Hope Henry

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?

• I chose to stay at Swansea for Graduate Entry Medicine because of my excellent experiences in my first undergraduate degree here. Swansea offers Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) only, rather than undergraduate, which allows you to meet people from all walks of life, who all bring a unique set of skills to the table. Swansea’s GEM course also has an excellent reputation for many reasons including the spiral curriculum, early clinical exposure and welfare support.

Did you join us from the Foundation year? If yes – what is your experience of this?

• Yes, it’s a great way to embed yourself in university life and gave me more knowledge and grounding in my Applied Medical Sciences degree. There’s no stigma surrounding a Foundation Year, once you’re at university nobody worries if you came through foundation or not; if anything it makes you a slightly better, more pro-active student with more experience to draw upon.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? Why?

• Yes, there is such a welcoming, friendly atmosphere around the campuses, between both staff and students alike. It is diverse and vibrant university, meaning that Swansea can serve as a home from home for anyone and everyone.
• Sports Swansea and Swansea Students’ Union societies are so diverse, and there really is something for everyone. The Students’ Union also really care about the student voice in terms of making improvements, changes or enhancements to the student experience.
• Wellbeing support – this is one of the things that Swansea does very You get assigned a Personal Academic Mentor who stays with you throughout the duration of the course, acting as your first point of contact for anything you may need help with. Also, on campus GP + counselling services, bereavement services etc. are available.

Have you worked part-time during your degree?

• I worked as a Student Ambassador, a great way to give back to Swansea and encourage future students to come and have an amazing experience at Swansea too.

If relevant, what facilities have you enjoyed using as part of your course and why?

• The Clinical Anatomy Lab, using both models and cadavers to further my anatomy knowledge.
• SUSIM – this has been excellent in improving the teaching of clinical situations through simulation.
• Clinical Skills Labs - excellent variety of models to allow us to practice our clinical skills.

Do you speak Welsh? If yes, have you studied in Welsh or engaged with any Welsh societies etc?

• Yes, but not fluent.
• Swansea’s GEM course has an optional ‘Welsh Language for Medicine’ course which teaches basic medical terminology in Welsh. It’s amazing how it puts a patient at ease if their first language is Welsh by speaking just a few words or sentences in the language they’re most comfortable with.

Did you join Swansea University through Clearing. If yes – what was your experience?

• Yes, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Swansea University called me on results day, and explained my options, and that there was still a way to follow my dream. It offered me a lifeline, and I was ecstatic to hear that there was still a way for me to become a Doctor. Looking back on my 8 years at Swansea University, I am so happy I answered that call, because now I really am living my dream.