The teaching is brilliant and the support provided is exceptionally helpful

What made you decide to study at the University of Sheffield?

In total honesty, I had never been to Sheffield before the day I moved in for my first year. Because of this, I made my decision based on both rankings, as Sheffield at the time was excellent in student satisfaction and student voice, as well as its location, because I am a fresh air enthusiast and the lure of the Peak District being right next to Sheffield was exciting.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I was given the opportunity to join a research team for six weeks over the start of the summer vacation. This opportunity was fantastic as I got hands-on experience working in a research group as well as the independent, creative freedom to think and act upon different approaches to the research I was doing. My supervisors were incredibly helpful and supportive. They didn't treat me as an under qualified second year chemist, but as a valued member of their team, encouraging me to present my findings to the group regularly. I enjoyed the research so much that I stepped up onto the integrated masters course! It truly opened a lot of doors in terms of future work, as well as being something that I can write extensively about on my CV.

What skills have you developed during your course?

The degree at Sheffield praises independent study and critical thinking and decision making throughout everything it offers. I have definitely felt like I have grown in these areas. It goes without saying that from partaking in around 400 hours of lab work throughout the first three years you gain a plethora of lab skills. Both in the practical methods you perform, as well as the active decision making required when problems arise.

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course at Sheffield?

I would really encourage anyone considering studying chemistry at university that Sheffield is definitely a place to have on your list. The teaching is brilliant and the support provided is exceptionally helpful. The amount of lab work that is offered is a fantastic way to become confident in labs and lab techniques, as well as set you up for future employment. The School also offers lots of different schemes that allow you to actively join in with chemical research here at the university