A supportive environment and hands-on learning have made my time at Sheffield truly rewarding

I decided to pursue a master’s because I wanted to build on the knowledge I already had. Biomedical Engineering really interests me—it brings together science, technology, people, and even elements of sport and nature, all things I enjoy. It’s also a challenge, which was part of the appeal. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, try new things, and grow. I feel like I’m doing that now.

So far, my experience has been amazing. When I first arrived in Sheffield, I missed the in-person orientation due to a visa delay. But once I got here, an academic tutor helped bring me up to speed. That early support made a big difference and helped me settle in more quickly. The university is full of thoughtful touches like that—people willing to help, well-organised systems, and a structure that makes it easier to adapt to something new.

I’ve really enjoyed the course and the people I’ve met along the way. The tutors are supportive, and I like how varied everything is. One of the highlights has been my final year project. I worked in a group of three on a study exploring the use of nanocomposites for photothermal cancer therapy. We synthesised different samples and tested how laser energy could be used to heat them in a way that might help ablate cancer cells. We experimented with exposure times, analysed the energy spread, and compared our findings to existing research. The project helped me develop practical and research-based skills—from biomaterial synthesis to data analysis and scientific writing.

I’ve also grown much more confident using engineering software. Before starting the course, I had little to no experience with tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, or MATLAB, but now I can use them and apply what I’ve learned. I’ve taken part in seminars on CV writing and networking, and I’ve definitely become more confident communicating in both academic and professional settings. I don’t feel as shy or unsure as I used to.

One of the best parts of being here has been the environment. There’s always something going on—seminars, workshops, and activities. I’ve taken classes in 3D printing and sewing just because I could. There are loads of resources, plenty of computers, clubs to join, and people to talk to. I’ve always felt like support was there if I needed it, and that’s made a huge difference.

Sheffield as a place has been even better than I expected. The facilities are great, especially the libraries, which I’ve used a lot for studying and assignments. It’s easy to find your own space to work, and the general support across the university has been consistently thoughtful.

If you’re considering this course, I’d definitely recommend it. My time here has been incredibly meaningful, and I’ve learned so much. I’m still figuring out my next steps after graduation, but I’m hoping to find a role that aligns with both my skills and interests. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I feel much more prepared to explore what’s out there.