Kara
Before starting the MSc Marine Environmental Management I was working in a coral reef restoration NGO for three years in an administrative role. I have always been obsessed with the ocean but being so close to marine conservation made me realise I wanted to work directly in science and do this every day in my career.
I’ve always wanted to live in the UK so decided to pursue my Masters in England; a friend told me about the University of Exeter and when I started researching them I realised how amazing they are for ecology. I also really wanted to learn from the academics teaching the programme- Callum Roberts is such a well-known expert in the field and regularly is featured in many of the documentaries I watch.
As well as Exeter’s reputation in ecology and marine biology, I also loved the idea of being in Cornwall. It is such a beautiful place and being right next to the ocean where I can swim and surf is amazing! I had to be by the ocean while studying marine environmental management.
My time studying has been one of the best experiences so far and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know and learn from Callum and Julie. I’ve found them both much more personable and supportive than many professors I’ve had in the past; they both regularly check in on how we are doing and don’t make me feel like a number.
My background isn’t in marine science, so it was initially daunting starting the course and feeling like I may not be able to keep up, however, I’ve found most of the course materials to be accessible and clearly taught. Both my peers and professors have been very supportive and when I’ve emailed my professors with questions they’ve never made me feel like I’m asking a stupid question.
One of my favourite modules so far has been fisheries management. I’ve enjoyed the taught lectures and the interactive classes where we read and critically discuss major topics in the field. Every discussion was intellectually stimulating and produced a lot of participation from the class!
I’ve also really enjoyed learning new skills such as GIS and R. I feel like these are really valuable and are skills I can 100% use in my future. I honestly wish this programme was a year longer as there’s so much more I want to learn and explore.
At the end of September we have a fieldtrip to the Maldives planned. Here we will have the opportunity to carry out coral reef surveys, species IDs, and get to learn practical skills such as data collection in the field. SCUBA diving in the Maldives and seeing the beautiful coral reefs will be an unforgettable experience!
Living in Cornwall whilst studying the MSc Marine Environmental Management is the best place I could be. It’s amazing being right by the ocean and near the thing I love so much. Despite the pandemic I can still surf, swim and walk along the coast in some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever been in.
The campus is gorgeous and one of the greenest I’ve seen. I love the Masters Suite and have used it a lot to study on my own and with my friends. I’m also looking forward to using the lab facilities next term.
I’ve also met some of the most amazing people who I hope to be friends with forever. Some of these friends I’ve met from the course and others are fellow students studying other biosciences subjects. I’ve become close with these friends and its nice knowing people studying a similar subject. The friendships I’ve made here have been one of the best things I’ve gotten out of my master’s.
I’m originally from Ohio in the US, so I know how moving to a new culture and country can be daunting, but it’s so worth it. I’ve found everyone extremely welcoming and sometimes forget I’m an international student as I’m never made to feel different. At 35 I’m also a mature student and older than a lot of my peers on the course, but I’ve never been made to feel like an outsider or the older one.
Before arriving to the Penryn Campus, the Americas Team were extremely responsive and helpful in answering any questions I had. The Recruitment Team was so friendly and helpful, which was another reason I chose Exeter. When I would reach out to other universities in the UK, they often would not respond. However, Exeter always responded and were helpful, positive and friendly.
In terms of the future, I would like to pursue a PhD. This past year has only increased my passion for marine science and I want to continue learning as much as I can. I’d like to do this at Exeter if given the opportunity!
