making it an easy place to explore and seek inspiration. You can also access us for oneto-one appointments, including career guidance, advice on job searches, CVs, LinkedIn, interview preparation and more. There’s lots more besides, so take a look at our webpage for further details.

FURTHER INFORMATION myCareer An innovative system available 24/7 which offers plenty of information and advice, for as long as you need it. Digital Resources Access a range of digital resources which will help you develop your employability skills at a time and place which suits you. Considering further study Things to consider when thinking about a postgrad degree.

GET IN TOUCH! Follow us on ,  or  @uniplymcareers  careers@plymouth.ac.uk  +44 (0)1752 587456  plymouth.ac.uk/careers

FINDING A

COMMUNITY

MRes Marine Biology student Isobel talks about how she’s made friends and connections at uni from undergrad to now. My name is Isobel and I am currently studying an MRes in Marine Biology here at Plymouth. Having spent four years as an undergraduate student here, I fell in love with ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ and the marine biology opportunities available here. Therefore, the decision to study an MRes postgraduate programme here was very easy.

“Having been dancing since the age of two, being part of the club has allowed me to continue a passion of mine throughout my university experience For me, Plymouth is the perfect and is a great way to combination of having the benefits of being in a city meet like-minded (shopping in Drake Circus, concerts at Plymouth Pavilions, people across characterful bars at the Barbican), but being surrounded by nature different courses (picnics on the Hoe, walks around Central Park, swimming at Tinside at the university.” Lido). Having studied Marine Biology at Plymouth for the last five years, I am very passionate about the programme and its development.

I have become a course representative for MRes Marine Biology where, I attend trimonthly meetings with senior staff to discuss peer feedback on the way the programme is operating. Taking on this role has allowed me to engage with a variety of academic staff, and present the opinions of others in a diplomatic way, all great skills to put on my CV! During the days I spend on campus, the University offers some amazing food at a great

cost to students. My personal favourites are the Reservoir Café (for a full of colour salad bowl), RLB Café (a variety of Asian favourites) and Portland Square Pizzeria (artisan pizza with a perfectly crispy base). These act as a perfect lunchtime pick-me-up to get me through an afternoon of data entry and research tasks! By continuing as a postgraduate student at Plymouth, I have also been able to continue my role as a student ambassador for the Outreach team. This role has allowed me to travel around the country attending higher education events, and deliver presentations to students from Year 9 to Year 12 about my university

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward and take opportunities.”

experience. The team understand that studying comes first and so has been really easy to fit a part time job around my MRes research project, whilst still gaining new skills and meeting new people in the process! Being a postgraduate student has also allowed me to continue as part of the University of Plymouth Dance Club and be a part of their competition teams who compete in two national competitions at Portsmouth and Loughborough. Having been dancing since the age of two, being part of the club has allowed me to continue a passion of mine throughout my university experience and is a great way to meet like-minded people across different courses at the university. I am also a member of the Marine Biology Society, which offers exciting events and talks throughout the year. At Plymouth there are over 150 sport clubs and societies; ranging from Acapella to water sports, and everything in between! As the class cohorts on postgraduates programmes tend to be smaller, joining a club or society is a really easy way to find others with similar interests, and to take a mental break from studying. There is definitely something for everyone! If you’re thinking of staying on to study a masters degree after your undergraduate degree, I would totally recommend it! For me, the MRes Marine Biology has given me the flexibility to explore and make the most of other opportunities within the University whilst continuing to study a subject I love.

I was worried that another year in education would set me back in finding a job against younger, newly enthusiastic undergraduates. However, by getting involved in new experiences and networking, the MRes has given me the chance to decide where I want to take my career, and has given me a more rounded understanding and skillset to get there. My advice would be that everyone’s journey is different, as long as you are doing a programme you enjoy, that is the most important thing. Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward and take opportunities as they appear, you never know who you might meet and where that might lead you – it could just be the next step in a very exciting journey. STUDY MRes MARINE BIOLOGY This programme allows you to develop research skills in a marine context. Marine Biology is a broad and dynamic subject that reflects the diversity of marine ecosystems and the fantastic array of life they contain. Study in a city that is internationally renowned for marine biological research and take on your own innovative research project with the support of industry experts. Duration: 1 year (part-time route available)

