Why I Love Studying Biotechnology at York

Why I chose biotechnology

I’ve always been fascinated by science and how it can be used to improve the world. I was especially drawn to biotechnology because it combines different disciplines and applies them to real-life challenges. During my undergraduate degree I further fell in love with my course.

My final year project dealt with the isolation of bacteria from the soil and understanding the effects of garlic on it. This project incited the urge to pursue biotechnology at Masters level. I also liked the idea of studying biotechnology because it’s a fast-growing and dynamic field. There are new discoveries and innovations happening all the time.

Why I chose York

I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in research. A well-established research wing was one of the strong criteria when I was searching for a university. When I came across University of York, I was impressed by the reputation and ranking of the Department of Biology. It had one of the top bioscience departments in the UK with a strong focus on research excellence and impact. I also liked the fact that the department is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. This means that the course meets the high standards of the professional body and gives me the opportunity to become a chartered biologist.

Another reason why I chose York was the flexibility and variety of the course. The MSc in Biotechnology at York allows me to tailor my studies to my interests and goals, by choosing from a wide range project which can also help enhance my skills and employability. The beauty of the campus, which spans over 500 acres, is also a very good reason why the University of York made it to my top priorities.

What I enjoyed

Apart from studying, I also enjoyed the social and extracurricular aspects of my first year. I made many friends with my course mates and flat mates, who helped me settle in and supported me throughout the year.

I am a part of the All Should Eat initiative. This is a voluntary group that does food collections at the University and distributes it to the less fortunate. This has been an enriching experience and is something I’d highly recommend if you have the time to spare.

The University also assigns you a college when you join which hosts college meals which will help you socialize more. I also joined some societies and clubs such as the BioSoc that matched my interests and hobbies. These were great ways to meet new people, learn new things, develop new skills, and have fun. The BioSoc Winter Formals was an memorable experience in my uni life.

The City of York itself is a beautiful English town with a lot of historical importance. If you are a history nerd like me then you’re sure to fall in love with this city like I did.

What I gained

I can say that studying biotechnology at York has been an amazing and enriching experience. I’m gaining a lot of knowledge, skills and confidence. I have been learning a lot about biotechnology and its applications, as well as about myself and my potential. I also developed a lot of transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, research, analysis, creativity, and organisation. I also had a lot of fun and made a lot of memories and friends that I will cherish forever.

I hope this blog post has given you an insight into what it’s like to study biotechnology at York and why I love it so much. If you’re a prospective student who’s got an offer to study at York, I hope this has inspired you and helped you to make your decision. If you have any questions or want to chat more, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you and share more of my experience with you.

Thank you for reading and I hope to see you soon at York!