A thriving community at Medway
When looking to study an undergraduate degree course in Human Nutrition, Shona considered several universities across the country, but it was the University of Greenwich that stood out to her.
Open Days are a great way to get a feel for a university, see the campus and its facilities and learn more about the courses on offer by speaking to academics and engaging with subject talks.
I was specifically looking for courses accredited by the Association for Nutrition, and after attending an Open Day, I realised that I preferred the welcoming atmosphere on the Medway Campus.
Shona appreciated studying the BSc Human Nutrition (now titled BSc Human Nutrition and Health) due to its accreditation and wide range of content, including public health and epidemiology.
The welcoming atmosphere of the campus she experienced meant she was able to form new friendships and collaborate effectively with her peers. She became an ambassador for STAART, the university’s disability and diversity focused initiative, which supported her learning and allowed her to be involved with exciting projects and meet new people.
Impact health and the environment
Shona has been offered a placement with Medway Hospital in what will be an opportunity to carry out research into vitamin D status and Type 2 Diabetes.
She explains that nutrition is a huge part of everyday life, with food choices impacting on not only health but also the environment. She adds that by understanding the nutritional needs of the human body, individuals can make more informed choices and have greater influence over their own health and wellbeing.
Broad options for postgraduate study
After completing her degree, Shona progressed onto the MSc Food Innovation course, explaining that she wanted to consolidate her knowledge before commencing a PhD. She benefited from the Greenwich Postgraduate Scholarship, which reduced her fees by £5000, meaning she had more of her student loan to spend on living costs and supporting her studies.
I have set my sights on pursing a PhD and this additional year has allowed me to develop in confidence and hone in on the area of study that I am passionate about.
On the MSc programme, she has studied different aspects of food such as marketing and innovation, climate change and agriculture. Through her MSc, Shona says she has found confidence in her abilities and now feels ready for the next step. She praises her lecturers, who have helped her develop new interests as well as expand her knowledge.
The University of Greenwich welcomes applications for postgraduate research degrees (MPhil/PhD/EdDs). More information about how to apply can be found on our website.
Shona is grateful she attended an Open Day, which was the start of her journey to undergraduate and postgraduate-level study in the subject she loves.
