Meet our postgraduate students

Lauren graduated from a BSc in Maths in 2018 and enrolled on to the MSc Accounting & Finance course to broaden her career prospects. Read what Lauren has to say:

 “I loved studying mathematics for my undergraduate degree but I wanted to ensure I had knowledge of a specific career pathway before leaving university.

“I explored options for my master's and as I enjoyed the financial elements of my mathematics degree, I decided to apply for a place on the MSc in Accounting & Finance course. It had an excellent reputation and lent itself well to my interests and the career I saw myself in. It’s also accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) which includes exemption from up to seven ACCA fundamental exams; something that’s really attractive to future employers.

“Studying the course has already given me a competitive edge as I am currently working for an accounting firm on a part time basis alongside my studies, working with private clients across the UK.

“I would recommend studying a master's to anyone wanting to specialise in a particular field and gain in depth knowledge of a subject; making you really stand out in an oversaturated job market.”

Learn more about our MSc Accounting & Finance programme

Nnadi is a current student on our MSc Public Health & Health Promotion programme, after previously completing a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Nnadi has also undertaken five years' postgraduate experience working in a clinical laboratory setting:

One important aspect of the course that interests me is the empowerment approach to health promotion, which emphasises the need to empower individuals and communities to take responsibilities for their own health. The fascinating thing about this part of the course is that it sees health as a resource for everyday life, and not the objective of living.

Throughout my studies, I have received the assistance of the Swansea Employability Academy (SEA), especially during my public health placement application. They not only helped me find a good placement, but also assisted me with the application process. I will not forget the Admissions team for their support prior to my arrival in the UK. Their follow-up calls strengthened my faith in Swansea University even before I had the real experience. I have recommended Swansea University to some of my colleagues who wish to study in the UK, and I am pleased that some of them have received offers.

My main ambition for the future is to become a lecturer, which would give me the opportunity to teach, as well as further my research interest in finding innovative ways of solving the challenge of snakebite accidents in developing countries.

Learn more about our MSc Public Health & Health Promotion programme

After graduating from the LLB, Sam returned to Swansea University to undertake the Legal Practice Course whilst also completing the LLM in Legal Practice & Advanced Drafting:

During my LPC year, I was lucky enough to be offered a training contract with the National Assembly for Wales. I am undertaking my first seat specialising in public and constitutional law with elements of information, human rights and EU law.

I managed to secure various placements in my hometown of Exeter, including a mini-pupilage at chambers specialising in family law, a placement in a legal department specialising in environmental law, and work experience at a private solicitors' firm where I gained an understanding of residential conveyancing, personal injury, and wills and probate. I was also a member of the Junior Lawyers Division and the Swansea University Law Society.

I am grateful to the Law School for providing a professional but friendly environment in which to complete the 4 years of testing but rewarding study necessary to progress in my career. I am able to look forward knowing that I can fully rely on the skills and knowledge I have gained.

Learn more about Swansea's Legal Practice Course (LPC) and our LLM programme in Legal Practice & Advanced Drafting

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English from Mae Fah Lung University, Thailand, Mink headed to Swansea to complete the MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programme.

When I completed my MA TESOL, I was the only Thai student studying in the College of Arts and Humanities! During my BA studies, I initially taught my non-English major friends and also worked as a translator. After graduation, I realised that teaching had become my passion and was emerging as a possible career for me. So I planned to pursue a master’s degree in the UK to gain more professional skills, and then go on to teach in my homeland. My final decision fell on the MA TESOL at Swansea because of the course content, the reputation of the University and the vibe of the city itself.

Throughout my studies, I was very impressed by the support of all lecturers. They treated students with respect and encouraged us to share ideas with each other in class. I personally thought that this learning style was very effective. Looking back, I really enjoyed my time studying in the friendly environment of this University, and Swansea is a charming city. I liked the vibe of people sipping a cup of coffee at the coffee shop, having a chat with friends, or walking along the beach. I really miss all those moments!

Now I am a full-time lecturer, teaching English in the School of Liberal Arts at University Phayao, Thailand. For me, doing the MA TESOL worked as a passport that helped me get into my teaching career. 

