Forensic Biology BSc(Hons): What our students say

"In sixth form I wasn't sure whether to study business or biology at university. But then I realised I was really interested in science, and that was what I wanted to do for my degree.

"During A-levels there were just five of us doing biology so being in a university lecture with 300 others was a real contrast. Not everyone in a lecture is necessarily studying biology so you get to see how different sciences relate to each other. Another difference between university and college is that at university you are given the whole picture so you understand the subject on a deeper level.

"One of the most interesting things I have done is a six-week lab project. You work with technicians and have to use your own initiative, researching and trying different things to get results.

"I have also enjoyed the variety of different modules the course offers. You can choose optional subjects in the second and third year. So I have been able to dive into areas that I might not have had the opportunity to study on other biology degree courses. For example, Biopsychology incorporates psychology, but also looks at the biology behind it. Next year I am doing Forensic Archaeology, which is learning about forensics but there's still biology involved. 

"I've found the teaching very good. Lecturers don't just read stuff, they give you lots of extra information. I like that there's a lot of technology used in the lectures so you are not always having to write notes. 

"The workload is quite demanding in the second year. You have to be disciplined and stick to the timetable to make sure you allow enough time for socialising and don't get behind with your work.

"On the social side, Kingston offers a huge number of clubs and societies and these can be a great support. I am part of the Christian Union. I really enjoy the Bible studies and teaching, as well as the nights out to comedy shows and the cinema. It's been brilliant because I have made friends I can always rely on. 

"But I've found my whole degree really enjoyable. It has stimulated my brain and really motivated me. It's inspired me to try to get the funding to do a PhD in neuroscience."

"I have a Business Studies degree and used to work in publishing as a database manager, but I was always interested in genetics and started to see careers opening up in this area. I decided the only way to move into the field would be to do a degree, and I chose Kingston because the biology course enables you to focus on your area of interest. In my case this was molecular biology.

"Now that I am here, I have found that the course has exceeded my expectations and that I am interested by a much wider area than I initially thought. One of the best things about the programme has been the lecturers. They are enthusiastic and passionate in what they do so that has been a highlight. I have also loved gaining knowledge and learning. 

"Kingston enables you to get as involved as you want. I volunteered to represent my course and this means that three times a year a few of us meet with the staff to talk about what we think of the programme and make suggestions.

"I figured that I would do this degree for three years and then go into a career. But after two years, here I am working on my year's placement as a trainee molecular biologist at Pfizer. Basically I am doing what I always wanted to do. The work responsibilities I have been given have just been fantastic. I didn't think I would get to this level so fast. 

"The way Pfizer is set up is great in terms of getting information and I am in the lab gaining experience most of the time. You get to see what it's like actually working in this career, whether you would like it or not and how you would react to the pressures. It's also allowing me to think more about the theory we've learnt at university and look at it in a different perspective. I would advise everybody to do a placement job.

"Going back to university as a mature student meant I was expecting just to go to the lectures and go home, but it's surprised me how easy it's been to fit in. There are other mature students who have a similar background to me and made the same kind of decision so I've made some good friends there. But I've also made lots of younger friends and that's been a great experience."