Richa

What do you like about your course and why?

I’ve enjoyed my course not only because it’s deepened my understanding of animals and their behaviours but because it’s sparked my curiosity and passion for exploring the complex relationships between animals, their environments and our interactions with them. For example, studying how wildlife adapts to changes in their habitats has made me more interested in conservation efforts and understanding the impact of human activity on ecosystems. It’s given me more than just theoretical insight; the practical knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable. Throughout my studies, I’ve been inspired by career opportunities in fields such as animal care, welfare, research, conservation, and even veterinary medicine. Exploring these diverse options has been incredibly rewarding, and I now feel more confident in shaping my future career. 

What do you enjoy most about Surrey?

Surrey has a vibrant and welcoming community, which truly makes it feel like a home away from home. The campus is stunning, offering a perfect mix of modern facilities and peaceful green spaces, creating an ideal environment for both studying and unwinding. I particularly appreciate the University's emphasis on research and hands-on learning, allowing me to apply my knowledge in real-world contexts. The diversity of students here is also something I value, as it provides a great opportunity to connect with people from various backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, the wide range of resources and support services available helps students excel both academically and personally, making it an excellent place for growth and exploration. 

What did your Professional Training placement involve? What were the highlights?

I completed a year-long placement at Pharsafer as a Student Pharmacovigilance Associate, which involved gaining practical experience in various aspects of pharmacovigilance, including data entry, case processing and working with complex systems like MedDRA. The highlights of this placement were the rigorous training I received and the opportunity to develop essential skills in drug safety and regulatory processes. The hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the critical role pharmacovigilance plays in ensuring drug safety.

"Take full advantage of practical experiences, internships and placements as these opportunities offer invaluable real-world insights that will enrich your learning. Stay curious and open-minded, as this ever-evolving field rewards proactive learners."

What do you want to do when you graduate?

When I graduate, I will pursue a career that allows me to combine my passion for animals with the knowledge and skills I've gained during my studies. I am particularly interested in animal care and welfare. My final-year research project has made me consider research as a career option, so I can contribute to advancing our understanding of animal health and behaviour. My project is focused on the development of novel therapies for tuberculosis, which remains an important disease for humans but is also a significant issue for animals. This project has developed my confidence in performing laboratory-based experiments, analysing data and scientific communication. I really enjoyed presenting my research to my peers during my seminar assessment and was rewarded with first-class grade for this assessment. I am now designing my own experiments and am excited to see the results. 

What advice would you give to students thinking of doing this course?

Prepare for a challenging yet rewarding journey with the Veterinary Biosciences BSc, which covers diverse topics from anatomy and physiology to disease management and research methodologies. Take full advantage of practical experiences, internships and placements as these opportunities offer invaluable real-world insights that will enrich your learning. Stay curious and open-minded, as this ever-evolving field rewards proactive learners. Most importantly, embrace the final-year research project as a platform to explore new ideas and experiments. Don’t hesitate to take risks; your supervisor will be there to support and guide you every step of the way. 

Find out more about our Veterinary Biosciences BSc.