by Matt, MSc Environmental Health.
We asked our Professional and Creative Writing students to interview Postgraduate students/graduates about their experience at UWE Bristol and ghost write a blog based on their answers.
In this blog MSc Environmental Health graduate Matt tells us how Postgraduate Study as a mature student gave him the skills required to change his career path, from Teaching to Environmental Health. Read more about his story.
Why Postgraduate study was right for me.
I undertook my Bachelor’s degree, back in 2014 studying General Primary. After a PGCE and 4 years of higher education, I began working in Primary teaching and frankly vowing never to return to university! But after realising that this route of study and career had been less of a dream vocation and more a chance to establish my independence, I took a change in direction and hung up my teaching boots after 5 years. I then began working in the catering sector for charities.
Whilst on this journey, this is where I was exposed to Environmental Health (EH) as a profession, through food inspections for the events I was part of. After talking it over with some Environmental Health officers, I realised this profession sounded like a great fit for me. It had variety, flexible working and was inherently concerned with helping others.
I discovered that to secure work in this sector, I would need either a BSc or MSc in Environmental Health. I was 31 at the time, and honestly, I wasn’t enthused by the prospect of another 3-year undergraduate course. So naturally, MSc was the perfect fit.
Matt
I think the time in work, as well as the space to grow and mature during that 10-year academic hiatus developed me into a more prepared and driven student. I certainly wouldn’t have achieved the grades I received in the MSc if I had joined as a 21-year-old. If I was to give any advice to 21-year-old me, it would be “Never say never!”
Why I chose UWE Bristol.
After deciding my chosen path for my Postgraduate Study, I began looking at universities and what they had to offer. Living in Cardiff, UWE Bristol was already on the cards due to the proximity of the university. As well as this, UWE Bristol is one of few universities where the Environmental Health MSc is accredited by the CIEH. (The professional body for Environmental Health – Chartered Institute for Environmental Health.)
So, after extensive research into the course and speaking to the lead lecturer, I felt at ease about the studying, as well as the wide career opportunities post-graduation.
Matt
Where Postgraduate study has taken me.
Now, I work as an Environmental Health Technical Officer for Blaenau Gwent Council, a small authority situated in the valleys north of Cardiff.
As well as this, I still fostered numerous relationships from my time at UWE Bristol, which have led to further work. Including working as a guest lecturer at UWE Bristol on the MSc course – Putting that PGCE to good use after all!
The job is everything I thought it would be and I have a great manager and team who are supporting my development. I have kept in touch with the course tutors and being able to deliver content on the 2023-24 MSc course, has been an incredible experience.
The MSc at UWE Bristol has helped developed numerous opportunities for me, giving me skills and tools that have been developed through simulated learning activities. I’ve found these experiences have fully prepared me for the working world of Environment Health.
My career paths have been greatly broadened by my postgraduate study at UWE Bristol, creating endless opportunities and space for new connections in the world of Environmental Health.
Matt
I have found that these experiences have more than qualified me for interactions within my current post and I have found myself reviewing course materials on more than one occasion. TOP TIP – Keep your notes!
Find out more about Postgraduate study at UWE Bristol.