International student testimonials

Yunyun Zhou, (Beijing)

“I am from Beijing, China and studied the Masters degree course in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health at University of Bristol from 2007 to 2008.  Before I came to Bristol, I studied Pharmacy at Peking University of Health Science Centre in China, and worked in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology in National Institute on Drug Dependence after graduation. I realized when doing this work that public health was very important. I was also interested in nutrition which is an important factor for health. Therefore, I decided to go abroad to gain more advanced knowledge in this field. I found the course information through the website and the content of this course particularly attracted me, as those topics were exactly what I wanted to learn.  As I had expected, I gained very useful knowledge through this course which covered the relationship between nutrition and physical activity and many chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The teachers also taught us about health promotion which plays an important role in health across the world. Moreover, I rapidly improved my academic reading, writing and analysis skills through this course.  For my dissertation, I did a nutrition knowledge survey of Chinese students in the University of Bristol and I felt that conducting this research was particularly interesting as I used the knowledge I had gained.  In short, this course introduced useful knowledge about nutrition, physical activity and health. I think the information is very useful for Chinese people who have faced dramatic changes in lifestyle in the last few decades and will continue to do so in a changing world.  All the staff in the department are very nice and helpful. My classmates came from a wide range of age groups and nationalities and there were opportunities to get to know many new friends. I think the department has a comfortable atmosphere whether you are a new graduate or a mature student.  The city itself is absolutely gorgeous. Bristol is not a huge city like London, but a lovely place and big enough to have a great student life. The university and university residences are in the centre and people are very friendly. It is very convenient for shopping in the centre, and there are many Chinese restaurants. You can also buy some Chinese foods and sauces from the Chinese supermarket in the centre to cook your dishes!”

Lin Yu

"I am from China, and took the MSc degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Public Health at University of Bristol in 2007. I completed my course and final dissertation in September 2008 and I will graduate in February 2009. The reason why I chose the University of Bristol was not only because it is one of the top ten universities in the UK, but also because Bristol is really a wonderful city for living. Bristol is a big city in the UK. The city is not as big as London; however, the convenient traffic and nice living environment attract a lot of foreign students who study and travel here. The university itself is also one of the most important reasons for me. As I have mentioned, University of Bristol is a famous university in the UK and the staff are all very kind. The university is right in the city centre, with a lot of supermarkets and traditional restaurants and coffee shops nearby, so after school it is very convenient to have a cup of tea or coffee with your classmates and friends. The university has a lot of libraries, which are related to different subjects. For the students, it is easy to find some useful books related to their subjects and the computer centre at the university supplies a lot of computers for students to do their essays and search for useful information. Although I have not studied nutrition, exercise and public health before, after one year of study I have learned a lot of useful information. This is thanks to all of my teachers and staff in the department. With their support and encouragement, I have had a very enjoyable time studying at the University of Bristol."

Shaoren Dong, (Beijing)

"I think the department has a well established, extensive and very popular study program for overseas students. Students have a wide choice from the full range of modules. I am particularly interested in the nutrition and physical activity related units, such as nutrition in special populations and physical activity in health and disease. The department provides a friendly, caring environment where students can learn with different outlooks and backgrounds. I reckon it is really nice to stay in the city of Bristol although it rains a lot. There are even a few Chinese stores and restaurants available which make life easier."

Cai Rong

"I feel honoured to add my name to the department website since the EHS department was a place where I studied happily. I learned not only new knowledge but helpful study skills as well. Moreover, the totally different teaching style and humour of teachers deeply impressed me. Last month I began to work in Shanghai IEC (International Education and Communication) Centre for Population and Family Planning, China. As family planning is one of our nation's policies, the Centre is an official institution which aims to educate and promote reproductive health in the population via various media methods. My main work recently is as an assistant to promote reproductive health in the community. Together with my colleagues, we invite professors to give lectures and arrange seminars for communities. In addition, as more and more foreigners work and live in Shanghai, the centre plan to appoint me to give lectures in English in the community. The lectures are now for pregnant women, 0-3 yr old babies and menopausal and post-menopausal women. Nutrition and exercise tips are welcomed. You can see the newest thoughts and sources that I learned from EHS. It s so practical, and the Bristol EHS lecture style will be my style to impress more of the audience. I am also a primary editor in this centre. I help to edit reproductive health brochures and boards for all populations covered, adolescence, newlywed, pregnant woman, elderly etc. My job is related to my study and my habits, so now I am working passionately. That is the profile of the work I work now. I feel so grateful that the study in EHS gave me the chance to find this nice job."

