I first fell in love with the University of Southampton when my parents took me to see the campus to get me thinking about what I wanted to do after sixth form. We bumped into the Physics admissions tutor and he gave me an impromptu tour around the physics building! I was very impressed with the facilities, especially the physics library and the astronomy domes. The friendly atmosphere was very important to me and I got the same impression at the formal open day. I felt the department was welcoming and inclusive throughout my time at Southampton.

Engaging modules and excellent teaching

I really enjoyed studying physics at Southampton; the core modules were very engaging with excellent teaching - and some great characters - and the labs complimented the core learning well. There was always plenty of choice for optional modules; I took some modules from the maths, chemistry and engineering departments, which supplemented my core physics knowledge and I believe made me a better, more-rounded scientist.

Training to become a medical physicist 

The University helped me find my current job as a trainee medical physicist on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). I had completed the medical physics option module in my second year and then attended an open day for one of the participating NHS STP hospitals. Having decided Medical Physics was what I wanted to do, I organised some work experience at a local hospital to gain some experience and make sure that it was right for me. A year into my training I can definitely say I made the right choice, although I wish I could still be a student at Southampton sometimes!