My experience as an MSc Medical and Molecular Virology student at Manchester

Rohith Satheesh is a postgraduate student on the MSc Medical and Molecular Virology course at Manchester. Here, he talks about international student life, the course and postgraduate study in general.

As a postgraduate student at The University of Manchester, I am immersed in a dynamic, intellectual and cultural environment. This is my second postgrad experience after I obtained my first in Biotechnology from Pune, India, and it is different in many aspects.

The differences

One of the defining aspects of postgraduate life at Manchester is the sense of academic rigour that permeates every facet of the experience. Unlike in India, where the programme would last two years, all you get here is one year that fully immerses you in this challenge.

As a postgrad Medical and Molecular Virology student, I’ve been thrust into an environment that encourages critical thinking, independent research, and intellectual curiosity. The University’s commitment to research excellence is palpable, and world-class staff and state-of-the-art facilities surround students.

Why MSc Medical and Molecular Virology?

The course is designed to challenge, learn and inspire. I am constantly trained to delve deeper into the subject matter. Seminars, labs, assignments, and discussions become forums for intellectual exchange where diverse perspectives and ideas converge.

The vibrant research culture of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, particularly the virology department, fosters an environment where students are encouraged to contribute to developing various vaccines and anti-viral drugs and researching multiple viruses and diseases.

The course focuses more on self-learning and not on conventional teaching methods. I learn more realistically via case studies and seminars rather than through many lectures. The course also includes some lab work, with a lab-based research project in my final semester playing an important role.

In a way, this is very important, because you learn what challenges one will face concerning the academic and industry-based environments, preparing you to meet them with courage and confidence. But that doesn’t mean all the responsibilities are on you. The professors are highly experienced and skilled in their field. They are always there to support you whenever you need their guidance. To them, no question is a stupid question.

At the same time, the University also recognises the importance of holistic development, and the postgraduate experience extends beyond the confines of lecture halls and research labs. The university campus is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, with students from around the globe converging to share their experiences and ideas.

As an international student, I always feel welcomed in this cohort of different cultures. This diversity has enriched my learning experience, providing a global perspective beyond textbooks and academic theories.

University highlights

With its imposing architecture and vast collections, the University library is a haven, because I seek quiet study spaces and am fond of reading reference books and manuscripts.

The University’s Careers Service is pivotal in helping postgraduate students like me shape their futures. Workshops, career fairs, and one-on-one counselling sessions provide valuable insights into potential career paths, assisting students in making planned decisions about their professional trajectories.

The social side of being a postgraduate student at Manchester University is equally appealing. The Students’ Union conducts several events and activities to develop the student community. There are several possibilities to engage with like-minded folks who share your hobbies and interests, ranging from academic groups to cultural clubs.

I am part of various societies, and I would especially like to mention the Malayali Society. I come from the state of Kerala, and it strengthens my sense of belonging. These social encounters help to fill out the educational experience and frequently result in lifetime friendships and professional networks.

Exploring the city of Manchester is also an essential aspect of the postgraduate experience. The city’s rich industrial heritage and modern ambience provide a lively backdrop to student life. The city is a tapestry of cultural experiences ready to be unravelled, from the historic Manchester Museum on the University campus to the fashionable Northern Quarter.

The challenges

The postgraduate journey is challenging. The workload can be demanding, and pursuing academic excellence requires dedication and perseverance. Balancing coursework, assignments, meeting deadlines, and personal life becomes a skill that postgraduate students must master. The pressure to contribute original research adds an extra layer of responsibility.

Still, it also catalyses emotional and intellectual growth. I remember the difficulty of starting the journey as an independent person in a different country. The challenge of managing health, diet, food, and living expenses is equally important. I have learnt this skill, and you will understand it when you embark on this journey.

The move from undergraduate to postgraduate studies can be time-consuming and exhausting. The stakes are more significant, and the amount of independence necessary might initially be intimidating. Nonetheless, this difficulty fosters resilience and self-reliance, preparing students for the rigours of professional life after graduation.

A final note

Being a postgraduate student at The University of Manchester is a transformative experience combining academic excellence and cultural richness. My journey is marked by intellectual stimulation, diverse social interactions, and exploring a city that embodies tradition and innovation. The chapter leaves an indelible mark, shaping professional trajectories and fostering my personal growth and a lifelong connection to the academic community.

For me, it has been a rollercoaster experience. I am being well trained in virology research and disease control, and I am thrilled to start my research project next semester.

The University of Manchester has become more than an institution to me. It has become a home far away from home for people like me who have embarked on this exhilarating postgraduate study journey.

Learn more about master’s-level study in biology, medicine and health at Manchester.