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The University of Southampton
Mathematical SciencesPostgraduate study

Mike Hogg PhD Ultra Cold Condensed Matter as Analogues for Superfluid Neutron Star Cores

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Hi, I'm Mike Hogg and I studied PhD Ultra Cold Condensed Matter as Analogues for Superfluid Neutron Star Cores within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

The whole experience of mixing with young people who didn't seem phased by age differences was a lot of fun. The quality of academic staff, each with their own style, is very high and their dedication to their students' success is inspirational.

Q: Why did chose to undertake your studies / research with the University of Southampton?

As an older, but definitely not mature, student, my choice of institution was dictated by family circumstances. Living within half a mile of Southampton University, my decision to study here was not a hard one to make. I do feel fortunate that, having decided to return to education, I was living close to such a centre of excellence.

My decision to continue into post graduate research was first motivated by the award of a Nuffield Scholarship at the end of my second undergraduate course. This involved an eight week project during the summer vacation, which I undertook in the General Relativity Group within the School of Mathematics. I felt that I had found my “niche” in a more independent learning environment and decided to apply for a post graduate position within the group.

Whilst I was again restricted as to my choice of location, I believe that my undergraduate experiences at Southampton University would have led me here anyway.

Q: Rate the support offered by your lecturers, academic supervisors and/or research assistants, and why.

The level of support within the School of Mathematics has been outstanding. I felt during my first experience of higher education, thirty years ago, that the students were an inconvenience to be tolerated, so the staff could be funded to do their research. Here I have encountered an entirely different ethos. Teaching is perceived as the number one priority with academic staff available and enthusiastic about giving help and encouragement. Whilst prioritising teaching, the department has clearly maintained a leading position in the research community.

As well as academic help, the pastoral care offered has been excellent. During my final undergraduate year, I suffered a serious illness which led to an absence of several weeks. The flexibility shown in offering alternative exam arrangements, which I declined, and extending project deadlines, which I didn't, made me feel that my success was as important to the staff as it was to myself.

What have you been able to achieve as a result of studying at the University of Southampton?

I suppose that I'll only really know this fully when I return to the world of paid employment. I hope that what I have achieved here will open employment opportunities that were previously closed.

Any other comments:

As well as my academic work, the university has given me a rich variety of other experiences.

The student union offers a club for almost anything legal, darts being my society of choice.

The opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduates was rewarding.

The quality of academic staff, each with their own style, was very high and their dedication to their students' success is inspirational.

These have been some of the best years of my life.

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