Student Life Postgraduate Edition 2024

STUDENT

HOW TO SECURE THE FUTURE YOU DESERVE

WHERE WILL YOUR MASTERS TAKE YOU?

YOUR FINANCES: FEES AND FUNDING EXPLAINED

CHANGE YOUR CAREER PATH

Admissions

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Postgraduate Edition

Welcome to the postgraduate edition of Student Life. In this issue you will meet some of our postgraduate students and alumni. Read about their experiences of studying at postgraduate level, and their ambitions and achievements beyond their degree. You will also find information about funding options, careers support and our new world-class campus developments. We’re commited to ensuring the success of our postgraduate community, and we will support you in making your dream career a reality.

Meet some of this issue’s contributors:

Aaron MA Illustration* How being supported can help you achieve your dreams. P.18

*Now MA Communication Design

Megan PhD in Computing

Changing career path. P.12

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

DON’T BE A STRANGER

Visit us at our open evening

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.

Discover more — order a prospectus

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.

Inside...

HOT TOPIC

P.4 Alumni spotlight

How studying a masters helped shape the future for some of our graduates

FEATURES

P.10 Your finances

Discover all you need to know about funding your future

P.14 Where will your masters take you?

The importance of careers guidance for postgraduate students

P.16 Your postgraduate community

Discover more to postgraduate life than just study

H T TOPIC

WHAT MATTERS TO OUR STUDENTS...

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 whether they want you to be the one who designs and handles their project. Since graduation, I have designed, managed and realised a great number of projects, from villas, high rise towers and commercial buildings to

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.

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 and the Manta Trust. I then continued as a researcher for 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.

The programme was fantastic. The programme team have wide-ranging interests and 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 in following 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!

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 a challenge adapting to the programme. But the modules are

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.

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!

Leo Russell DClinPsy Clinical Psychology graduate

Sharique Ahmad

MSc Data Science and Business Analytics student

Joanna Harris

MRes Applied Marine Science graduate

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR PG APPLICATION

Entering education again and starting the application process can feel daunting (particularly if it’s been a while since you were last studying). We’ve compiled a list of our most asked questions and some top tips to help ease you back into the process.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Applying for postgraduate study couldn’t be easier – on each programme page there’s an apply link which will take you directly to the application form.

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE PROGRAMME?

As the application is managed by us and doesn’t go through UCAS, there is no limit to the number of programmes you can apply to.

MY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IS NOT IN THE AREA I WISH TO DO POSTGRADUATE STUDY IN; WILL I BE CONSIDERED?

We offer many conversion programmes which are designed for people wanting to change direction from their undergraduate degree. Other postgraduate programmes do require a related degree; if you feel you have relevant work experience, the admissions tutor will still often consider your application.

CAN I GET HELP WITH FUNDING?

You could be eligible for a Postgraduate Masters Loan. There are also a variety of scholarships and discounts available for our postgraduate taught and research students.

CAN I STUDY PART TIME?

Yes, there are many programmes offering part-time options, and this information is outlined on the webpage.

CAN I UNDERTAKE WORK ALONGSIDE?

Yes, absolutely! Many of our students work alongside their studies – it’s just a case of managing your time.

HOW DIFFERENT IS POSTGRADUATE STUDY TO UNDERGRADUATE?

Postgraduate programmes are usually shorter than undergraduate degrees – they can take around a year to complete. They are more specialist; often there’s a requirement for more research and you’ll have to work harder.

HOW WILL POSTGRADUATE STUDY IMPROVE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

An undergraduate degree will get you started in your career, but a postgraduate degree can make you even more employable – you could earn nearly 20% more!

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AFTER YOU’VE APPLIED

You should expect to receive a decision on your application within four weeks of submitting your application.

Reply to your offer – once you’ve received an offer, it’s important to let us know whether you want the place! This is super simple to do and can be done by emailing the Admissions team.

You may be invited to interview or asked to provide further information – so keep an eye on your email!

Meeting the requirements – make sure to send copies of all the relevant documents, such as your academic certificates, and get your references in.

Apply for funding.

OUR TOP TIPS

Check the application deadline for your programme and give yourself plenty of time to get your application together.

Do your research and make sure the programme is right for you –remember our Admissions team are on hand to answer any questions.

Be bold in your personal statement. Outline how your undergraduate degree has prepared you, your skills and qualifications, your reasons for choosing the programme, and what you’re hoping to do with it once you’ve graduated. The application form allows you to upload certificates and supporting documents. If you upload things such as your undergraduate degree certificate at this point, you’ll not have to email it later as part of an offer requirement.