26 MA COMMUNICATION DESIGN Since Aaron completed his masters in Illustration, this programme has been redesigned allowing you to personalise your degree. Choose to follow a path of immersive media, storytelling, digital fabrication, amongst other innovative design options. Duration: 1 year (part-time route available)

Q&A

POSTGRADUATE ILLUSTRATOR

MA Illustration graduate A. Wolfgang Crowe shares an insight into his postgraduate journey and how being supported can help you realise your dreams and reach your full potential. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY A POSTGRADUATE DEGREE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH? I had previously completed my bachelors degree with the University, graduating in 2015. Coming back was the obvious choice as I knew it was a safe and encouraging environment for creatives and I have a strong connection with the location, and my teachers here.

shape art that can change people’s lives and bring beauty into the world.

Originally, I had planned to go to another institution to pursue my postgrad studies. I knew that if I was to go to any other institution, I may not have felt as comfortable in my ability to produce or communicate the themes I yearned to talk about.

I also applied for the Santander business bursary which helped me create the small studio where I work now and there are some other ways to apply for funding – the Student Hub is a great place to get advice.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PASSION FOR THE SUBJECT AREA THAT YOU STUDY? I’ve always had a fascination with storytelling, truth and the way that a drawing can embody that. I guess you can say I’ve loved comics ever since I was able to read them. Did you know that the drawn image predates the written word? We process and understand images as information faster than any other bodily sense, which is probably why I love illustration and comics. To me, there’s a very real power that mark making holds: We can tell stories and

DID YOU FACE ANY FINANCIAL BARRIERS? For most there will be concerns with programme fees and living costs, but I applied for a loan, which I am very thankful for because it made postgraduate study accessible for me.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LIVING IN PLYMOUTH? Plymouth is a beautiful place; it has history and culture… plus the local food is pretty good too. Another thing I should shout out about Plymouth is how unusual it can be – there are a hodgepodge of tastes, people and architecture which makes the city wonderful. Nothing here is trying to overtly subject you to its influence, so there is plenty of space here which allows you the freedom to create; there’s nothing stopping you from achieving your goals.

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING PART OF THE POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY? Being a postgraduate has given me an everlasting bond to the University, and the staff have been so supportive, I really feel like I’ve found a second home here. Last year, I gave my first lecture at the University where I talked about my experiences and my projects in relation to the programme. It was something else to see the students from the point of view of an academic and it gave me a deeper insight into the work I had done. I can still remember when I was just like them, sitting there listening – I shed a tear over how far I’ve developed, personally and professionally. My peers in the postgraduate community share that feeling of continual progression in knowledge and ability. We all want to do the best we can, and we all want to help each other achieve this. It can really feel like you’re part of a family.

“Being a postgraduate has given me an everlasting bond to the University, and the staff have been so supportive, I really feel like I’ve found a second home here.” WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES OF THE SUPPORT OFFERED TO LGBTQ+ ALLIES? I cannot express greater satisfaction towards the staff at the University for the support they have given me as a queer person during my time here. Such was the support that for my final project, I decided to create a graphic memoir about a hate crime I suffered in 2015. Coming back as a postgraduate in 2019, I knew I wanted to create a project that would talk about these issues. I was apprehensive at first, but the support that the University gave me as well as personal encouragement from staff set my mind at ease and helped me become the creative I am today.

I felt comfortable enough to talk about anything and everything with them. No one looked shocked or made judgemental comments when talking about sensitive topics. Without the support of my academics, I would never have been able to achieve what I have now. HOW DID YOU FIND THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS? For me, the application process was quick and smooth, and it wasn’t just because I was a returning student who knew the masters degree programme lead, but because of the information available on the website and being able to speak to the right people when I needed to. The application process overall isn’t hard, but if I

