Find out what our graduates thought about their time at Aberystwyth University
Ruth Clamp
After completing a BSc in Equine and Human Sport Science at Aberystwyth, I decided to develop my scientific knowledge of a wider range of animals by undertaking the Animal Science MSc course. The MSc was a challenge which I enjoyed. I liked the course design, giving core subjects that gave a good broad biological knowledge of the subject areas and also option modules which develop the core modules further in either equine or livestock areas. Lecturers on the course were very helpful and willing to help when needed.
Throughout the MSc I developed an interest in immunology and endocrinology. I completed my dissertation looking at the innate immune response within bovine mammary epithelial cells. This and many other skills that I learnt on the MSc course helped me to obtain Aberystwyth Doctoral Career Development Scheme funding to study for a PhD in bovine endometrial endocrinology and immunology.
Laurie Freedman
After completing my BSc in Animal Biology and a Veterinary Technician diploma in Ontario, Canada, I wanted to further my education in order to open the door on new opportunities for myself and my future career. Studying for a MSc in Animal Science at Aberystwyth University certainly did just that. By completing my MSc in a different country from my home environment, I welcomed the challenge of new learning experiences and exposure to innovative research that is emerging in animal sciences in the UK.
I was initially drawn to the MSc Animal Science programme at Aberystwyth University because it gave me the opportunity to learn about both livestock and equine sciences without having to focus solely on one species. I also enjoyed learning about a wide range of topics within the modules that were offered. The dissertation provided me with the opportunity to complete an in depth study of my specific interest whilst creating my own research. Throughout the twelve months of this programme I always found the lecturers to be very supportive and approachable. Whilst at Aberystwyth University I found the academic work to be very challenging. But in looking back on my year of study, I realize what a good foundation I received that along with my previous educational endeavours has helped me prepare for my current studies in Veterinary Medicine. Presently, I have completed the first of four years for my MVB at University College Dublin in Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed my year at Aberystwyth University and I will always cherish the friends and great memories I made along the way.
Alaeddin Okuroglu
After graduating from Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Science, I aimed to further improve my skills and knowledge about my work field with a proper English degree through being an MSc student in Animal Science at Aberystwyth University. I was accepted for Animal Science MSc programme and it was at that point that I understood how I am so lucky. At the beginning it was quite tough for me to understand the lecturers and the system of the programme due to cultural differences and my inadequate English. However, thanks to helpful coordinators and lecturers, I had chance to be aware of my mistakes and to correct them. Finally, I got myself into the course. I could enhance my vision and concentrate on my main interests through many assignments and presentations. Moreover, the course provided us with an opportunity to participate in workshops and conferences (BSAS), which opened up a certain avenue for my future career plans. On the other hand, I met many helpful and great people who I am still in touch with.
I have been working for Embryo Transfer Technology in the International Center for Livestock Research and Training in Turkey as a researcher since I graduated from Aberystwyth University. My government and many professor found it a big advantage doing my MSc in Animal Science in Aberystwyth University. The lectures on the MSc programme and my improved English make it easier for me now to do projects and also multidisciplinary research. I definitely suggest and encourage people, especially International students, to do the MSc Animal Science programme at Aberystwyth University.
Sarah Parkinson
I chose to study for my MSc in Animal Science after I discovered my love for nutrition during my studies for my BSc in Bioveterinary Science. I chose this degree to broaden my scientific knowledge and focus more on the specific nutrition for livestock and horses. The MSc pushed me academically and helped improve my knowledge not only in well-established subjects but also opened up areas of new research that is of extreme current importance within the food chain and also the environment. My dissertation looking at poultry nutrition helped me to improve my critical thinking, planning and scientific writing skills.
Since graduating from Aberystwyth I moved straight into the animal nutrition sector. I am currently an equine and animal nutritionist working for Allen & Page. The experiences and knowledge that I have gained at Aberystwyth have been invaluable in helping me get to where I am now and preparing me for a career in science.
Amanda Warr
The MSc covered a range of topics, introducing me to subjects I knew nothing about and improving upon my knowledge of molecular genetics and genetics in livestock breeding. My dissertation project involved using Next-Generation Sequencing to identify bacteria in horses with Inflammatory Airway Disease and involved collaboration with Cotts Equine Hospital. The course was certainly challenging, but was also thoroughly enjoyable. The group of students taking the course was quite small, and we all got on extremely well; I am still in touch with many of them. The lecturers were friendly, approachable and organized, and were always willing to help with any problems we were having.
Having completed my MSc I was accepted for a 4-year PhD in Genetics and Genomics at The University of Edinburgh in The Roslin Institute. My project involves using bioinformatics to find genetic variants in the pig genome that could be used to improve pork production or that could be used in medical modelling of human diseases. The use of sequencing in my MSc dissertation project not only helped me to get this position, but let me experience the practical side of genetics and genomics, helping me to really understand my data now. The MSc modules relating to genetics and statistics were extremely important in preparing me for the work I am doing, but I also find I am drawing from my knowledge of many of the other subjects we learned about such as endocrinology, reproduction and immunology.
The MSc in Animal Science at Aberystwyth gave me exactly what I was looking for the knowledge and experience I needed to further my career, some lifelong friends and some wonderful memories.
