Beth, BSc Neuroscience

I applied to Bristol as it was one of the few places in the South that did the course I was hoping to do (BSc in Neuroscience). I'd never been there before and hadn't really heard much about it as a city. The first time I visited was for an open day at the Uni - I just absolutely loved Bristol and I knew straight away that I wanted to live and study there. Though it sounds cliche, my times at the university of Bristol really were some of the best of my life so far! It was in Bristol that I met some of my best friends, learnt how to be independent (cooking and sorting bills) and ultimately got a qualification that I am proud of. The course was interesting, stimulating and I learnt skills that I use now on a daily basis in my current role.

The staff at Bristol are very helpful, approachable and friendly. When I was there they were always willing to give up their time to chat to anyone having difficulties and always willing to answer questions. If I could go back, I would do it all again!! As I said before, I'm proud of my degree and I'm proud of being a Bristol graduate. Bristol as a university has a great reputation and is in an amazingly vibrant city. However, if you don't like climbing hills then maybe Bristol isn't for you!

I'm currently on the NHS scientist training programme, training to be a clinical scientist in Audiology. This involves being employed by a hospital, where I receive in-department training, and also doing a part time masters in Clinical Sciences (Neurosensory Sciences) at the University of Manchester. Without my degree in Neuroscience I could not have applied for this graduate scheme. My degree gave me a solid background understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as skills in writing and critically analysing scientific literature and the experience of undertaking a lab based research project.

Sam, BSc Physiological Science

The Physiological Science degree bridges the gap between molecular and whole body systems and there is an increasing need for research that takes this integrated approach. As such, there is a demand for graduates with a background in physiology to take up positions in medical research and I would highly recommend this degree to anyone with an interest in working in this field.

The University of Bristol is renowned as one of the world’s leading centres for research and as an undergraduate here you will be taught by some of the leading researchers in Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience. The University provides a great learning environment and the staff are always approachable and willing to go out of their way to help students. I was hugely grateful for the opportunities provided to gain experience in the laboratory, both as part of my BSc degree and in the form of a vacation studentship which confirmed my desire to pursue postgraduate research. Bristol is particularly good at providing undergraduates with this vital hands-on experience and this is something that sets Bristol graduates apart from the crowd.

Student Views - MollieMollie, BSc Pharmacology

I began studying Pharmacology with not much of an idea of what to expect of the course, aside from what I had read in prospectuses. It’s not a subject that I had ever been taught before and was quite nervous about diving in at the deep end. Luckily, I found that I had made the right choice in choosing to study Pharmacology, and an even better choice to study it at Bristol as I have had the best three years here.

The first and second years allowed me to learn a variety of different medical sciences, including biochemistry and genetics, as well as pharmacology, which gave the course an important and interesting breadth. However, it was the more specific teaching of pharmacology in my final year that allowed me to explore the areas in which I was most interested, and encouraged me to want a career involving neuropharmacology and depression research.

Student Views - Kris ChinKris, BSc Pharmacology

After graduating from Bristol it is easy to say that my time here was enjoyable. The Pharmacology course provided many opportunities to explore different aspects of the subject, especially in the final year with research projects. The practical lab sessions were always great due to the relaxed environment and provided a great place to quickly acquire skills that are essential to understanding the connection between theoretical and practical science.

The lecturers are highly supportive when it comes to applying for internships, post-graduate study and post-graduate work and are always encouraging their students to think beyond material presented in lectures to form their own opinions. The course doesn’t just setup up individuals with the knowledge and practical ability required for a job in science, but also provides individuals with highly transferable skills which are highly sought after by others. Following on from this degree I am starting my PhD in Pharmacology, which I don't feel I would have applied for without the inspiration I recieved from taking this course.

Student Views - Andreas WesallAndreas, MSci Pharmacology

I graduated from Bristol with a MSci in Pharmacology and started a PhD in Platelet Function. Overall, my four years at Bristol have been a great experience, both academically and socially, and I am very glad that I chose to come here.