“Without the support of my academics, I would never have been able to achieve what I have now.” was to give anybody some advice it would be: 1: Start your application early. 2: Remain calm and phone or email the necessary people who will be delighted to help you. 3: Take time with your personal statement and get someone to proofread it for you. 4: Plan out some questions for you to ask during the application interview, ask who you are being taught by, suggest the themes you’re interested in pursuing and what the University can offer in return. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A GOOD WORK/LIFE BALANCE? The most important thing I could ever impart to anybody about a good work/life balance is to know when to rest. There is a lot to be said about getting work done, but there is also the necessary element of letting work breathe. Taking time away from your desk to hang out with friends, talk to your teachers or even having an

occasional drink down the pub will benefit your work more than you realise. It is imperative to understand when you need to take a break and when it is time to work hard. HOW DID YOU FIND THE TRANSITION FROM UNDERGRADUATE TO POSTGRADUATE STUDY? I took a five year break between my degrees, so don’t be afraid if you have had some time away from academia! Of course, I had to relearn how to write at an academic research level and adjust to the communal goings-on of student life… but after a month or two it was like I had never left. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO IS CONSIDERING A MASTERS? The best piece of advice I could give would be not to rush anything. If you choose to do a masters degree you want to make sure that the projects or modules are relevant to you, and that the

outcome will provide you with the most benefit. So really think about what you want to do or say and wholeheartedly commit that idea to the masters degree. With this determination, your time and energy can allow you to get as much out of the degree as you are capable of. TELL US ABOUT LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY. My final project for my masters degree was my first graphic novel, ‘Fractures’, and I continued to work on this after my degree. Without Plymouth, I would not be doing this now. Nor would I have the skill, professional network or accolades behind me that I gained from the years studying here. You can find some of my work at awolfgangcrowe.co.uk  @a.wolfgangcrowe

COUNSELLING

eading off to uni for a masters is full of amazing opportunities and a chance to branch out on your own. It’s also a huge step and about so much more than studying for a degree and planning for your future career. A postgraduate degree can be a lot to take in for anyone, and that’s where the Student Hub can help. One of the best things about the University is our wonderfully diverse student population, and we know that no two students are the same. We appreciate that the university experience is a very individual thing, and here in the Student Hub we’re on hand to help you navigate through this exciting chapter

MENTAL HEALTH

in your life with a friendly smile and the offer of some wellbeing and practical support. Based in the centre of the campus in the Charles Seale-Hayne Library, the Student Hub is the place to go if you have any concerns or issues during your time at University. Our team of hub advisors are on hand to talk things through and offer a range of options to help support you. We aim to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for all wellbeing and non-academic enquiries, and the hub is staffed by a wonderful team of advisors who are available to help on a wide range of topics such as mental health and wellbeing, disability advice, international student advice, funding and bursaries, pastoral and spiritual support, and learning support.

“I have got tremendous help and advice from the Student Hub, student ambassadors, my tutors and other staff. It’s almost unbelievable how willing they are to help you at every moment.” Ruth, MSc Digital and Social Media Marketing

STUDENT FUNDING UNIT

DISABILITY SERVICES

The team can signpost you to any of these services and also help to set up appointments with a specialist advisor if they are unable to fully resolve your query. With oversight of the Student Services Hub and Advice teams, it’s important to me that we are able to provide a space that’s inclusive and welcoming, where students feel comfortable in talking to us about anything. We are passionate about being a part of the student journey with you and we are on hand to help, wherever you are. The hub is a bright, inclusive and welcoming space that has been designed with students in mind and we would love to see as many of you as possible when you arrive on campus.

PASTORAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

STUDENT LEARNING

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVICE

If you need to speak to one of the team at any time, please give us a call or email us using the details below. Claire Chinnock, Student Services Manager (Advice and Hub)  +44 (0)1752 587676  studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk

“I contacted the Student Hub a couple of times with questions and everyone I spoke with was so kind and happy to help! I really appreciate how helpful and reassuring the team were to keep things running smoothly.” Steph, MSc Marine Conservation student