CHASING A DREAM

WE TALK TO THIAGO ABOUT MAKING THE CHANGE TO FIND A NEW CAREER IN A DIFFERENT SECTOR.

My name is Thiago Sena. I’m 36 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 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.

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.

HOW HAS THE SUPPORT BEEN SINCE ARRIVING?

Everyone has made such an effort to answer my questions and make me feel welcome. 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 cafes. 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

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 the flexibility to specialise in certain areas.

Duration: 1 year

in is amazing. It’s not only super modern and well equipped, but has all the facilities needed for daily studies.

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.

YOUR FINANCES 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 £12,471 per student in 2024–25) 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 be spent on tuition fees, accommodation, books and general living expenses, etc.

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS

The University offers a range of scholarships for students who have applied for a postgraduate taught degree. Please visit plymouth.ac.uk/fees

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. Please visit plymouth.ac.uk/fees for details on how to pay your fees, whether self-funded or through sponsorship.

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

• £2,000 discount for international taught students

Scan the QR code below for further details, programme exclusions and contact information.

“I would say it’s really easy to schedule my part-time 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.”

Georgia, MSc Zoo Conservation Biology

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.

“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 part-time job to cover your expenses.”

Abdalbast, MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

“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. 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.”

Aaron, MA Illustration graduate

YOUR CAREER PATH CHANGE

Choosing a different postgraduate degree from your undergrad gives you the perfect opportunity to explore a new subject or gain the qualifications you need to pursue a career you might not have considered before.

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.

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.

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. 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 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, and 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.

I came to the postgraduate degree very focused, very set on working hard and on getting a lot out of it. What I wanted to study was entirely unrelated to history, so that’s why I did the conversion programme.

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 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’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.

Find out more about how to change direction with our conversion programmes.

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.

IMAGINE YOU’RE ABOUT TO START UNIVERSITY AGAIN. WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT, WHAT WOULD YOU NOW TELL YOURSELF?

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.

YOUR CAREERS SERVICE

WHERE WILL YOUR MASTERS TAKE YOU?

The Careers Service is here to support you throughout your journey here at university, but also beyond graduation.

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, not to mention a potentially higher salary!

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

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, with new opportunities and gaps in the labour market emerging as new roles are created.

DID YOU KNOW?

Over 96% of postgraduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating (most recent Graduate Outcomes Survey) .*

*Excludes those travelling, retired or caring for someone, out of all UK domiciled, full-time postgraduates.

“The University of Plymouth Careers Service is a great service, and every student should make good use of it. I have really benefited 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 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 they then reviewed for me in an appointment, and I am now in the process of applying to graduate jobs – fingers crossed!”

Annabel Ridsdale MSc Marine Conservation

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 that world of work may look like, as well as help you prepare to navigate it effectively.

Being able to understand and articulate your skill set 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!

“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

Our services are free and easy to access as both a current student and graduate. Visit plymouth.ac.uk/careers for more information.

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 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 one-to-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.

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.

For me, Plymouth offers the perfect combination of having the benefits of being in a city (shopping in Drake Circus, concerts at Plymouth Pavilions, characterful bars at the Barbican) but being surrounded by nature (picnics on the Hoe, walks around Central Park, swimming at Tinside 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

“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.”

to students. My personal favourites are the Reservoir Cafe (for a full-of-colour salad bowl), RLB Cafe (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 experience.

The team understand that studying comes first and so it’s 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, which 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 postgraduate 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.

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

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 skill set to get there. My advice would be that everyone’s journey is different; as long as you are doing a programme you enjoy, that’s 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)

MA COMMUNICATION DESIGN

Since Aaron completed his masters in Illustration, this programme has been redesigned, allowing you to personalise your degree, and focus on topics that are relevant and important to you.

Tailoring your degree allows you to graduate with an exit award in illustration, graphic design or publishing.

Duration: 1 year (part-time route available)

POSTGRADUATE ILLUSTRATOR Q& A

MA Illustration graduate

A. Wolfgang Crowe shares an insight into his postgraduate journey and how being supported can help you 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

You can find some of my work at awolfgangcrowe.co.uk

 @a.wolfgangcrowe

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. 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 coursemates 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 lecturers 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 Cafe 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 I’ll face 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.

