Vidhyasree Manoj Kumar

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Currently a Postgraduate (Taught) student pursuing my MSc in Dental Materials Science, I’m a Dentist from India, diligently working on my masters degree with the aim of pursuing a PhD in Dental Materials in future. I’m passionate about Research & Development and I intend to work towards formulating and inventing materials and products that can make a difference in the Dental Industry.

Why did you apply to do your chosen course in the UK and specifically at the University of Birmingham?

Travelling internationally and exploring the ways of the world and learning more about my subject of interest (Dental Materials Science) has always been my dream. UK was a country I've always wanted visit as well.
The course I'm currently pursuing is a super specialised course, and only a handful of universities worldwide provide it, out of which the University of Birmingham was my first choice because of the effective and updated course modules the University offers. The state-of-art laboratories were another reason why I chose this University, along with the diverse cultural experience it offers.

What does it feel like to be studying far away from home and have you been supported as an international student?

Initially, being someone who has never stayed away from home, it was a strange feeling. But the environment provided by the University and my feel-at-home accomodation soon gave me the sense of belonging. The friends I've made here and the experiences I've gained in such a short span of time is truly enriching and is something I'd carry throughout my life. The events, the celebrations and the campus life on the whole has played a huge role in making me feel comfortable here as an international student.

What has your overall experience as a current student been like so far?

My course is structured in such a way that everyday I look forward to going to my classes and everyday, we learn something new. The practical lab experiments are what I love the most. Our teachers are very helpful, making sure to take time to explain each and every doubt we have, no matter how small it may be. Apart from education, the events organised by the Guild are truly such a great way to destress, so much so I try and attend as many as I can.

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying on the course?

If you're someone who is interested in the world of Materials and if you're curious about how materials work at a microscopic level, MSc in Dental Materials is the right choice. It is a very niche sector and though I always loved the subject, my experience here at the University has made me fall in love with the subject even more, thanks to the really helpful, knowledgeable and experienced faculty and the practical laboratory experiences. Each day is a new learning experience, and definitely a very fun and enriching one!