Testimonials

Please read the following testimonials to find out what our former students said about their PhD study.

"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." Tzusui Hung

"I really enjoyed my four years in Bristol - and could never have anticipated the new directions that full time PhD study might lead. I was fortunate to be awarded a postgraduate scholarship from the university which allowed me to develop my research (into the role of physical activity among people with mental illness) without the restrictions that some funding organisations impose. This freedom was fully supported within the department and, I think, was important in terms of the quality of the research: it meant that I was able to develop and refine the direction of my work as I learnt through the research process. I've relied heavily on this independent learning as a freelance researcher and now in my work as a Research Fellow at Leeds Metropolitan University. Freedom, however, comes at a cost and I'd recommend prospective students consider carefully their own study preferences for either independent work or a more structured programme. For those who wish to study autonomously, this department is a good choice!"  Dave Carless