BABBAGE BUILDING

OUR NEW HOME FOR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

When you are choosing a university, you want to go 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 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 have re-energised and transformed our city centre campus and the surrounding area. They have created 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.

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. Opened in November 2023, the Babbage Building will give you the tools to do that. A cutting-edge facility, it houses the latest state-of-the-art technologies within 10,000m2 of research and teaching space. Learning to use them, and benefiting 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 is complemented by a significant investment in new technology. This includes STEAM labs, an immersive visualisation suite, a composites engineering lab, an autonomous systems test lab, engineering computing labs, a precision manufacturing lab, a nanomaterials and devices lab, and fabrication labs.

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

INTERCITY PLACE

OUR NEW HOME FOR NURSING, MIDWIFERY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

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. Opened 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 serves as the base for our allied health students. It is an exciting addition to our existing cutting-edge clinical skills simulated settings. It complements and enhances the practice placement work which students undertake in hospitals and healthcare settings. The building is 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 and teaching and social space, the new building houses simulated healthcare environments such as hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, podiatry suites, and optometry practice labs. There is even a simulated ambulance for you to practise paramedic emergency scenarios. The building is 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.

WHAT DRAWS A FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO STUDY AT PLYMOUTH?

Alexis, a current MSc Physiotherapy student, tells us about what encouraged her to leave the United States and become an international student at Plymouth.

CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO STUDY WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH?

Choosing to study at the University was an easy choice for someone who loves the outdoors and being active, like I do. Being from the desert in the United States, I loved being so close to the sea here in Plymouth. The South West is fantastic for outdoor activities and I’ve loved being able to go surfing or out for nature walks on Dartmoor or along the South West Coast Path.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR DECISION TO PURSUE YOUR CHOSEN PROGRAMME AT THE UNIVERSITY? DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT?

Since I was young, I had an interest in healthcare and wanted to help people. After getting my bachelors in Kinesiology in the US, I decided to pursue a masters in Physiotherapy here in Plymouth. I love that Plymouth has a well-established Physiotherapy programme that has been around since 2004, and the lecturers seemed very kind and truly wanted to see their students succeed.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF PLYMOUTH? WHAT ARE SOME OF ITS STANDOUT DIFFERENCES, COMPARED TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY/CITY/TOWN?

I found that it was the perfect-sized city for me! It’s big enough that there is always something to do on the weekends, but still small enough to run into friends in town. The view of Plymouth Sound from The Hoe cannot be beaten!

HOW DID THE UNIVERSITY HELP YOU ADAPT TO LIFE ON CAMPUS?

The University and the SU put on tons of events for students which make for lots of opportunities to make friends. My favourites are Karaoke Wednesday and Jam House Thursday. The Student Hub in the library is always available for any sort of advice needed for home and international students.

WHAT IS IT LIKE GETTING TO STUDY IN THE BRAND NEW ICP BUILDING?

It’s been very exciting and it’s great being in the city centre for the programme, and no longer having to travel. It’s great feeling more a part of main campus, and I can meet up with friends after lectures.

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE EXPERIENCE OF WORK PLACEMENTS?

Placements have been my favourite aspect of my programme as I am very much a hands-on learner. It’s exciting to be able

to finally put what you’ve been learning in lectures into practice and to be able to explore all the areas physios practise in. It’s also very rewarding to treat real patients.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE PROFESSIONALLY (OR ACADEMICALLY) ONCE YOU GRADUATE?

I am hoping to get a Band 5 Rotational Physiotherapist job and stay in the UK. I’m looking forward to exploring even more areas and specialties of physiotherapy that I couldn’t experience on my placements.

FINALLY, ANY INSIDER TIPS FOR FUTURE PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS COMING TO DO THIS PROGRAMME?

My number one tip is to research all the different specialties of physiotherapy, as it’s much more than just sport. Also, learning anatomy may be overwhelming at first, but I promise it gets easier! Finally, take advantage of events the SU puts on as they are always super fun!

FROM TRAUMA TO CHANGEMAKER

SANCHA SHARES HER EXPERIENCE AS A UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE ACTIVIST AND EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER

Reading 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-anda-half years and prevented me from living a ‘normal life’. During recovery, I struggled not only with severe physical pain and trauma but also 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 reengage 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 a £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 hone 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 my 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 the 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 also to advise practice in relation to transporting marine organisms to minimise death and poor health. Despite it being a global multibillion dollar 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 my 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 and dependent 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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