Student life at Queen Mary, University of London
The university itself - and by that I mean the people - are really really friendly. Everyone is willing to sit down and have a drink with you, it's not cliquey at all.
Fariah Kahn, Medical student
Social life
Your time at university is a great opportunity to meet people, try new things, and develop your interests. What's more, you have a world-class city to explore.
Academic experience
You can expect an outstanding education at a top university in a supportive and inspiring environment when you study at Queen Mary.
Your time as a student is sure to be life-changing - from your first experience of living away from home, to trying new things such as reporting for the student newspaper, eating Ethiopian and Vietnamese food or attempting a sky dive for charity.
There's also the challenge of studying your chosen subject at a higher level than you have done before, and developing all sorts of new skills, like presenting to a group or acting as a mentor to students at schools in the local area.
Overall, your student days are precious, and we want you to get the most out of the time you spend with us.
Lewis Alexander Church
“Having completed my BA at Queen Mary, I was aware of the fantastic opportunities offered by the Department of Drama, in terms of working with staff and visiting artists, and excellent postgraduate student resources.
Overall Queen Mary has a fantastic attitude to research and performance practice. Department staff are willing to support and develop original ideas and interests, rather than limiting students to pre-set areas of investigation. They are always approachable and eager to offer help with any aspect of research. They are also brilliant when it comes to organising contact with artists and organisations, and I have been able to work closely with several artists in a way that I do not believe would have been possible at any other institution.
The facilities at Queen Mary are exceptionally well equipped. In the last few years the library has expanded to include a massive amount of resources, particularly in theatre and performance, and the University has strong connections with various arts organisations that compliment the materials available on campus.
East London is a great area to live in, with local pubs, restaurants and clubs, and easy transport links to central London. Culturally, there is a massive artistic community, which means that there are constantly opportunities arising to perform, see new work or meet artists and arts professionals. Queen Mary itself hosts many different events, and there is almost always something interesting going on somewhere!”
Graduate profile:
Amanda Raphael, PhD in the History of the British Natural Childbirth Movement
“I studied History as an undergraduate at Queen Mary and when I decided to take on the challenge of a PhD, the welcoming atmosphere and the wealth of academic expertise and innovation within the Department drew me back.
My supervisor was a continuous source of encouragement from the start, and I was also allocated a mentor. Being a mature student and mother to two young children, my requirements for study were flexibility, understanding and support. The great thing about Queen Mary is that I get all of this alongside the fantastic library, computing, research and other facilities one would expect from a University of London college.
The College has, I think, got the balance right: it is not at all intimidating, yet sets high standards for its postgraduate students; it fosters independence, yet encourages participation in seminars and discussion groups; finally, it offers the friendly and supportive atmosphere of a campus right in the heart of London’s bustling East End.”
Graduate profile:
Laura Gillam
Studied:
BSc Biology – graduated 2005
I currently work as a Cardiac Service Improvement Manager for the South West London Cardiac Network.
I work with clinicians, managers, commissioners, patients and their carers across the sector to ensure a coordinated approach to cardiac services throughout the Network.
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
When I went to visit Queen Mary for a day, we were given a few lectures by the different professors, as a taster. I remember coming away feeling totally inspired by a lecture on the genetics of plants – now if there’s a lecturer that can make you feel excited about genetics I think that’s something quite impressive!
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
I really enjoyed my time at the College. I loved pretty much all of my modules and the work was always really interesting and challenging. We had teachers who taught you so thoroughly yet also encouraged you to go and find out more for yourself, and they were always very approachable if you were having difficulties at all. And I definitely got value for money, because of all the hours I spent in labs doing practicals – and they were just great, I felt like a real scientist. I made some really good friends too, and I actually met my husband there! I’ve also come away with a degree from the University of London, which is one of the most prestigious institutions in England. So overall, the three years at Queen Mary was a great three years of experience and development in my life, and has probably enabled me to get where I am today. What are your career plans in the next five years? I want to stay working with the NHS for sure. I find it really satisfying knowing that I can make a difference to a person’s welfare.
Salary bracket: £25-35,000
Sally Young
“There are some excellent research projects in my department – most of them always seem to have a fun side to them which is great. The study facilities are excellent and I can always find a place to work.
My favourite place on campus is the Informatics Teaching Laboratory – our dedicated Computer Science computer laboratory
Being in east London is great. It gives good access to the city which has every activity you could think of. Though you don't even have to go into the city to do a lot of things as everything is on campus.”