POSTGRADUATE ACCOMMODATION Plymouth offers a wide range of private sector accommodation for postgraduate students to choose from. Here are our tips for finding the home that’s right for you! TIP #1: DO YOUR RESEARCH Think about the type of home you want; do you want an en suite room, or are you happy to share a bathroom with housemates? How close do you want to be to campus? How long do you need your contract to be – and what dates does it need to cover? Once you’ve got a list of what you want, you can explore what the city has to offer. There are lots of lettings agencies in Plymouth who specialise in finding accommodation for single students in shared houses. On our website, we also have a list of ANUK-accredited private halls of residence who are part of our ‘good practice’ network. You should also check reviews to see what other people have said about properties and landlords. It’s important to be realistic about the costs of accommodation, so be sure to look at several options to get a feel for the average costs and what you can expect. TIP #2: WORK OUT YOUR BUDGET While some private sector properties have rents that include the cost of your gas, electric, water and Wi-Fi, you’ll

still need to plan for other expenses like phone contracts, food and money for socialising. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered by the cost of your rent. You should also check if a deposit is required, how the rent is paid and if there will be any additional costs. Check the small print and be aware of things like usage caps. The University has a range of services and facilities to help students manage their money, so if you have any worries your finances you can contact Student Services at studentservices@ plymouth.ac.uk TIP #3: CHECK IF YOU’LL NEED A GUARANTOR Whether you’re an international student or a Home student, when you live in the private sector it’s likely that you’ll be asked to provide a guarantor as a condition of your housing contract. A guarantor is a person or company who guarantees to pay the landlord any rent which the resident fails to pay and cover the cost of any damage that person might be responsible for. Landlords generally insist that a guarantor is UK based, but there’s also the option to use a

Guarantor Scheme. The landlord or agency will normally have a preferred partner and can give you the information you need to arrange this service, but be prepared to pay a fee. If you don’t have a guarantor, you may be required to pay some or all of the total rent for your contract up front, so keep this in mind when you’re looking for your new home. TIP #4: CHECK YOUR PAPERWORK BEFORE YOU SIGN In order to move into a private property, you will need to complete a legal contract, arrange any guarantor checks (which can take some days), and pay any advance rent and deposits required by the landlord. Our Students’ Union (UPSU) can provide checklists of what to look for when you’re viewing properties and the legal requirements that landlords are expected to meet. They also provide a free tenancy checking service, so if there’s something in your paperwork that you’re not sure about, they can help explain things before you sign it. Whether you want an en suite room in a privately-owned hall of residence or a room in a

shared house in the city, there’s something to suit all types of budgets and needs. UNIVERSITY-MANAGED HALLS OF RESIDENCE Although we can’t guarantee a room in halls for our postgraduate students, Plymouth does have a good selection of privately-owned, purpose-built student halls. These halls welcome a wide variety of students in all stages of their academic career – not just from the University of Plymouth, but also from other local universities and colleges. You can visit our website to find a list of ANUK-accredited private halls in the city.

Find out more about your accommodation options.

STUDENTS WITH FAMILIES Family accommodation is in high demand in Plymouth, so it’s essential for students who are coming with their families or as a couple to start their research early and secure their accommodation before they arrive in the city.

Family accommodation is not always close to the University and student areas, so think about how you will travel to campus. You’ll also need time to look at options such as school places and make sure that everything is in place before your family travels to Plymouth.

Generally, rooms in private halls of residence and in student houses are single occupancy only. Family accommodation options can be found via general lettings and estate agents. We usually recommend that students travel alone in the first instance and consider using short-term accommodation options whilst they look for suitable family accommodation.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS If you have specific requirements, please email our team so we can discuss your needs with you. uniaccommodation@ plymouth.ac.uk  plymouth.ac.uk/ accommodation  @plymuniaccomm  @plymuniaccomm

34 DISCOVER MORE about the MSc Sustainable Environmental Management programme and explore other success stories from our graduates.

THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A FREELANCE SCIENTIST WE HEAR FROM BENEDIKT AND HOW HIS SUPPORTIVE EXPERIENCE AT PLYMOUTH LED HIM TO WHERE HE IS NOW - MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT IN PROTECTING ALPINE WETLANDS “I chose Plymouth because of the University’s focus on ocean sciences and environmental sustainability, and the world leading expertise in this area – it was the perfect combination that led me to study a BSc (Hons) Geography with Ocean Science. And there was no question that I would stay on and do my MSc Sustainable Environmental Management degree in Plymouth!”