The course is taught extremely well with a wide range of topics and allows the choice of specific modules in the first two years. Lecturers are often internationally renown leaders in their fields and therefore pass on un-paralleled levels of understanding.

When it comes to practical work it is no secret that Bristol students have it harder than most, due to the extensive lab work in all years of study. However, this does make Bristol students extremely attractive to employers, when applying for industry or summer placements, as well as after graduating. Socially, I have loved every minute of being a student at Bristol and have met so many people I know I will be friends with for a long time. I enjoyed it so much that I have no regrets over staying on for another three to four years for my PhD - something I never thought I would do when I was a fresher!

Peter, Neuroscience

I graduated from Bristol and currently work for Cyberonics Europe, who specialise in a specific medical device for epilepsy known as a Vagal Nerve Stimulator or VNS. The device is used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of refractory epilepsy for all age ranges. My day to day role is quite varied, but on an average week I spend time in Surgery alongside Neurosurgeons acting as technical support with regards to new implants and generator replacements. I spend a lot of time training and educating surgeons, neurologists and specialist epilepsy nurses on the initial implant procedure to the dosing features the device has to offer. Part of my week is spent in epilepsy clinics across my region, offering information to families and carers who are considering VNS as a possible treatment option. I also attend conferences like the ILAE (international league against epilepsy) and the AES (American epilepsy society) in the UK and abroad.

The region I cover is the south west of England and Wales, so spend a lot of time travelling to the various neurological centres within my territory. I work from home so a high level of motivation is needed each day. My degree from Bristol helped me develop the organisational and analytical skills required especially when submitting weekly and monthly reports.

On the whole this role is challenging and allows me to use the neuroscience knowledge I have gained over the past 3 years. Having a neuroscience degree has given me a higher level of gravitas when speaking to neurologists on a day to day basis, as sometimes I need to challenge their long held views to ensure patients are given the opportunity to explore VNS as a suitable treatment option.

A big part of my current role is staying up to date with the epilepsy/VNS/surgery literature information by reading research and review articles a skill which was an integral part of my degree. I have to critically review papers about VNS and decide whether or not to use the information when talking to surgeons and neurologists. Through this role, I have also been accepted to study a Msc in epilepsy at Kings College London starting next year and honestly believe it’s a combination of my degree and day to day responsibilities that has got me on the course.

Sandra, Neuroscience

You can go on and get a degree at any University you wish, but from Bristol you get more than just a degree, friends and the usual that can be more or less expected from a University experience. You get to be taught by talented experts at the frontline of your field, you get a laugh with your professors who will also inspire you and help get you where you want to be. This experience goes beyond the University, and I am happy to still receive the support and encouragement from inspiring and excellent researchers.

My degree in Neuroscience has been made exceptional by the opportunities provided by the University of Bristol, which includes practical training, numerous inspirational speakers as well as interdisciplinary activities (and so much more) and I am grateful that these opportunities have now led me to obtain a position for the next step in my career path.

Rosanna, BSc Physiological Science

I graduated from Physiological Science. Since graduating I have completed an internship at an investment bank over the summer and have been offered a full-time contract with them. Part of the assessment for being offered a permanent role was delivering a presentation to senior management within my department.

The assessments are competitive as there are many more interns than permanent job roles. I know that analysing data, giving presentations, communicating complex ideas, thinking about the strength of evidence, etc, are skills that are in demand and that having done lots of these activities during my physiology course gave me an advantage over other interns who had never even given presentations at university. I feel that the rigour of the physiology course, particularly the third year, has given me an excellent grounding for anything that I might like to do.

As I have some free time next year I applied for a government-sponsored international volunteering scheme. I was fortunate enough to win a place to go to Zimbabwe in January to work on projects centered on HIV and AIDS education. I am really looking forward to this!

I feel very fortunate to have studied physiology at Bristol as it has opened up so many opportunities for me!