Stuart, Diagnostic Radiography

I am a mature student at Plymouth University and I am studying Diagnostic Radiography.

As a mature student I was unsure how to apply and what I would need to get in. I found the admissions team at the University of Plymouth to be very helpful and responsive throughout my journey. Although I had been to university before, over 10 years ago, it was not a science-based subject, so I needed to complete an Access to HE qualification first. The admissions team were very helpful in helping me decide which one I would need to do. The support from admissions was important as I was not currently at school, nor were my peers going through the same thing. I could have easily felt alone, but the admissions team really helped.

Communication was clear from University of Plymouth from the start. From submitting the application right and attending entering the interview stage, through to being accepted and completing the online enrolment. The University even offered an online short course before university started so that I could hit the ground running.

I was nervous for my interview. The interview was really to gauge my interest and awareness of radiography and of working in the health sector. It wasn’t like an integration, more a getting to know you and your interest.

I also had interviews with Exeter and Bristol but chose Plymouth. I really wanted to go to Plymouth, not only because I live locally, but also because the university is highly rated. The city itself has lots going on: festivals, nightclubs, bars on the barbican, live music, the ocean, craft fairs and markets, lots of natural beauty around with the moors and coastline. There is lots to see and do.

I’m so glad I picked Radiography at the University of Plymouth. From day one you get the sense that you are embarking on a really interesting and exciting career path. There are state of the art facilities and lectures that are professionals in their field, some with decades of experience, that really engage you to the subject. As a mature student it felt refreshing and revitalising to have this new beginning in my life, full of opportunity and potential. If you are considering going to university to change your career, do it!

I feel I have settled into student life quite well. I leave the wild nights out at the Student Union to the youngsters, I did all that the first time round. Instead, I spend a lot of time at the library doing my pre-reading or consolidating lecture notes. My cohort is made up a wide range of ages and backgrounds. I really enjoy this as it helps myself, and everyone, feel included. Working in groups and listening to other peoples’ points of view really aids learning and enriches the student experience.

A final point is about placements. It is really good that the course offered by the University of Plymouth has a high percentage of placement time, including one week’s placement in the first year! Going into a hospital, even as a student, really gives you a taste of what you have signed up for. For me, it was really exciting and eye-opening. On one of the days I volunteered to go down to surgery and saw radiography in action during surgery!

Top tips:

• If you are unsure what you need in order to apply then contact the university, they are really helpful.

• If you are not from a science background you may need to do an access course this took me 9 months to complete before applying.

• Relax for the interview – if you can! Just show your passion and interest!

• Embrace the change – Once on the course you are taking steps to change your life for the better!

• Stay on top of your pre-reading, notes and consolidation. There is a lot to learn in the first year!

• Listen and learn from those around you.

• Don’t worry about asking silly question – truth is others will be thinking the same but may be too shy to ask.

• Really make to most out of the placements – volunteer, ask questions, get amongst it

• Remember: you get out what you put in!