Erin’s Journey from Foundation Degree to BSc Medical Science and now MSc Physician Associate Studies

Can you tell us about your journey at Chester so far?

Before coming to university, I struggled massively when I sat my A Levels. I’m not great when it comes to written exams so, unfortunately, I did not get the grades to start straight away. However, I prepared for this by applying for Biomedical Science with a Foundation Year at the University of Chester. I always knew I wanted to be in a healthcare role, my main aim during this period was to do nursing after finishing my degree by completing further study in the future.

I started at the University of Chester, and I decided I was going to commute to Chester from Liverpool as the typical student lifestyle was not for me. I loved the fact that Chester was a different environment from where I grew up in Liverpool and it had the added benefit of not being far from home. I also still had that sense of independence when travelling to university.

I could not recommend a Foundation Year enough to anyone who wants to go to university, but has struggled to get the grades to get in. I learned a lot around the subjects that related to my course, and I also picked up more academic skills which provided me with a broad understanding of what’s expected at a university level of study. I became confident writing essays, referencing, revising, and following lectures.

When I started my undergraduate degree, I felt prepared as I knew where I was going, what was expected of me, and I also had friends already from my Foundation Degree. The support from the lecturers and the University was unmatched, I felt like I gained quality teaching. The Foundation Year and my undergraduate degree has now led me to the postgraduate course I’m studying today.

What made you pick Medical Science as a degree?

When I applied to Chester, I originally was enrolled to do Biomedical Science, however, when I was in my first year of my undergraduate degree, I discovered that Medical Science was an option.

I was unsure about the difference between Medical Science and Biomedical Science, so I carried out some research surrounding both courses to decide what was best for me overall. I have always had a keen interest in healthcare, and I felt like the Medical Science course was more tailored to my passion and interests.

The two degrees are similar, but there were some differences which made the Medical Science course stand out to me personally. The first year of the Medical Science course works alongside the Biomedical Science course to establish fundamental concepts like cell biology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and genetics.

Medical Science then goes on to help students to gain an understanding of a medical clinical environment and to enhance laboratory and research skills in the second and third year of the degree.

What did you enjoy most during the course?

Above everything else, I enjoyed the teaching. The staff were very engaging and made sure we all received the best teaching possible. Even though lecturers had a lot of students, staff would always make time to answer any questions or listen to concerns I had. All lectures were interesting and interactive, each year they built up our knowledge, so it did not feel too challenging.

We were based on Exton Park campus, which feels like a village with a great sense of community. The main library that is situated on the main campus is open 24/7 and provides a nice space to work on assignments.

The practical experiences on the course helped put all that I had learned in the lectures into practice. Working in the Simulation Suites, examining patients and taking part in role play scenarios felt like real life consultations. I also loved my dissertation project where I was able to have free reign to complete a laboratory-based research study regarding the use of targeted therapies in treating acute myeloid leukaemia. This project helped me build up my confidence around working in a lab setting, conducting a research paper, using statistical analysis and learning health and safety protocols.

What drew you to the MSc Physician Associate Studies and what have you enjoyed about it so far?

In my third year of my Medical Science degree, I worked alongside the Physician Associates in Chester Medical School. Before this, I had never heard of what a Physician Associate was or what they do. I liked the fact that Physician Associates can work under the supervision of a doctor to help patients by taking medical histories, carrying out physical examinations and developing and delivering treatment and management plans. I also liked how Physician Associates are generalists, which means that they can work across any specialty. This was a big pro for me as I enjoy every aspect of medicine.

So far, the course has been challenging, but rewarding. I have learned so much and have developed the confidence and ability to be able to see patients and perform certain physical examinations and procedures. The placements are varied where I have had plenty of opportunities to meet different people and learn and communicate with the patients and staff.

What are your future job prospects?

I have really enjoyed all my placements and teaching blocks during my MSc. During my first few years as a newly qualified Physician Associate, I would like to get as much experience as possible in different environments. I’d love to do this in General Practice, Secondary Care, or the Acute Medical Unit. In the long term, I would like to explore my interests and go down a particular specialty route, such as respiratory medicine or female health.

I have loved every second of education, so I might even end up back at university in the future. I am keeping an open mind, and I am happy to do anything and everything to get experience and build upon my knowledge.

Would you recommend future students follow the pathway you did?

I would always recommend following the path that is best for you but do your research before you make a decision. Make sure you know what to expect and do all you can to figure out what you are getting yourself into. That is easier said than done, because you will never know unless you try. My number one piece of advice is to choose something that you are passionate about and will make you happy.

Check out our Foundation Degree options, as well as our Medical Science and Biomedical Science undergraduate courses and our MSc in Physician Associate Studies.