Audrey Mak

"After my degree I worked as a school teacher  and in the field of educational travel before  stopping work to take care of my three children. When I came across this MSc program I was attracted by the content and the fact that it took one year of full time study to complete. It was a bit difficult the beginning acquiring new study skills and grasping statistics and epidemiology but I enjoyed being back on campus and studying. I found the units all very interesting and particularly enjoyed the research project I did. This stimulated my interest in furthering research in this area. It was a highly focussed and intensive year which was also memorable, rewarding and transformative. It's a bit of a shock to everyone in my family- I now read medical journals rather than cookbooks!!"

Mari Fujikawa, (Nagoya)

"When I first came to Bristol, my aim was to study English to become an interpreter. I remembered the name Bristol through one medical symposium which was held in my hometown, Nagoya in 1999. I attended it because I wanted to see the interpreter’s work. There was one doctor from Bristol and she made a presentation about healthy eating, which caught my interest. I hoped to know what was going on here. While I was studying English in a college, I found this course in the website of University of Bristol. The course contents attracted me, as those were exactly what I wanted to learn. And so, I am enjoying this course very much. I’d like to research about health promotion programs and how people feel about it and how people can actually apply it. I believe that this area would have an important role in the future over the world. The city itself is absolutely gorgeous. Bristol is not a huge city like London, but a lovely place and big enough to have a great student life. The university is right in the centre and people are very friendly, especially the staff in our department are all nice!! If you have a problem, just ask anyone and they’ll certainly help you. The only inconvenient thing is…, you cannot get Japanese stuff (food etc.) in Bristol. You need to improve your cooking skill and explore European cuisine! If you’re too homesick, you can take a coach to London and you’ll find plenty of Japanese there… So don't  worry, come to Bristol!"

Tokie Izaki

“I am from Japan and joined the University of Bristol in September 2001 for my Masters degree in the Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences. I am now working for Ogaki-WomanCollege (Gifu/Japan) as a lecturer in order to train nursery school and/or kindergarten teachers.  My major is on Health Promotion for Exercise and Nutrition. Before I came to the UK, I had been working for a nursery school teacher in Japan.  Playing with very young children motivated me to study more about physical activity and children and I was strongly hoping to learn how to communicate in English.  This is why I chose to come to the U.K.  I was also interested in how top athletes can be educated, however I focused on public health in relation to physical activity for children rather than sports for top athletes.  I thought I needed to obtain study skills such as English and statistics and similarly presumed I could make the most use of the knowledge o n public health from a wider point of view.  In fact, I struggled with research skills for dissertations but luckily I met with very good friends who could encourage each other.  Some of them even helped me correct my English.  I gained a basic knowledge of research skills, in particular qualitative study.  Now I am using the interview skills I learnt in Bristol to investigate athletes’ daily meals through interviews with top athletes in Japan.  In the UK the qualitative study is more developed than in other countries and many researchers in Japan are keen to know more.  Even after I left the UK I have kept in touch with many friends who I met in Bristol.  Many Japanese friends are always saying to me, ‘Tokie has got a wonderful treasure. It is beyond my words!”  Very shortly, I will come to the UK to join one of my friends’ wedding, which I am really looking forward to.”

Kaye Burling

"Having worked within the food industry for 15 years, I wanted to gain a more formal academic qualification so I could change the direction of my career. The course had particular appeal because I could complete it without having to give up my full-time job. Although it was sometimes tough to complete the assignments within the deadlines, the staff were incredibly understanding. I was surprised to find that the course content completely challenged my understanding of the contribution the food industry makes to public health. I’ve recently accepted a position with the Heart Foundation in New Zealand working to develop supportive environments for healthy eating. My selection for this role would never have been possible without the knowledge gained by completing this course."

Connie Yang - Current student (First degree studied at University of Utah)

"The University of Bristol’s postgraduate MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity & Public Health is the perfect degree programme for anyone who wishes to broaden their knowledge in the health sciences area.  My experience has been extremely pleasant both academically and socially.  The faculty for this course is there to help the students in every way and are dedicated to assist in our needs specifically.  The amount of support in this course is definitely noteworthy.  I am happy to recommend this course to anyone who has interest or wants to work in the field of public health, nutrition or physical activity as well as gain valuable experience internationally."

