Student stories

I’ve been inspired by career opportunities in fields such as animal care, welfare, research, conservation, and even veterinary medicine. Exploring these diverse options on my course has been incredibly rewarding, and I now feel more confident in shaping my future career.

I worked for the reptile department at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park on placement. I was responsible for many of the daily chores and management of the animals, from cleaning the enclosures to checking health and preparing food!

At the end of my first year, I had an amazing opportunity to shadow one of my professors. Being able to observe her conducting research helped me understand that I would like to become a virology researcher.

One of the highlights of my placement at GlaxoSmithKline was the additional skills I didn’t expect to learn in a lab-based setting, such as procurement, project management, event planning and EHS engagement.

Some of our lectures are delivered by external guest lecturers, many of whom work at Surrey Research Park, which is great as we can see how the content we’re learning about is being applied in the field.

I chose Surrey because of the modules that were offered, which focused on microbiology from year 1. I’m more than happy with the choice I made!

My placement has had a hugely positive impact on my university experience, as it taught me to have more confidence in my ability to tackle challenges. I also developed key skills which are proving essential in my final year studies.

I was drawn to the fact that students on this course use both the biosciences and veterinary medicine facilities. Not many other courses offered this and it was very beneficial in first year!

I was promoted whilst on placement to Rescue Network Coordinator which had me organising and leading seal rescue training events all over Ireland which I absolutely loved.