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.
Noor Al-Humaidhi
“All the teaching staff took the time to explain the intricacies of the law that I did not understand (having done a Medicine degree) and were always interested in my thoughts and opinions. The programme was set up as a series of seminars, so we were not just lectured but encouraged to prepare background reading and engage in discussion.
The programme has been a wonderful opportunity for me to examine the day-to-day duties of a doctor in a completely different light. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the medical field as it forces you to question and re-examine issues that you may have thought were simple and straight forward.”
Graduate profile:
Karim Boudjelal
Studied:
MSc in Finance and Investment – graduated 2007
Currently:
Working for Deutsche Bank in the City of London
Why did you choose Queen Mary for your postgraduate study?
After having studied Economics in the University of Toulouse 1, I decided to come to London to obtain an MSc in Finance and Investment. Why would a French person come to London to study finance? You all may know the City of London
is at the heart of the world’s financial markets. Therefore, I knew that obtaining an MSc in Finance and Investment in a leading UK University would grant me an added benefit in settling down in the professional world. I chose Queen Mary after researching widely on universities in the UK and establishing that the Department of Economics at Queen Mary was renowned for its excellent research work.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
The Department of Economics at Queen Mary University of London offers you a range of programmes taught by well-qualified professionals, who will help you to get the best experience from your time in London. Moreover the structure of the MSc, a mix of revision classes, tutorials, and guest speakers keeps the programme intense and helped me to achieve
the best results. From a personal point of view, I enjoyed the warm welcome provided by the staff (workshop and events), which helped me to meet other students from all over the world. This has enriched my experience even more. As a foreigner I was also very pleased by the English modules offered for free which helped me become more confident. The College is also well equipped with excellent modern facilities, especially the gym.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
I now live in London and work for one of the leading investment banks in the world. I definitively think that studying for the MSc in Finance and Investment at Queen Mary prepared me more than adequately for my entry into the corporate world.
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
Anastasia Osei-Kuffour
“I knew Queen Mary was part of the University of London, so I knew that it was a reputable institution and I would receive the best education here. My degree offers a lot of variety, each module is a new learning experience which makes my degree very interesting and not at all boring. We have top grade lecturers who are experts in their field and the facilities on campus are continually being improved and upgraded.
I play badminton, which I really enjoy, I’ve made quite a few friends from this club and it is good exercise. I’m also taking part in a mentoring scheme, I like helping people who are younger than me to be more successful in their studies.
Highlights of my time at Queen Mary include getting a first in my Quantitative Research Methods module, and winning at badminton.”