Learn more about our MA TESOL programme

Aaron recently completed a PhD in Criminology at Swansea's School of Law, and now works as a Research Assistant.

My time as a postgraduate student within the Criminology department, at both MA and PhD level, has proven stimulating and highly enjoyable. In undertaking my research, I have been struck not only by the academic expertise demonstrated by staff, but also by the pastoral concern that they exhibit towards postgraduate students. I have found my supervisors as well as wider departmental staff to be approachable, generous with their time and always ready to share their knowledge and insights.

I have also benefited hugely from the wide range of experiences that are available at postgraduate level, including the planning and teaching of seminars, as well as the various opportunities to attend and present at conferences. Suffice to say I cannot recommend postgraduate study within the Criminology department highly enough. You definitely won’t regret applying!

Learn more about our PhD Criminology programme

Hannah completed the MSc in Public Health & Health Promotion before undertaking roles at Public Health Wales and the Shared Regulatory Services for Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Hannah returned to Swansea to undertake a PhD in Public Health, and is nearing completion: 

I received an email from Swansea detailing a PhD scholarship. I was very happy in my role, but felt like it would be a great opportunity to at least apply. I was fortunate enough to be offered the scholarship and felt like this was an incredible opportunity to carry out more research on a topic I find interesting. The offer of the scholarship also influenced my decision as I would not have been able to pursue this PhD without financial support.

My PhD focuses on hygienic behaviours to help stop pathogens from spreading in swimming pools. The experience of teaching has been invaluable and a great skill to add to my CV. I have been given the opportunity to present my research at conferences and meet colleagues from different industries.

The hardest thing I have found is trying to ensure all work is completed in time. It can feel lonely, especially as you do not have lectures where you would come together as a group. However, the University does provide courses which do present opportunities to meet other PhD students. Keeping myself motivated for nearly three years has been difficult, but it is up to you and your supervisors to create work deadlines.

I would encourage anyone interested in postgraduate study to go for it! Things have happened unexpectedly in my personal life which have affected my studies, but I'm glad that I had to focus on my PhD and my supervisors were very supportive.

Learn more about our PhD Public Health programme

After completing both a BA and MA at Swansea, Stuart has recently embarked on a PhD in History, exploring the relationship between Wales and the League of Nations:

My PhD studies grew out of my experience of studying History at university, and the focus of my PhD thesis evolved out of topics explored in both my BA and MA dissertation. Looking forward, my career aspiration is to obtain my PhD in order to pursue a career in academia or historical research.

As a location, Swansea has the best of both worlds. It has the facilities and characteristics of a city without feeling that you live in one. Given Swansea’s topography, you are never far away from an open space, providing endless opportunities for recreation. After spending hours in the library or archives, there is nothing better than heading out for a run around some of Swansea’s scenic routes or going to the beach with friends.

Swansea University offered numerous extra-curricular opportunities that enhanced my CV and helped me grow as an individual. I worked as a Student Ambassador – here I shared my student experience and communicated with prospective students. The History Society provided a range of academic and social opportunities. I also decided to take up a new sport when starting my undergraduate degree. It resulted in me becoming a prominent member of the Athletics Society, acting as Vice-Captain during the second year of my undergraduate study.

 Learn more about our PhD History programme

Originally from London, Sharon completed the BA Public Relations and Media programme before enrolling onto Swansea's MA in International Relations:

My time at Swansea University has been incredible. Swansea not only offered me interesting modules, but offered work experience from its wide spectrum of student placements and opportunities. During my second and third year I joined the Student Union Events team where I gained skills in customer services, communication and team work. Working there helped me build my confidence.

Whilst completing my MA, I was granted the opportunity to work as a Student Ambassador for the College of Arts and Humanities. This was an enjoyable experience, as it gave me the opportunity to speak to many people, including students considering studying at Swansea and their parents.

Swansea University not only offers work experience and extra-curricular opportunities, but also helps with academic support. Its Academic Service offers help with essay writing, bibliographies and referencing. Swansea University is not just about academic achievement. Student mental health and wellbeing is of equal importance - it is a university that cares.

My time at Swansea has been fruitful and enjoyable. Coming here has taught me many things. I have acquired many skills that have prepared me for the world of work.

Learn more about the MA International Relations programme