“If you want to be more than just a hardworking student, achieving their degree, but also being heard, valued and supported with your own personality and own dreams to finally succeed and being inspired in creating an impact, then there is nowhere better, in my opinion, than the University of Plymouth.” My favourite memories from my degree stem from the numerous and constructive discussions with my lecturers and course mates about the topics we were studying. They gave me the opportunity to develop my opinions, and to be creative and communicative for my later career. Being taught the most recent findings in science, most of the time through research carried out by the lecturer themselves, was very inspiring. This up-to-date and innovative knowledge gave me the inspiration to pursue my own research. I always felt very well looked after and supported by the University staff, as we had countless great sessions with our tutors, during which we learned a lot of additional skills. Also, general support via email or video chat was always there when I needed it. The Writing Café was also a great place to go for writing difficulties with coursework, especially for me as a non-native English speaker. Plymouth has helped me develop a defined personality, self-assurance and creativity that makes me confident to tackle any challenge that will face me in my career. I undertook a placement with Deutsche Bahn Cargo UK as part of my masters degree. For the cargo railway company, I analysed the current situation and practicality of alternative fuel options to replace the use of diesel fuel. This topic went hand-in-hand with my masters dissertation topic on the implementation of alternative fuel options in the regional passenger railway sector. I enjoyed this new and complex topic and the sustainable impact that I could make with it, which has made me consider taking my career in this direction.

Originally being German, I decided to continue my academic career in the UK, which gave me the experience of different cultures, allowed me to make friends and contacts around the world, and gave me the confidence to pursue my career anywhere in the world, as well as providing the academic content. Getting in contact with professors and lecturers who are actively doing innovative research themselves, made me impatient to go out into the world to either work for a company which wants to do something innovative and with a positive environmental impact, or to do game-changing research myself. During my masters degree, me and some friends had started planning and working on the LiMnADs project, which just after finishing my studies, started to unfold into a fantastic scientific research opportunity for me in which I am applying my knowledge to create a positive impact. The LiMnADs project uses scientific research, technical innovation, and education to protect alpine wetlands. If you want to be more than just a hardworking student, achieving their degree, but also being heard, valued and supported with your own personality and own dreams to finally succeed and being inspired in creating an impact, then there is nowhere better, in my opinion, than the University of Plymouth. FIND OUT MORE Explore techniques and strategies to improve your writing at the Writing Café.

hen you are choosing a university, you want somewhere that will fully prepare you for your future career. That means learning about technologies and techniques that you will use on a day-to-day basis in a state-of-the-art environment. As one of the UK’s top modern universities, the University of Plymouth can live up to such expectations. In recent years, we have invested significantly to ensure our current and future students have access to modern facilities that will inspire their learning. Our principles of innovation, enterprise and sustainability are evident in every new development, as we evolve and

expand what we can offer in the future in a way that minimises our carbon impact. That investment currently includes the development of a new engineering and design facility, the Babbage Building, on campus, and a new integrated health building, InterCity Place, next to the city’s railway station. These buildings will re-energise and transform our city centre campus and the surrounding area. They will create outstanding new facilities where you can learn, work and socialise. We hope they will inspire you to study, learn and become first-class professionals in your future careers.

BABBAGE BUILDING:

WHERE ENGINEERING

MEETS DESIGN

For centuries, engineers and designers have developed solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing challenges. That situation is unlikely to ever change, but as technologies advance, you will need the skills and expertise to keep up with that pace of change. Opening in September 2023, the Babbage Buildingwill give you the tools to do that. A cutting-edge facility, it will house the latest state-of-the-art technologies within 10,000m2 of research and teaching space. Learning to use them, and benefitting from the expertise of our world-leading academics, will help you to contribute to the world’s economic, environmental and societal wellbeing in the future.

It will give you the chance to learn about artificial intelligence and robotics; materials technology and composites; nano-sized and megasized structures; digitally enabled design, manufacturing and simulation; virtual and augmented reality; and sustainable energy solutions. Specialist equipment from existing laboratories will be complemented by a significant investment in new technology. That will include: a new control and autonomous systems laboratory; a wind tunnel facility; an energy and sustainability lab; fabrications labs; a virtual engineering suite; a precision manufacturing facility; and a nano-magnetics laboratory.

