What subject are you currently studying/did you most recently study at university? What persuaded you to choose this option?

I am currently studying BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science. I’d long held an interest in forensic science and chemistry and was recommended the course via a “2+2” program, with two years at college, then direct entry to year three of a university degree. Of the degrees available in the program, forensic science was the one that best matched my interests and gave me an opportunity to strengthen the skills I had begun to develop at college. I had also been given a taster of the practical work involved from my time on the “Access To Life Sciences” course that ran in late 2019, which I found very interesting and insightful.

What course did you study at college, and which college did you attend?

I studied the HND Applied Sciences (Biology/Chemistry) route, at North East Scotland College.

What did you find easy and what did you find difficult about making the transition from college to university?

It was largely an easy process, the applications/admissions side of everything was well explained by my college lecturers, who helped me navigate my way through the UCAS and SAAS applications. While there was a brief period of trying to get used to the new systems the university uses instead of college, by the end of the first week I knew what was where, and my classmates/lecturers were able to help me find where I needed to be on-campus.

WHY RGU? WHAT WAS IT THAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE UNIVERSITY?

The university is local to where I live, and I already knew people who studied here and recommended it, as well as show me around and help me to settle in. I had previously completed an Access To course in 2019, so I had gotten to know some of the staff and the environment I’d be studying in.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT RGU?

Excellent – the staff have been great, and provided every resource available to help me settle in. the modules in my degree this far have been incredibly interesting. The lecturers are also great at giving us opportunities to ask questions and go over module areas that were concerning us.

HOW DID RGU SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY? DID YOU USE ANY OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU?

I’ve had help from the Study Skills team, who have provided me with module pages with tips and advice to improve my study habits, and my course coordinator has been great at keeping me on-track.

would you recommend the route you chose and specifically the college to university pathway?

Definitely. From those I’ve spoken to, the direct jump from secondary school to university can be quite stressful for some, and many of my former classmates at North East Scotland College agreed that going through the college route can definitely make it easier to adjust.

What are your future plans?

After graduating and completing my degree, I hope to pursue either a master’s degree or PhD. After that, I hope to move on to work in the forensics industry or doing laboratory work.

How has RGU helped you achieve your goals?

The staff have been amazingly helpful, and always ready to answer questions or address any concerns, as well as encouraging me to work hard. They’ve certainly made university a less stressful process than I was expecting.