Life Science degrees in South West England

I attend UOG Francis Close Hall campus and it's so incredibly inspiring. It's a great oldy-worldy historical site and it was really the deal-breaker for me choosing UOG; although my course mates and I were severely let down when we were told we would have to move to Oxstalls campus in Gloucester... we managed to get the union involved but only managed to get it pushed back a year for us, all new students in September for social science will be in Oxstalls and won't get to experience the beauty of FCH. Such a shame. Despite this, the facilities are amazing, staff are equipped with great knowledge and are all incredibly friendly. All students are friendly and light-minded, it's a great environment to study in and socialise. I commute so I cannot speak on the social side of student accommodation and/or going out, but as a commuter it meets all my needs! I really recommend studying here, the lecturers know what they're talking about, and are amazing at illustrating theories and concepts in ways that make sense.

Studying at University of the West of England is a good experience overall. One of the best aspects is the focus on practical learning and employability, with many courses offering projects and placement opportunities that prepare students for real jobs. The campus facilities, including the library and study spaces, are modern and comfortable. Bristol is also a lively student city with plenty of things to do. However, accommodation in Bristol can be quite expensive, and communication from some departments could be improved, especially regarding deadlines and feedback. Overall, it’s a supportive and diverse environment, particularly welcoming for international students.

As an international Environmental Management student, my time at Plymouth has been defined by two things: academic freedom and incredible support. When I faced significant personal loss and financial struggles that impacted my attendance, the faculty didn't write me off they gave me the flexibility to recover and succeed. The course itself is far more than just exams. I was able to lead complex, consultancy-style projects (like my work on Singapore Heat Stress policies) that felt like real professional work, not just coursework. The resources in the Marine Building and library are top-tier for anyone willing to push themselves. Plymouth offers a rare balance: it challenges you intellectually to reach distinction levels, but supports you personally when life gets hard. Highly recommended for students who want resilience alongside their degree.

The campus is beautiful with lots of nature and scenery. There are lots of support options for students and opportunities to get involved in a few things on site. Unfortunately there is not a lot of nightlife/things to do in Gloucester. I am from a big city so Gloucester is boring in comparison. Gloucester is also quite a 'rough' area and it does not feel particularly safe at night. The campus location isn't ideal if you do not drive as shuttles don't run regularly enough if you have a job. They aren't the most convenient to bring shopping onto either.

The campus is absolutely gorgeous! A wonderful mix of old and new, castles and modern buildings. Reserving rooms encourages students to get out of their rooms and study anywhere on campus, from the top of the castle tower, to the communal "pods" at Commons. The Student Union building has a bar and a small shop, and activities going on almost every day. Karaoke every other Saturday is one of my favourites. Close enough to the city of Bath for easy access, while still having the feeling of a university town. Lots of student discounts and student bars/clubs in town, as the University of Bath is also nearby. Interesting classes, lovely lecturers and guest lecturers, and proper assessments. Few, if not none, tests, allowing for those who do not thrive with simple memorization to show off how they learn. The diversity of students encourages the broadening of your own world view. A wide range of courses, allowing for study into incredibly specific topics. The main issue with the university is the wait time for wellbeing appointments, as it can take up to four months to even get a foot in the door. This means that if you do need help, it is very difficult to achieve. Also, while it isn't the university's fault, it is important to know that the First Bus system is not very reliable, so if you have a job in town, it is quite nerve-wracking.

I think the best one is about how you learn more about the industry work, can easily get access to things and meet new friends that you might keep for life. Worst is when I start not going to lectures , the units become more complicating.

I enjoyed the course and it’s structure. I believe, that it set me up well for my research project and gave me the skills that employers are looking for. The worse aspect was the lack of time for activities outside of studying. Lectures and assignments took up most of the day and evening, especially during coursework and exam season.

It might not be university specific, but the difficulties in commuting has a big impact. The university has been negotiating with the first bus, however, the busses are always full because of sudden cancellations. Since university is at the top of the hill, I would hope this to be improved significantly so I wouldn’t have to walk up or take an uber up which makes me too tiring to concentrate on lectures.