In additional to these facilities, the building will have a wide range of social and outdoor spaces that reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Landscaped terraces, a woodland edge and wildflower area will bring a tranquil environment to the heart of the campus. There will be a roof garden providing views to Central Park, breakout spaces and further outdoor teaching space.

“My first impression of the Babbage site is how big the building is, how big the scale is, and all the new facilities the University is going to be putting in it. It’s really exciting. It’s all really high-tech equipment that they’re going to be housing in here.” Ely, BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering

“This place is going to be an absolute home for me. I’m going to be able to come in here, do my dissertation, and learn more from the excellent professors that we have here. Currently, the facilities are all so excellent, but this is the next step forward.” Sam, BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering student

“Plymouth is undergoing something of a creative revolution. It is bringing design and digital innovation to the fore and ensuring the city’s creative sector can offer new opportunities, spaces and skills. This new facility will enhance the University’s place at the forefront of that, and mean we can continue to attract and nurture the design stars of the future.” Professor Chris Bennewith, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business

INTERCITY PLACE:

FACILITIES FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS, NURSING AND MIDWIFERY The past couple of years have shown just how much the nation relies on its healthcare professionals. With over 1,900 hospitals in the UK and the number of employed healthcare professionals at an all-time high, now is a really exciting time to be studying healthcare at the University of Plymouth. The University provides one of the broadest portfolios of health and social care professional education in the UK. It is also the largest provider of healthcare training in the South West. Opening in September 2023, InterCity Place demonstrates our commitment to equipping the next generation of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for 21st century healthcare. Adjacent to Plymouth’s railway station, InterCity Place will serve as the base for our allied health students. It will be an exciting addition to our existing cuttingedge clinical skills simulated settings. It will also complement and enhance

the practice placement work which students undertake in hospitals and healthcare settings. The building will be home to students on a range of specialist health programmes such as: Midwifery; Adult and Mental Health Nursing; Child Health; Paramedic Science; Podiatry; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; Optometry; Dietetics; and Nutrition. As well as learning your specialist subject, you will get the chance to work closely together, mirroring how you would work in a real hospital or clinical setting. Alongside dedicated classrooms, teaching and social space, the new building will house simulated healthcare environments such as hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, podiatry suites, and optometry practice labs. There will even be two simulated ambulances for you to practise paramedic emergency scenarios. The building will also be home to a fully-equipped ‘home environment’ featuring a kitchen, lounge and bedroom so that students can practise care in the community in a lifelike environment.

“I think this building is a reflection of the investment required to meet what our society needs. It’s so much more modern and technologically advanced than I expected it to be. It’s going to be a really great learning space, especially with those views!” Emma Empson, MSc Physiotherapy

“With state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant environment, InterCity Place will ignite innovation, propelling us towards new frontiers in health and social care education, leadership, advanced practice and research.” Lisa Bunn the Associate Head of School for Postgraduate Study and Postgraduate Research Coordinator, School of Health Professions

FROM TR AUMA TO CHANGEMAKER SANCHA SHARES HER EXPERIENCE AS A U N I T E D N AT I O N S C L I M AT E AC T I V I S T A N D E A R LY C A R E E R R E S E A R C H E R

eading Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth had been my goal since I first applied in 2016. What I didn’t expect was that the route to obtaining a degree wouldn’t be so straightforward nor did I realise where it would take me. When I was 18, I had a life-changing experience as a result of a car accident that left me in recovery for two and a half years and prevented me from living a ‘normal life’. During recovery, I struggled not only with severe physical pain and trauma but mental frustration due to my limited physical capabilities. My degree was delayed and with the ongoing battle to recovery, I had a bleak outlook on life.

