Jessica is in her first year of a 2 year part-time Master’s in Environmental Health. Having previously graduated from Leeds Beckett 10 years ago, she chose to return to studying to further enhance her career prospects. In this blog, she talks through what she’s enjoyed about her course so far.

Course: MSc Environmental Health

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to study at Leeds Beckett?

I graduated from Leeds Beckett a decade ago as a mature student. My degree prepared me well for the world of work in the food industry. After 10 years, my experiences led to my interest in environmental health and I could not think of a better university to come back to. Overall, I still have so much to learn in food and this course offers that and will also help me greatly expand my knowledge in the broad area that this valuable career has to offer. 

What do you enjoy about your course?

I have just completed my first semester and I have learnt so much from all my lecturers because they are very passionate about environmental health. Also, the support during a stressful examination period has been amazing. The course flexibility of offering both full and part time has also given me the opportunity to continue with my current role and balance my studies with my career ambitions. We also have visits from guest Environmental Health Practitioners so we can gain insight into their careers.

What opportunities have you had throughout your time at Leeds Beckett and how have you been supported?

Over the last 12 weeks, the knowledge gained in food, health and safety and environmental interventions have been challenging but highly rewarding. I have learnt so much from my cohort as the range of experiences are so diverse. We’re also provided with opportunities to connect with guest lecturers.

The library staff have also been invaluable with supporting me, especially with refreshing my Harvard referencing skills which I thought were long buried from my undergraduate dissertation. I am greatly looking forward to the opportunities of a mock court and also the food identification practical qualification. 

What would you like to do in the future after leaving Leeds Beckett?

I hope to get through the course first and foremost. The knowledge I am learning now will bring huge benefits to my current role. In the next 18 months, I hope to equip myself with the skills, knowledge, confidence and professionalism to hopefully be half as good as my EHP lecturers and work towards gaining some valuable experience in my local authority.

What would you say to someone considering studying your course?

I would encourage you to seek work experience before starting this course, to make sure it is still something you would like to do. For me, it confirmed I had made the right decision. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health website along with the university open days are also beneficial as it gives you the opportunity to ask any questions.