Why did you choose to study at Queen Margaret University ?
I chose to study at Queen Margaret University because of the strong reputation of its radiography course. QMU stood out to me over other universities for its supportive learning environment on developing confident, patient-centred practitioners, as well as the bond which QMU has with clinical departments across Scotland.
I was seeking a university that offered not only theory but also a strong clinical background to help me grow professionally, building confidence and skills. Since starting my studies here at QMU, I have done just that. QMU has felt like a place where I can build my skills and grow confidence especially as an individual moving to a new country on my own to pursue my career.
What interested you about your chosen course?
Radiotherapy and Oncology is a specific healthcare role that interested me as it combines compassionate person-centred care with advanced technology. I have always been drawn to healthcare roles where there is opportunities to build meaningful connections with patients, and radiotherapy offers exactly that. The profession fascinated me because of how dynamic the field is, with constant developments in imaging techniques, treatment planning, and the developments in treatment delivery. Studying this degree felt like the perfect balance of healthcare, science, technology and human connection.
What attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
Moving from Ireland to Edinburgh was definitely a big step at a young age, especially because I didn’t know anyone here. The city immediately felt extremely welcoming helping the transition go smoothly. Edinburgh is a city with history, culture, beautiful views, including the buildings and a lovely countryside, which makes it an exciting place to start a new chapter. I wanted to study somewhere that felt safe and full of opportunities and not too far from home. A really important aspect for me when deciding university location was growth and opportunities, I and thrilled that Edinburgh has offered me all of that. It’s a city where my independence and growth has flourished since moving here.
What have you most enjoyed about your course? What has been the highlight?
Whilst studying here at QMU I have enjoyed how hands on and clinically focused the Radiotherapy and Oncology course is. Each year I have studied my confidence has been built tremendously, this is evident through clinical placements. Having clinical placements throughout the course with blocks each year, has shown progress. This progress has been seen because of the even range of theory work and clinical practice allowing me to keep ontop of using advanced technology and understanding full radiotherapy pathways.
The biggest highlight for me has been realizing how much ive grown from moving to Edinburgh not knowing anyone to now feeling confident working with vulnerable patients.
Have you participated in a course activity you found especially interesting?
One aspect of my course that I found most interesting has been learning the connections between imaging, planning and treatment. Having the opportunity to link the theory learnt in university with real clinical processes has made the learning all come together and become more understanding. The treatment planning workshops has interested me with all of the work that goes into it, including protecting the organs at risk, the mathematics behind it all and the contouring principles as well as understanding the dose distributions.
How have your lecturers supported your learning?
The lecturers at QMU have been extremely supportive and have played a huge role in my progress at university. All throughout secondary school I struggled with reading and processing information, I always just assumed I needed to put in extra work and work harder. I blamed myself for finding things difficult and thought it was simply a lack of effort on my behalf.
When I started at QMU, one of my lecturers noticed the way I was learning and subtly suggested that I get assessed for dyslexia. That moment changed everything! I was diagnosed and for the first time I understood why I had struggled for so long. Instead of the overwhelming feelings of frustration and doubt I had, I finally had the right support and guidance by my side.
I was supported through my lecturers and the university in a variety of different ways which I am so grateful for. My diagnosis helped me strive in univerisy and I seen a great change in grades and results from both exams and assignments. My lectures always ensure I have the tools I need to succeed. The difference in my confidence and academic progress has been huge, the support has genuinely transformed my university experience.
What have been some of your challenges with the course and university life? How have you overcome them?
Moving countries was my biggest challenge at first, along with adjusting to a new city, a new routine and a demanding course which all felt overwhelming at times. At first I was really homesick however I soon overcame this, not long into university life I made bonds and friendships which helped me feel at ease. Buidling this support network has made Edinburgh feel like a second home. The course itself is demanding and intense at times, especially when balancing academic work alongside placement. My organization and reflecting on my progress has helped me manage and create a balance between university and personal life.
Have you taken part in a placement as part of your course and if so, what was your experience?
Yes! Placement has been one of the most valuable parts of the course. It has helped me piece together all I have learnt at university and link it all to clinical practice. During placements I have had the opportunity to work in CT – pre treatment, treatment planning and treatment delivery. Each area has helped me understand the link between them the radiotherapy pathway more clearly. Throughout placement the radiographers have been immensely supportive, guiding me through set-ups, patient care and increasing my technical knowledge and skills. I have noticed that I am a more hands on practical learner so placements have boosted my confidence and confirmed that this is the career for me.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for this course?
My biggest advice is to go for it! Radiotherapy is such a meaningful and rewarding career. However be prepared to put the effort in and work hard, ask loads of questions especially on placement. Do not worry about nerves, everyone feels nervous at the start, embrace it there is loads of support from the lecturers and clinical staff along the way. Everyone wants the best for you! Radiotherapy is a course that challenges you and pushes you to grow even when things feel daunting, take the leap, believe in your abilities and strive for success.
Moving to a new country, starting a demanding course and discovering I had dyslexia were all challenges I never expected to come my way but each one helped me become more confident, capable and resilient. If you are passionate about helping others, this course will give you the skills and purpose you are looking for just as it did for me.
What QMU student services have you used (e.g. Effective Learning Service or the ‘Employer and Enterprise Mentoring Programme’ or the Wellbeing Service) to support you through your university journey and how have they helped you?
Effective Learning Services has helped me tremendously when I made the transition from secondary school to university. Due to the high demand of workload and higher standards, at first I struggled. Once I found the ELS I have been helped and guided in gaining higher scores. ELS has helped my learning grow and meet university standards.
Are you a member of any clubs or societies at QMU? If so, what was the reason you joined and what do you enjoy most about it?
Since moving to study at QMU I became a part of the womens Gaelic football team and the womens hockey team. I have always played sports growing up and couldn’t let the opportunity go to waste because of fear. I was scared and nervous at the start since I knew nobody and making new friends was daunting. I soon realized I wasn’t the only one in this situation and sports is a big part of my life, sports is a way of connecting with others who have the same interests.
Becoming a member of the Gaelic football team, it brought me huge comfort because it felt like home. Being able to continue a sport that reminded me of home has helped me settle into university life and stay connected to my roots whilst living in Edinburgh. On top of this, the hockey team was all completely new to me. I decided to join to try something different and make friends. Hockey has really brought me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to try a sport I never had the chance to try. Since starting hockey I found a great love for the sport, ive met great people and built a real sense of community.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
My top tip is to be your full self and take in every moment. Expand your interests try new things and go out of your comfort zone. University is a time to grow, learn and realise how far you have come as an individual. So don’t hold back from being your true self. However remember why you are here. It is easy to get caught up in the social side of university, but you must find the balance between staying focused on your work and your goals aswell as enjoying yourself. When you keep your priorities in sight, everything will fall into place.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned at university?
The most valuable lesson I have learnt at university is that hard work genuinely pays off. I have realized that I am capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for, and that when you put your mind to something, results will always follow. University has taught me independence, resilience and the importance of believing in yourself especially when things get challenging. I have really grown as an individual since starting university in many many ways which I am eternally grateful for.
What are you plans after graduation? Tell us about your ambitions and where you see yourself in the future?
After graduation, I aim to begin my career as a qualified therapeutic radiographer in a department where I can continue to develop my clinical skills and confidence. I would love to make a difference and provide a smile to an individual through some of the most challenging moments of their life. This career allows me to do this.
I also hope to have the opportunity to give back to future students one day, wether that is through mentoring or supervising on placement. My story has shown me how far determination and hard work can take you, I want to carry that forward into my career and keep growing both professionally and personally.