It was during this period that my perspective completely shifted. I made an active decision to move away from being engrossed on all that I couldn’t do, to focusing on what I could. I turned to reading and online educational courses on biology. At that time, as a young person, I struggled to see beyond my immediate physical restrictions. I now look back and see that this period was a pivotal moment in making me who I am. My outlook changed and my mantra on helping others, people and planet alike really came to light. I realised how precious life was and, thus, how hard we must work to protect it. I’m proud to say a once traumatic experience has become a key positive driver in my life.

My journey to becoming a young leader has been a gradual process of hard work for many years. It was in my first year that I began to make conscious decisions to build my skills and re-engage in environmental action, whilst pursuing academia. Initially, I had no overall ambition in this work, just to simply do as much as possible. I volunteered at the National Marine Aquarium, as a course rep and for CoachBright. I began to step outside my comfort zone by participating in the 2019 Autumn FLUX business challenge, which resulted in our team placing 1st and I was awarded the Outstanding Participant Award.

Whilst pursuing a degree in BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, my interests in youth leadership began to grow. I’d spend hours googling opportunities to get involved in. I began to network and engaged with organisations like The Future Leaders Network and One Young World, all whilst building my own ideas and learning. Nothing came easy, in fact the first position I applied for: a delegate role at the Y7 (Youth G7 Summit) I was rejected in the final round. Despite feeling discouraged, I attended the leadership training I was offered and began to apply what I was taught. However, in 2020, I managed to secure £5,000 sponsorship from the University to attend One Young World (OYW) as a delegate in 2021. OYW is a summit which brings together young leaders with the likes of Dr Jane Goodall, Bob Geldof, Sylvia Earle and global leaders in attendance. My second year at the University is when I really began to home in on my interests in environmental policy work, youth-led action and public speaking. I delivered a talk on behalf of the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and was a guest speaker at the MBA’s Young Marine Biologist Summit 2020. My continued efforts in the leaders network also paid off as I was selected to be a Member of the UK Working Group for the Y7 2021 Summit. My role was to ensure the involvement of youth in policy recommendations for the G7 – particularly underrepresented groups – and produce a national and international youth outreach strategy. This was the year I also co-founded Ambassadors of Earth, a not-for-profit organisation that works to empower and support youth in localised community-led environmental action. This started through my team’s participation in the Global University Climate Forum, an opportunity I just so happened to hear about from a lecturer’s email.

“Whilst my journey to this point has been far from easy, I am grateful and honoured for the opportunities I have had and for the support given from the University and academic staff.” In my final year of my undergraduate degree, I worked on my dissertation and began to apply my knowledge of the marine ornamental trade to my research in marine ornamental ecophysiology. This was also the year my involvement with the United Nations began. In 2021, I was selected to speak at the 10th annual United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum (ECOSOC) as part of the, “Accelerating Action for the Planet” session. I am now a postgraduate research student (ResM) through the Doctoral College, working towards a PhD. Prior to and post accident, I worked in the marine ornamental industry. My firsthand knowledge of the trade has largely driven my ongoing passion to pursue a PhD, which looks to tackle some of the key welfare and husbandry issues to help improve sustainability and ethicality of the trade. Interestingly, through my research, I am looking at how

we can utilise ecophysiological techniques in innovative ways to not only assess key theories in biology, but to advise practice in relation to transporting marine organisms to minimise death and poor health. Despite it being a global multi-billion industry, many of the species we currently know very little of in science. However, my continuation onto the PhD in this largely new and innovative field is entirely dependent on myself obtaining financial support to progress the research. In 2022, I was co-awarded, with colleague William Jones, the David Henderson Inspiring Journey Grant by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). This ongoing project titled, “Flying Fish: The Journey of Marine Ornamentals” saw us document the marine ornamental trade in the Philippines by working alongside exporters and fishermen, to bring to light trade practice, dependant livelihoods and evoke discussion on its sustainability. In 2022, I was chosen to represent the UK as a delegate at the 17th United Nations Conference of Youth (COY17) led by the official Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and I also attended COP27. Whilst my journey to this point has been far from easy, I am grateful and honoured for the opportunities I have had and for the support given from the University and academic staff. I intend to continue my work both as a climate activist/ youth leader, an early careers researcher and look forward to continuing the journey and meeting more young leaders along the way. Follow Sancha to find out more about her work @sanchaconway

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