Graduate Success Story-Thomas Daley, MSc Biomedical Science student

Why did you choose to study at the University of Chester?

I chose the University of Chester due to a desire to study at a University which has a strong understanding of the practical real-world skill set that is required by employers, of which in my case is the National Health Service (NHS).  The University of Chester is also local relative to my home city of Liverpool, meaning transportation was easy, hence I had the dual benefit of living at home whilst studying at the University of my choice. From speaking to previous alumni, the teaching style of the university was stated as ‘student-focused’, which from my own experience, was certainly true.

Why did you choose to study MSc Biomedical Science?

Biomedical Science is a key passion of mine, which fortunately is also my career; therefore, the course was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the subject I enjoy most. The MSc Biomedical Science course at the University of Chester is an excellent course for registered, or aspiring, Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientists due to its accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). This accreditation was important to me, not only because it permits future career progression, it also indicated the course would provide me with in-depth expertise knowledge.

What opportunities were available at the University of Chester?

During my time at the University of Chester, national COVID-19 lockdown rules were in place. Despite this, the University provided students with countless learning opportunities in the form of one-to-one or small-sized group meetings virtually with tutors, alongside innovative learning techniques. As lockdown rules eased, I still had opportunities to learn practical laboratory-based skills in a COVID-19 safe environment which certainly have and will continue to help my career. Regarding research opportunities, I had an excellent research project tutor who provided me with opportunities to expand my knowledge within the field of Haematology and statistical interpretations.

What have you been up to since graduation?

Since graduation, I have continued to work within the NHS as a Biomedical Scientist within the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, performing COVID-19 RT-LAMP saliva testing. This laboratory is the best performing laboratory of its kind, with the highest sample volume and fastest turnaround time in the country. I am also due to begin working within Aintree University Hospital’s Haematology and Transfusion department as a Biomedical Scientist before commencing my Haematology-based PhD at Liverpool John Moores University.

How did your time at the University of Chester prepare you for your career?

The University of Chester provided me with a more in-depth knowledge not just within Biomedical Science in general, but more specifically in my key interests, Haematology and Transfusion Science. I am therefore more prepared for my career through being able to plan, understand and carry out tasks more effectively in a clinical laboratory or research capacity.

What are your future plans?

In February 2022, I am undertaking a three-year PhD at LJMU, of which is funded through successfully attaining the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD scholarship. The PhD is within the field of Haemato-oncology, whereby I will work closely with Alder-Hey Children’s Hospital, studying Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemi As a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist, in the long-term future, I still hope to be practicing within the NHS to put my skills and knowledge that the University of Chester and LJMU will have given me.

What advice would you give to future students?

The advice I would give to future students would be to be as organised and prepared as possible, as the requirement to manage your time effectively in post-graduate courses is noticeably different from undergraduate courses. Additionally, I would advise students to try and enjoy their time as much as possible and take every opportunity that the University of Chester provides.