• Question: what university do you suggest for me to apply for if i want to be a scientist?

    Asked by shania000000 to Anna, Chris, Jane, Iain, Nick on 12 Mar 2014.
    • Photo: Anna Middleton

      Anna Middleton answered on 12 Mar 2014:

      Hi again
      It really depends what sort of science you like? At university level you can start to specialise in particular areas. For example, if you are interested in biology you might want to apply for a straight biological sciences degree or you might want to specialise in microbiology or genetics.

      When picking a university I think you should go for a subject you enjoy but also a place that you really like. I chose universities (Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle) that were very much part of city life and there was a lot for students to participate in. I also like courses that have an obvious job at the end of it – I did genetic counselling which lead me to become a genetic counsellor and then later I became a researcher. It’s a case of doing a lot of searching and asking people and you’ll find something that clicks.

    • Photo: Jane Charlesworth

      Jane Charlesworth answered on 12 Mar 2014:

      I think it really depends what you want to study. Most universities have websites where scientists talk about their research and teaching. So you can see who will be teaching you and whether you are inspired by their research. If you have interviews, ask the people interviewing you questions. People are always really impressed that I work for Oxford, but actually Oxford and Cambridge aren’t the best universities for some areas.

    • Photo: Iain Moal

      Iain Moal answered on 13 Mar 2014:

      Generally, Oxford and Cambridge are seen as the top of the scientific elite, and there is no doubt that they are excellent places to study. However, you can do just as well and be just as successful at many other places too. I did my degree at The University of Nottingham, and had a fantastic time, in my studies and also in social life.

      If you go to http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/ there is a list of universities ranked according to subject, and also by things like job prospects, how good the research is, and how satisfied students there are. This can help in making the decision, but ultimately it is down to wheverever suits you best.

    • Photo: Chris Cole

      Chris Cole answered on 14 Mar 2014:

      To become a research scientist you need to get a PhD (there are a few exceptions). In order to do a PhD you need to have a good undergraduate degree (a BSc or MSc) in a science. There are lots of Universities that have good science courses. Different Universities will have different strengths.

      Start by finding a course and University you like and go from there…

Comments

  • Photo: shania000000

    shania000000 commented on :

    Thankyou for your incredible answers and out of curiosity wat part of science did u want to learn the most about?

  • Photo: Anna

    Anna commented on :

    Hi Shania
    I was always interested in genetics and the impact on people. So, my first degree was in molecular genetics – I enjoyed it but I knew I didn’t want to work in a lab. My masters degree was in genetic counselling. This led me to a job in the NHS as a genetic counsellor working with families affected by genetic conditions. My PhD was in genetics and psychology and this meant I could explore my passion as an academic researcher which involved studying how genetics affects people.