My Experience at Bristol

The University of Bristol is a top-10 UK university, and has established itself as an institution of research and training excellence. It is the fourth most targeted university by top UK employers. The MSc Public Health course offers an impressive set of modules which would help me work toward becoming a well rounded, responsible public health practitioner.Bristol is largely vibrant, green and a young city, which was another factor which influenced my decision to choose the university.

The course curriculum is regularly updated since it is subject to revision every year. The course is research-oriented and the dissertation module helps develop research skills which are extremely important for a career in public health. Several lecturers are working professionals from Public Health England, the National Health Service, some might have worked in non-profit organisations, while some are research professionals. There were several opportunities to engage with them in various lectures and/or practicals.

The University of Bristol admissions process requires international applicants whose first language is not English to provide an IELTS Academic test score. My IELTS score was 8.5. Additionally, I was required to submit a Personal Statement, my CV and two letters of recommendation, which were admission requirements specific to my course.

The MSc Public Health course prepares its graduates for work roles such as an analyst, epidemiologist, public health fellow and public health assistant (specifically for graduates with limited work experience). The curriculum is largely research-driven, and the dissertation module is meant to allow students to apply taught research methodology in medical journal article format. The dissertation could be published upon course completion, which allows graduates to further their research interests and careers. The public health course admin regularly emails students with public health vacancies. The careers session organised by the faculty helps students understand career prospects and network with working professionals in the field. The lecturers' backgrounds are varied, hence networking is facilitated in that manner. Since some work in Public Health England and the United Kingdom National Health Service, understanding the UK public health system becomes simpler for students. Currently, there is not a specific placement department for students/graduates, however, the Careers Service, students' personal tutors and the faculty can offer career guidance.

There are over 300 societies and 70 sports clubs, ranging from mental health-oriented to country/region-specific societies. The volunteering network prepares and sends a newsletter with several volunteering opportunities on a regular basis. There is a Global Lounge which hosts international events and activities to promote cultural heritage and diversity. The welcome week fair can be a useful opportunity to understand societies, clubs and career prospects. The university has various research labs and provides access to statistical software packages for students whose learning outcomes require the usage of the softwares. The librarians provide assistance with referencing and database-searching. WiFi can be accessed at all university spaces and usually works at a good speed. The university provides access to its sports centre at a membership fee. Some courts and sessions can be booked as well. Sports-related programmes promoting an active lifestyle are routinely held at university accommodation, which could initiate peer bonding as well.

No, I did not receive any scholarship for pursuing my course.

The faculty to student ratio is subject to change every year; it was around 1:25 in my cohort. The faculty is approachable and the course director can provide academic and pastoral support. The lecturers come from a diverse range of academic backgrounds, including epidemiology, microbiology, qualitative and quantitative research, health economics, and policy, among many other specialisms. They encourage and promote critical thinking, and welcome enquiries related to their subjects in and outside of teaching hours.

I had opted for a full-time MSc Public health course, which was more demanding with regard to coursework and self-study when compared to my undergraduate course. I experienced problems associated with coping mechanisms during my time at university; well-being services were consistently advertised. I appreciate that the University of Bristol priorities mental health concerns and services. My course provided me with deep subject knowledge and allowed me to connect with established professionals in the field, which was greatly beneficial. There were numerous opportunities to join societies and interact with like-minded students, which I have great regard for.

I lived in one of the oldest campus accommodations and was sharing a studio apartment on dual occupancy basis. The accommodation I stayed in did not generally allow dual occupancy, however, I was provided the studio as a private let. It had two separate beds (on request), a kitchen area, two study tables (on request) and two cupboards (on request). The accommodation had older hob/stove fittings than the single occupancy rooms, however, the repair work was generally done within a short period of requesting it. The tenancy cost was around £ 400 per person per month and the entire cost was covered in three instalments paid over a period of one year.