Aia is a BSc Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology student at our Clerkenwell campus. She appreciates the incredible support from lecturers, who offer a range of tutorials, respond promptly to emails, and provide helpful advice on various issues.
What were you doing before you came to study at City St George’s?
I attended a sixth form and took A-levels in History, Psychology and Biology.
How did you develop an interest in this subject area and why did you choose to study this course?
Radiography was a course that I was always interested in growing up. However, my interest in therapeutic radiography was sparked when I conducted more research into the course when applying through clearing. I found it interesting as it was a treatment that I wasn’t familiar with. Yet, it is so rewarding due to the connections you make with patients by seeing them throughout their treatment pathway and helping them through such a challenging time in their life, where they need comfort, compassion, empathy and support.
Why did you choose to study at City St George’s?
I chose to study at City St George’s due to the location (I study at the Clerkenwell campus); it is very accessible to many different transport routes. Also, there are many different sites to go to for placement which allows for you to have a range of experience before qualifying. These sites help you develop the ability to adapt to new circumstances, which is necessary within radiotherapy, as you may find yourself rotating to different areas within the department once qualified.
What has been your favourite thing about studying this course?
I enjoy the structure of the course and how there are different ways that you can be assessed. It is not strictly based on written exams. The blend of assessments makes the course more interactive and engaging. You can be assessed through presentations, essays, group work and written exams.
What is your favourite thing about studying at City St George’s?
My favourite aspect would be the access to a range of different resources, which allows you to expand your knowledge further. Also, the lecturers are dedicated to providing high quality teaching and take feedback from module evaluations to implement improvements for the following year, which is pivotal for continuously improving the student experience and learning.
How have you found the teaching and facilities on your course?
The teaching has been really good. I have found that there is an incredible amount of support from lecturers when it comes to submitting essays. A range of tutorials are offered, and lecturers also reply in a timely manner to emails and provide you with advice or information on a range of issues that you may face. I like that a variety of teaching methods are used, so it’s not just strict lectures. The mix of on-campus and online lectures within the schedule is ideal for students who have to commute long distances. It also provides flexibility, allowing time for revision.
What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course?
Outside of my course, I work part time with the university as an ambassador. I also take part in the uni-buddy scheme, where I answer questions from prospective students about the course or any general questions they may have about the university.
What do you plan to do after you graduate, and how has City St George’s helped prepare you for this?
After I graduate, I plan to start working within a hospital that has a radiotherapy department. City St George’s has helped prepare me for this by offering multiple employment skills opportunities. Additionally, the careers team provides support with CVs and personal statements.
What would be your advice to anyone considering studying this course?
My advice would be to stay on top of deadlines as much as possible, especially in the third year, when there tends to be many deadlines that are quite close together. I would also recommend utilising the reading lists provided, as they aid your revision, such as the Bridge and Tipper CT anatomy book. I would also suggest using Wiley plus to solidify your knowledge of anatomy, oncology and physiology, which are elements of the course that you need to know throughout.
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