Elissa Southward - Current student (First degree studied at University of California: Santa Cruz)

"I am a born and raised in northern California student.  I did my undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of California: Santa Cruz.  The summer between my third and fourth year I was lucky enough to do a summer term abroad at the University of Sussex in Brighton, UK and fell in love with the country.  While I was studying that summer I decided that, if possible, I would love to come back to the UK for my Masters.  I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do when I graduated so I took a year off and spent six months of it in London working with a temporary work visa through BUNAC to make sure I was going to be completely at home living in the UK, and I discovered that I was.  I chose Bristol mainly for the programme, I am interested in getting my PhD and doing work in public health, specifically with obesity.  However, I was also intrigued by the city itself and the great reputation that it had.  I have found a home here in Bristol.  The city is a great cross between the nightlife of London and the beauty of the UK countryside.  Everyone can find something to love about Bristol.  The University itself is great and so far I have felt extremely well supported by the staff and I am really enjoying getting into my coursework.  The programme is tough but not unmanageable.  I feel as though once it is completed I will have a great store of knowledge in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health, which I personally will be able to carry on into my PhD.  This year has just really started, but I can already tell its going to be a great one!"

Kelsey Klevenberg- Current student (First degree studied at the University of Montana)

"The University of Bristol’s MSc programme in Nutrition, Physical Activity & Public Health is a one year programme packed with challenging assignments and insightful lectures.  Class days are Tuesdays and Thursdays and assignments are due in the following month.  The students within the course represent many different countries across the globe.  With that diversity comes different opinions, views and professional backgrounds.  If you are interested in becoming more proficient in research methods, scientific writing skills do consider this programme.  In addition to your education, you will have the opportunity to spend a year in the vibrant and beautiful city of Bristol."

Yana Dautova

"I first came to the UK from Russia in 1999 with an intention to improve my English. I did my Bachelors degree in Pharmacology at Bristol University. I immediately fell in love with the city because it is a very beautiful and lively place with an extraordinarily diverse culture. Moreover, the University is well known for conducting a world-class research in many disciplines and is in the top ten in the country for my chosen area of interest. When I first started I got a lot of support from my tutor, lecturers and other students. I did not feel as if I was an international student because Bristol draws many students from all over the world and is a great place to experience different cultures. After having completed my first degree I knew I was not ready to start working just yet and I wanted to continue with my studies. However, taking up a three year PhD course was a big commitment and I wanted to experience something a bit different. This is how I came across the MSc in Nutrition Physical Activity and Public Health. It seemed only natural to me to continue with my Masters in the city and the University I loved. Plus, the modules offered seemed to cover a variety of topics I was interested in. The Departmental staff and students were very friendly and the lectures were very interesting with several external speakers giving excellent new information on the research going on in the field of public health. I am very pleased that I chose to do this course and would recommend it to anyone thinking of a career in health promotion. Both MSc and Pharmacology taught me how to prevent and treat a disease but whilst Pharmacology teaches you to give a drug, this course made me think of looking at the same problem from a different angle.  Studying for this MSc was also very different in terms of the amount of free time I had. It allowed me to undertake some voluntary jobs which I always wanted to do whilst studying. I gained a lot of knowledge and different experience from my course and learned something new about myself specifically that I am very good at working with people I hardly know!  This is why I particularly enjoyed planning and working for my final dissertation on ‘Effect of Physical Activity at work place on Blood Pressure’. Seeing the beneficial effect of my research on people made me think that I can make a difference and that is one of the best feelings anyone can get." 

Tzusui Hung

"I joined this department in 2000 right after I graduated in my first degree in physiotherapy.  I have recently finished my PhD in this department, thanks to my caring advisor’s full support and help, as well as support from other staff and some PhD students in the department.  I remember the very first time I joined for the MSc course; I met some difficulties since I am a foreign student and I have never lived abroad, and even though my IELTS got good scores, I still had trouble trying to understand the first lecture I had attended.  Just after the end of the first lecture, I was wandering around the department very worried about how to do my assignment. Then one lecturer (Ashley Cooper) asked me if I was alright, so I told him about my worries. He immediately took me to the head of the department (who was Ken Fox back then). After a chat with him, he fully understood my problem and assisted me with finding the right information for my first assignment.  He even provided help with my first draft of the assignment.  I was very touched by the help, since to a foreign student warm support from your own department is more important than anything else.  So after I completed my MSc dissertation, I decided I would continue my PhD in the same department with many warm and helpful people around.  I was also quite familiar with Bristol after a year of the MSc; I was sure it would be my best choice for my PhD.  My decision was definitely correct.  I had a good student life here in Bristol and I also completed my doctoral degree. Even though studying for a PhD is never easy, I still got full support from my caring advisor.  It would also be my first choice if I could continue to work within the same department and the warm people here."