Student profiles from Sub Saharan Africa

After coming to Aston, I was really excited when I realised that most of my lecturers were research scientists. The great mix of students from different countries and the ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ status of Aston University made me certain that it is a safe environment to study in. The location of the university (situated in Birmingham city centre) and the level of reception and help I had from the International Students Office was something that I found exceptional. Moreover, what I like about Aston University is the environment – it is very calm and interactive. I like the university’s Library and the many resources available most importantly the fact that it runs 24hours a during exam periods. There are so many facilities available and all the supports provided to Aston students make Aston graduates feel very special.

MSc Drug Delivery is a postgraduate programme under the School of Life and Health Sciences, and for me is an excellent progression of my undergraduate programme - Pharmacy. The modules under the course are Chemotherapy and Selective Toxicity, Drug delivery and Targeting, Drug Dosage Form and Design, Drug Discovery, Research Methods; Professional Development and Communication Skills, Principles of Product Analysis, Research Skills and a Research Project. Most of the  first year examinations are conducted after the Christmas vacation in January, however other modes of assessment exist which include Laboratory Practicals, Seminars, Assignments, Report Writing. The timetable is reasonably packed and the work load is manageable, there is sufficient amount of time to enable students keep up with their lectures. By the end of the course, enough practical experience would have been gained as most of the modules have a practical component.

The lecturers on the course are all very friendly and approachable; there is a certain level of care they give to their students that is admirable. Any problems that students have in class, it is easy to have them solved either through direct communication, through Black Board or by simply dropping them an email.

It is my aim for the future to move on to my PhD after graduating and after that start a career in lecturing and research. Aston is amongst the top universities on the league table of best universities in the UK and the world, getting the chance to be taught by renowned lecturers and research scientists which will give me the skills to follow in their footsteps.

The MSc in Finance and Investment at Aston really appealed to me as certain topics in the modules are not covered at other universities. The Business School is well known and after graduating l hope to work in Banking and Finance.

As the campus is located near the city centre, you are able to walk to the main train station which can connect you to all the major cities in the UK including London, Nottingham and Manchester.

Deciding to come to Aston was quite an easy choice. The programme l chose has some great modules and the laboratory standards are very high. After graduating l will also be able to choose from a wide range of career prospects.

The staff during the application process, the lecturers and my personal tutor have been really helpful and approachable.  l am particularly impressed by the Blackboard software which makes studying much easier. Blackboard contains lecture notes, videos, journals, staff details and a lot more.

I am really enjoying Birmingham city too. As a football fan l will soon be going to Aston Villa’s football ground to watch a match. There are a lot of great buildings around too and the new Bullrings curved silver building is impressive.

There are also people from many countries studying at Aston and in Birmingham which has made settling into my programme easier.  This will be a very interesting and exciting year.

I am passionate about Translation and really enjoy some of the more specific modules on my programme which other universities did not offer. When applying for the course, staff at the school were really helpful and always tried to give as much information as possible. The service was very high.

I prefer Birmingham to other cities I’ve visited as it is not as cold or crowded here. As the University is in the city centre getting to the shops is also really convenient.  

I’m also really enjoying staying in the new accommodation as l’m living with just girls which is nice. 

As a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship winner l will go back home when l graduate and work in the Translation industry or maybe teach at a university. The UK system of more independent learning and responsibility is a great idea.