Edward Briggs MChem Chemistry with industrial experience, 2017
My favourite part of my time here was the ability to complete a six-month placement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. It offered a great insight into how chemistry is utilised outside of academia and inspired me to pursue a career in this area.
Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?
The three A-levels I undertook were Chemistry, Maths and Physics. Of these, Chemistry was my favourite so it seemed like an obvious choice to study at a higher level. When applying to universities, Southampton really stood out to me as it offered the six-month placement scheme.
What is it like studying here?
Studying at Southampton has been an excellent experience. The lecturers are always willing to listen and help with any of your concerns and offer the appropriate support with whatever issues you may have.
How do you rate study facilities at the University?
The research facilities at Southampton are great and they enabled me to carry out my research project in third year with relative ease. In terms of study space, the library is ever-increasing its capacity and there are plenty of areas around campus which you can study in if you prefer a different environment.
What have been your Southampton highlights?
The flexibility of the course allowed me to experience optional modules in astrophysics in years one and two as well as laying a foundation of knowledge which I could use to help me complete my research project in third year under Professor Bruno Linclau. My fourth year was dominated by my six-month placement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, but the modules I undertook upon my return gave fascinating real world examples of Chemistry I’m interested in.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
My favourite part of my time here was the ability to complete a six-month placement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. It offered a great insight into how chemistry is utilised outside of academia and inspired me to pursue a career in this area.
Did you have the opportunity to study modules outside of your core subject area?
In first year (and to an extent second) you can pick modules from almost every other faculty at the university and I would encourage people to do so, in order to give them a better idea on what they want to do when they graduate.
Did you stay in University accommodation?
I stayed in a small halls complex called Bencraft Court, there was only a couple hundred other first years there but it meant you knew almost everyone, so it was quite a tight-knit community. Despite it being a small halls of residence, it has good transport links and 24-hour security.
What is the city of Southampton like to live in?
Southampton has been a great city to live in; it’s a good size and has plenty of things to do! There are plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs and if you ever need time out the house you can always go to the Common, which is a short walk away from most of the student housing in Portswood.
What one word sums up how you feel about your experiences at Southampton?
Outstanding!
What are your aspirations for the future? How will your degree assist with your ambitions?
I would like to become a medicinal or process chemist at a pharmaceutical company, something I wouldn’t have realised without Southampton’s guidance. To help achieve this, I’m starting a PhD position at Imperial College London under the supervision of Dr. James Bull, looking at developing synthetic methodology.
*Course formerly titled MChem Chemistry with six month placement