Biological Sciences with Professional Placement - Charlotte's story

Why did you choose to study at University of Birmingham?

I chose to study at the University of Birmingham as I was drawn to the Biological Sciences with Professional Placement course as it offered the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement year whilst also achieving an integrated masters (MSci). I was keen to get experience in an academic and industrial setting, so this degree was very attractive. I also chose to study at Birmingham as I had a positive experience in the School of Biosciences during an open day on campus, which furthered my desire to study there. The range of offer-holder events provided valuable insight into the degree, making me feel engaged and excited about the biological sciences course. Additionally, I chose biological sciences as the broad first year would allow me to explore my interests across biological sciences before specialising as the degree progressed.

Did you face any challenges when deciding what university to study at and, if so, what helped you to choose Birmingham? 

One of my challenges was that I come from a city close to Birmingham, so I was initially concerned about staying too close to home. However, the campus at Birmingham made it feel like I was part of a community such that it didn’t matter where in the country I had come from. The course also really helped to overcome this challenge as the course was so unique and well-suited that it no longer mattered where I was geographically!

What was the highlight or biggest achievement of your time at the University of Birmingham?

My biggest highlight and achievement would be my placement year. I worked at GSK, a leading pharmaceutical company, as part of a team that developed assays to test clinical trial samples. This contributed to decision-making during the drug development process. Placement was hugely exciting as it gave me the opportunity to develop my laboratory skills in a real-life setting while contributing to patient-focused research. It was incredible to gain first-hand experience of working in the pharmaceutical industry, getting to know colleagues and carrying out projects with real-life applications. The skills I developed were hugely useful in my masters project and during my final year. I also developed a range of connections and was able to see the possibility of a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

What are your future plans now that you have graduated? If you have secured a job, are you happy to share your job title and the name of your employer? 

I am planning to pursue a career that uses my scientific knowledge and skills to have a positive impact on patients. I am interested in exploring opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry or in healthcare science. I am excited to see what the future holds!

What skills and knowledge did you learn at University of Birmingham?

Throughout my time at the University of Birmingham I developed a wide range of skills, from communicating science to thinking critically. Transferable skills such as teamwork, presentation, and problem-solving were gained through presentations, assignments, exams and group-based projects. These skills will be valuable in the future. Additionally, I developed technical laboratory skills through my placement and final-year academic research project.

How have your experiences as a student helped you to think about your future plans, or secure your job?

The experiences during my degree have shown me that I would like to use my biological knowledge to positively impact patients. My placement year and MSci research project solidified my interest in laboratory-based work but the transferrable skills I have gained will also enable me to explore options such as medical writing or even science production.

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying at University of Birmingham?

The University of Birmingham is a great university, and the opportunity to undertake a placement may help to provide insight into whether a career in science is for you. The School of Biosciences have so many supportive staff that are always willing to help and support which made the degree very rewarding. I would advise students to get involved in societies and committees to get to know members of the course as this is a great way to make connections.

Finally, is there anything else you would like to share about your time at the University of Birmingham?

The wide range of societies available to join at the University of Birmingham was another highlight of my time at the university. I was able to join societies including BioSoc, BUDS (dance society) and choir. This enabled me to make friends and meet a diverse range of people. I am so grateful for this as it has really helped to shape my university experience. BioSoc, a society for students studying in the School of Biosciences, regularly carries out events for all year groups including karaoke and an Easter Ball. I was lucky enough to be on committee during my fourth year, which was a great opportunity. Being a student and school representative was also a highlight as it showed the importance of student feedback to staff at the university.