Student profile - Emilie Cosway

BMedSc Medical Science, 2014

Now studying for a PhD in Immunology within the University Of Birmingham’s Institute Of Biomedical Research.

Why did you originally apply to study this course at the University of Birmingham?

I originally applied as an insurance option for Medicine but after failing to obtain a place on an undergraduate Medicine degree, rather than re-applying, I decided to take Medical Science.

What do you think were the best parts of the programme?

For me I have to say that the research project in the final year was definitely the most exciting part of the course. This was due to the opportunity that it provided; the chance to obtain experience within a lab for 10 weeks where I could become closely integrated with all lab members to pursue my independent research project. Furthermore, as you initially get to select which project you wish to complete, you are able to choose a research title that is of particular interest to you. This freedom of choice further enhanced the whole research experience making it even more exciting as you could investigate aspects of the field that had only scarcely been pursued previously or aspects which were unknown. This provided a great academic challenge and a real eye-opener into the excitement of Medical research.

What advice would you give to current students/applicants of the course?

The Medical Science course was thoroughly enjoyable and definitely proved to be the right choice for me but there is no doubt that it was hard work! If you’re looking for a relaxed degree with plenty of free time, Medical Science is not for you. You need to be prepared to do extra-reading, spend some of your weekend and evenings working and sacrifice some social aspects for work. But if you’re looking to obtain a well-respected degree, one in which you truly do get out what you put in and one that is going to open a wide variety of opportunities for future careers, then Medical Science is a great option! Despite the hard work, it should not cause you to shy away from considering Medical Science as a degree as the course provides a vast number of contact hours per week and extra support whenever required so there is no reason for you to ever struggle. Medical Science is a truly exciting course which provides a great breath of modules to obtain a wide knowledge basis that is rarely achieved in other similar courses – allowing experience in all areas prior to specialisation. In my opinion, if you love science, you would be a fool not pursue this degree. After all a bit of hard-work just makes it all the more rewarding!

How did you grow as a person during your time at university?

During University I definitely became more independent as an individual and more self-driven. I also think I eventually became a bit more confident which allowed me talk to more people and make new friends within University which holds a whole range of individuals.

Why did you decide to pursue your chosen path post-graduation?

Initially I had no idea what I wanted to pursue as a career but throughout the course I became increasingly enthusiastic about research, stemming from the huge range of researchers that I was exposed to. During lectures, lecturers provided a theoretical scientific basis that was further taught alongside aspects of their current research practice and data; these were the parts of the lectures which I found to be particularly intriguing and exciting. As the course progressed, my desire to pursue a career in research was confirmed as I found myself being continually fascinated by what research uncovers as often outcomes are completely unknown and surprising, which I discovered first hand during the third year research project.

In what way do you think the course prepared you for this?

Medical Science is particularly driven towards illustrating the knowledge of science through the basics of research, the requirement for research and the gaps of knowledge which research could fill.  As a result the course was ideal for me to pursue an Immunology PhD from; with a broad repertoire of scientific knowledge obtained from the vast range of modules covered in first and second year followed by the chance to specify in two subject areas in the final year alongside a 10 week research project which was an ideal opportunity to obtain a great research experience that supported future PhD applications.

Did you attend any sessions during your course designed to prepare you for your future career?

I attended a workshop on summer projects which provided a great insight into the requirement for me to obtain more work experience prior to my final year to support my applications for PhDs following that. After this, I also attended a PhD workshop which allowed me to understand what I was required to do for applications and the best routes to pursue and who to talk to for greater advice. The Careers Network also read through my PhD applications and my CV prior to submission and gave thorough feedback and advice to enhance my chances.