BSc Biological Sciences 2026, UK Graduate
“Through a mixture of lab work, seminars, and lectures, the course provided a really positive and supportive community.”
“The Headington campus felt like a great place to learn, and Oxford Brookes also had a strong reputation which made it an ideal choice.”
I was also drawn to Oxford itself. With a large student population and student life fully integrated into the city, it is an exciting and welcoming place to live and study.
“I originally came to Oxford Brookes to study architecture, but during my first year I realised biology was a better fit for my interests.”
Although changing degree paths felt daunting, the support from staff made the transition smooth.
“A standout module was the Data Carpentry module and the independent project,”
which introduced me to bioinformatics. With the rapid growth of biological data, learning how programming, machine learning, and computational methods are applied to biological research played a key role in shaping my academic and career direction. Guest lectures further exposed me to a wide range of career pathways, both within and beyond academia.
The cobination of technical training and career development has been invaluable. Skills in bioinformatics, data analysis and presentations have opened opportunities in academic research and industry, particularly in data science–focused roles. The course fosters a friendly and collaborative environment, making group work and seminars both productive and enjoyable.
“The dissertation was particularly impactful for me, allowing me to engage directly with the research process.”
I would especially like to mention Dr Maike Kittelmann, who supervised my dissertation.
From developing a research question to building core skills in literature review, lab work, and data analysis, the dissertation sparked a strong interest in me for research. Her support made the research process approachable and rewarding. She encouraged independence while providing guidance when needed, helping me grow in confidence as a researcher. Through my dissertation and my supervisor’s support, I was introduced to Dr Stephen Montgomery at the University of Bristol. This led directly to my current research master’s project, where I am developing my bioinformatics skills and contributing to neurobiology research.
My current goal is to publish research from my master’s project before gaining industry experience in bioinformatics or data science. In the longer term, I hope to return to academia to pursue a PhD and continue working in research.