Medical Science: the best choice for me

Alexandre always knew he wanted to work in the areas of healthcare and science - and found his perfect course at ARU. As he prepares to graduate, he reflects on his experiences studying BSc (Hons) Medical Science.

As a third-year student at ARU who is graduating in Medical Science this summer, I wanted to reflect on why this course ended up being the right one for me – and share my experience with those of you who are about to start university.

I moved from Portugal in the middle of the pandemic, alone, to a foreign country. I knew that I wanted to work in healthcare and science. This is why I applied to Medical Science, initially wanting to pursue a Post Graduate Entry in Medicine. Looking back at it now, this was mostly due to ignorance of alternative areas of science and medicine.

Whilst studying at ARU, I worked in the NHS in the Mass Vaccination Programme, which provided me with great insight into clinical trials and operations, while also allowing me to use and put into practice content I had previously learned in lectures. This job required me to have a clear knowledge of drug development, physiology, and clinical trials, all invaluable knowledge I obtained whilst studying Medical Science.

I am beyond happy with my choice to study Medical Science, it fulfilled my passion for science and medicine. I particularly loved the interaction, communication, and interdisciplinary approach between Medical Science and Pharmaceutical Science, as this allowed projects to have different perspectives and provided me with interesting experiences.

Throughout my experience, live briefs and guest speakers are two of the things I enjoyed the most, looking up to someone and hearing about their journey was truly inspiring. I aspire in the future to come back to ARU too as a guest speaker, and hopefully give a talk or at least a word of advice and insight to new applicants and students.

Medical Science was the best choice for me, not only because it covered such a wide range of modules, but also because it equipped me with skills, such as critical thinking and analytical skills, communication skills, and project and time management.

These skills are essential for any job, especially science jobs, that require attention to detail, working as a team, and on many projects simultaneously. Finally, these transferable skills allowed me to get many jobs offers from top clinical research organisations, opportunities that will surely set me up for a successful career.

Finally, on a personal and student level, Medical Science and ARU allowed me to develop friendships and relationships, with people from all corners of the world, people that I have learned so much from and that I look up to. I connected and networked with incredible people, making my experience as a student considerably more enjoyable!

Come and explore

Alexandre studies BSc (Hons) Medical Science at ARU. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.