Local pupils learn about careers in medicine – and Uni life

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Year 12 students from across Wales had a chance to learn about the full range of careers in medicine, not just doctors and nurses, as well as get a taste of university life, at a three-day event on the Swansea University campus.

47 students from 19 different schools and colleges saw what it would be like to work in areas such as medical engineering, MRI scanning, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine.  It was hands-on too, with visits to laboratories and practical sessions using DNA. 

Boys in lab doing DNA analysis of bananasThe students were staying in the student village on campus, which meant they got a full picture of University life, inside and outside the classroom.  

The visit was organised by the South West Wales Reaching Wider Partnership, based at Swansea University, which offers a range of learning activities for pupils living in Communities First areas and for Looked After Children & Care Leavers.  

The aim of the Partnership is to raise aspirations amongst these groups of young people.  

Picture:  Pupils in the lab doing DNA analysis of bananas

Alice Davies of the Reaching Wider Partnership said:

“We’ve found that although many students are aware of a possible career as a doctor or a nurse, they often don’t know about all the other opportunities that exist within the field of medicine in areas such as Medical Engineering.  

Members of staff from Swansea University and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board delivered hands-on sessions which gave the students a real insight into a range of STEM careers in medicine.

All participants gained practical experience and new skills, working in exciting university and hospital environments.   And staying in student halls of residence on campus gave them a real taste of university life”.


“I enjoyed learning about CT scanners and how they function as well as learning about biomedical engineering and the benefits.  I’ve learnt about a broad range of careers available in the field of medicine”.  Leah Young, St Joseph’s Sixth Form

I’ve enjoyed having a taste of what uni life is like which otherwise I would not have experienced. I have learnt about the different courses and fields within the medical world and about the wider aspects of medicine”. Courtney Lynn, Bishop Vaughan Catholic School

“So far I have learnt so much about the different areas where medicine applies in physics and engineering”. Kenkashan Ansari, Olchfa School

“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people, experiencing what it’s like to live in student accommodation and an overall insight into the medical courses available”. Cerys Edwards, Bishop Vaughan Catholic School

“We’ve been given a good opportunity to learn what life is like from a student’s perspective…as well as how to get into university and different careers that we can follow.  We have learnt about different specialist subjects from experts in their field".  Morgan Parker, Coleg Sir Gar

Students who take part in the visit were from:

•    Bishop Vaughan Catholic  School
•    Coleg Sir Gar
•    Gower College Swansea
•    Gowerton Comprehensive
•    Milford Haven School
•    Morriston Comprehensive
•    Neath Port Talbot College Group
•    Olchfa Comprehensive School
•    Pembrokeshire College
•    Queen Elizabeth High School
•    Sir Thomas Picton School
•    St Joseph’s School and Sixth Form
•    Tasker Milward VC School
•    Ysgol Bro Gwaun
•    Ysgol Dewi Sant
•    Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryntawe
•    Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn
•    Ysgol Gyfun y Strade
•    Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera

Reaching Wider generic picThe Reaching Wider Partnership, which is based in Student Services at Swansea University, is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. 

Partners include Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, The Open University in Wales, Coleg Sir Gâr, Gower College Swansea, Neath Port-Talbot College Group, Pembrokeshire College, Careers Wales, Local Authorities and schools in South West Wales.