Student Profiles
Current Students
Aniyar Izguttinov
BMedSci Health and Human Sciences
After graduating from school in 2009, I studied one year in Suleyman Demirel University. Then I did my foundation year at Cardiff University which definitely improved my academic skills.
There are several reasons why I decided to study at the University of Sheffield. First of all, BMedSci Health and Human Sciences course is really unique because all other universities provide science-based programmes, while I am more interested in the management aspect of healthcare. Secondly, during the final year students are expected to undertake a placement which is a great opportunity to have a real sense of the work in the NHS. Thirdly, world class reputation as the University of Sheffield is in top 100 and I think it is a great achievement due the fact that nowadays the education market is very competitive. Moreover, when I applied to the University of Sheffield it was on the 18th place in the national ranking and I think this year the university moved up further. Finally, the university has the best Students’ Union in the UK and provides high-quality facilities including the Information Commons. We named it ‘dream study centre’ as it delivers a really exclusive environment for students, with all the facilities needed for studying in one place.
I really enjoy studying here, the small group sizes and the student diversity is great, as there are students from all parts of the world and different age groups. Everybody has a different background and it gives uniqueness to this particular course. Also it is important to mention that every member of the staff is approachable and always ready to help you whether you are facing academic problems or personal ones.
The most important feature of the course is that you can choose from a wide variety of career options after graduation including nursing, public health and social work. I want to specialise in healthcare management and this course was an excellent choice for me as other universities in the UK provide more science-based programmes.
In my opinion, teaching and study methods are excellent at the University of Sheffield. Lectures are delivered not only in a classical style, but also modern technologies are used in teaching. For example, as a part of our course we have online lectures that you can watch at home without actually attending a class. It should also be mentioned that specific aspects of the course are delivered by visiting lecturers from a various healthcare organisations such as LINKs and PALS. It provides students with practical understanding and gives a deeper understanding of the subject.
As an international student, the biggest advantage of studying at The University of Sheffield is to obtain a world-class degree from one of the best universities in the UK. Personally, I am hoping to get a broader understanding of the British healthcare system in order to share this experience in my home country.
The best thing about life at the University of Sheffield is being a part of diverse student culture where you can share your own experience and learn from others. After completing my course, I am planning to go back to Kazakhstan. I hope to apply all the knowledge and experience gained at this university back in my home country in order to improve healthcare system and deliver the best standards of treatment.
If you have a chance I would advise you to come to the university open days so that you can see all the advantages of the University of Sheffield. Secondly, try to book accommodation well in advance to save money and nervous tissues as it would be quite difficult to find a good apartment in September. Finally, be prepared to get the most of the university life because it gives you so many opportunities to develop both as a student and an individual. Dream bigger dreams, my friend!
If you have any questions for me please e-mail and I will answer as soon as I can:
Email: kazakhstan@sheffield.ac.uk
Original page: http://www.shef.ac.uk/international/countries/asia/central-asia/kazakhstan/studentprofiles/aniyar
To see the profiles of the current Student Abassadors for Learning and Teaching please click here
Recent Graduates
Victoria Suntharalingam, from Birmingham
What advice would you give to prospective Health and Human Sciences students? The advice that I would give to new students would be to have an open mind when entering the course. I had an open mind and once completing my first year, the modules that I studied allowed me to ascertain my career choice.
What was the most enjoyable and rewarding part of the course? The most rewarding part of the course was the work placement. I was attached to an eating disorders service in Sheffield, it confirmed that I would like to be part of an eating disorders service. I enjoyed being able to sit in on assessment and also to attend the hospital where emergency cases were. From all the information and new knowledge that I gained from the work placement I was able to write my dissertation on a topic that I have an avid interest in.
What are you doing now? I am now doing an MSc in Mental Health Studies at the University of Nottingham. This course is quite demanding as it is full of medics who want to further their knowledge of mental health. I opted to do the course in 1 year.
Do you think your degree helped further your career? As I said above, I had an open mind when I embarked upon the course, but after studying a range of modules that covered a vast amount of information on the NHS and healthcare within the UK, I was able to base many assignments on my interest. A BMedSci in Health and Human Sciences is a great way for a student to obtain knowledge on the theoretical side of medicine.
Emma Kaye, from Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
Why did you choose the University of Sheffield? For several reasons! Besides the course, the University has a great reputation both academically and socially, and I really loved the city. In addition, it was just the right distance away from where I grew up - far enough to feel like I'd left home and gained full independence, but close enough to travel back and forth whenever I needed to!
What do you think of Sheffield? It's a really friendly and fun place to be a student! Great people, good nightlife, plenty of shops and on the edge of the Peak District - perfect if you ever fancy a break from the city!
What advice would you give to prospective Health and Human Sciences students? If you have the opportunity to, then go to the open days and speak to the staff and current students, as well as exploring Sheffield itself. I think the course is ideal for those with a strong interest in health, but who perhaps aren't too sure which career path to venture down yet; I was in that exact position whilst studying for my A levels and now know that I definitely want a career in Public Health Nutrition. I think the skills and knowledge that you gain from the degree will provide a solid foundation for any career or further study within the field of health and social care - it is quite unique.
What was the most enjoyable and rewarding part of the course? The work-based placement in third year; working with the 'Food in Sheffield (5-a-day)' team enabled me to gain valuable first-hand experience of nutrition-related health promotion, and really improved my confidence. Some of my best friends from University were also fellow BMedSci students.
What are you doing now? I'm studying for an MSc in Nutrition with Public Health Management at Sheffield Hallam University, and volunteering as a Community Health Champion in my spare time. I really wanted to stay in Sheffield, which I think says a lot about how great the city is!
Do you think your degree helped further your career? Definitely. I gained a comprehensive understanding of health and social care environments that has proved invaluable to my further study, and will no doubt continue to do so throughout my career.
Kate Marston, from Sheffield
Why did you choose the University of Sheffield? The course perfectly combined my practical work experiences with theoretical study and because of the university's adaptable admissions policy which places emphasis in more than just previous academic attainment as important factors in assessing the suitability of a potential student.
What do you think of Sheffield? Lovely - a great big town full of friendly faces and opportunity.
What advice would you give to prospective Health and Human students?
Take notes - even just a few key points in every lecture (and share these with your friends) - it really will help at essay-writing time. Also definitely get some decent paid or voluntary work experience in the health service while you study to help with employment opportunities when you graduate.
What was the most enjoyable and rewarding part of the course?
Studying for one semester of my final year in Holland - a totally life changing experience! Not forgetting graduation, which was the proudest day of my life.
What are you doing now? Working as an assistant service manager in orthopaedics for Sheffield teaching hospitals foundation trust. It's a temporary placement that Isecured after graduating having stayed in touch with NHS colleagues throughout my studies, keeping them updated on my progress and inviting certain people in to university to see what was happening on the course. I am using this time to gather experience and network with other staff before i decide if NHS management is for me, or whether I would still like to follow a more clinical career.
Do you think your degree helped further your career? Without a doubt.