Steven Kennedy

What made you decide to study at Abertay?

I was drawn to Abertay on several grounds. Principally, I liked the fact that Abertay has strong connections with local industry. This means that for third year several of the lectures are delivered by guest lecturers from Ninewells hospital, and there are numerous visits to laboratories both within Ninewells, and elsewhere in Dundee. Abertay is also very much a teaching uni (as opposed to a research uni). Most of its budget goes towards teaching, meaning that they employ lecturers who are passionate about teaching and not preoccupied by their research commitments. Abertay is a small university, with the result that its quite easy for the students and lecturers to get to know each other fairly well.

How did you feel about coming to Abertay as a mature student?

Initially I wasn’t quite sure if I was academically capable, and that was one of the reasons I pursued the college route. I’d convinced myself that I could get an HND under my belt, but I wasn’t sure if I could handle a degree. In reality, by the time I finished college I was more than capable of the increased academic requirements, and the transition from college to uni was much easier than I anticipated. As a mature student, I was incentivised to study in a way that I couldn’t when I was younger, chiefly because I had a definitive end goal in mind. I wanted to become a Biomedical Scientist for the NHS, ideally within a clinical immunology department. I’d given up my previous job to pursue this ambition, so I was pretty focused from the start. I knew that I had to work part – time at the weekends, meaning that I only had the evenings to study. I knew it would be tough, but I was up for it!

What have the highlights been of your time at Abertay?

Bonding with fellow students. Also, attending the genetics and bioethics lectures delivered by Dr Kevin Smith. His enthusiasm and commitment towards his field (and his students) is incredible, and it was a joy to learn from him. I also enjoyed socialising with the lecturers at our Christmas night out and after exams.

What’s next for you?

Finding a relevant job. I wish to consolidate and expand my academic knowledge within a practical setting. Ideally, I’ll secure a full – time scientific position within the coming weeks, which will be in tandem with a distance learning master’s degree I hope to start in October.