For Laura, studying Radiotherapy and Oncology at Queen Margaret University was the perfect opportunity to combine her passion for healthcare with meaningful patient care. Drawn to QMU's welcoming community, strong clinical focus, and extensive placement opportunities, she found a course that helped her build both practical skills and confidence. Throughout her studies, Laura has particularly valued the chance to support patients through their cancer treatment while learning from experienced radiographers and lecturers who encouraged her every step of the way. As she looks ahead to graduating, she is excited to begin her career as a therapeutic radiographer and hopes to one day support future students in the same way she was supported throughout her time at QMU.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Margaret University (QMU)?
QMU is a lovely community, there are many services and members of staff always on hand to help. There is also a big Irish community with in QMU which really put me at ease with any fears of missing home as I knew so many other people would be in the same boat as me.
What interested you about your chosen course?
When looking into university courses, I always wanted to do something in healthcare. I love that with radiotherapy, you get to help people but also build a rapport with them. The amount of placement time that you get within this course at QMU was also a great draw to choosing this course.
Why attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a really attractive place to live. It has the best of both worlds with it being a beautiful city but also having so many nature spots like Arthur's Seat and the Meadows. The public transport in the city is also a huge bonus.
What have you most enjoyed about your course? What has been the highlight?
Having so many placements within the 4 years really makes the course enjoyable, as it allows you to get a great idea of what the career entails. The part that I especially enjoy is building that relationship with the patients and making their journey as stress-free as possible.
Have you participated in a course activity you found especially interesting?
Each year, a group of cancer survivors come and speak to the students within the course. They are very open about their journeys, and they highlight their experience of the NHS cancer service. This really allows you, as a student, to see the impact that every person you meet on your journey has on you and your life. It highlights how important it is not just to do the job of the radiotherapist by delivering the radiotherapy but to go above and beyond to be as understanding and kind to the patients to try and help them through their journey and treatment.
How have your lecturers supported your learning?
The lecturers on this course really go out of their way to support not just learning, but also support you in every aspect of your life. They really care what the cohort thinks and are more than willing to adapt things to suit different styles of learners.They are also on hand to answer questions, which really allows learning to be as simple as it can be.
Have you taken part in a placement as part of your course and if so, what was your experience?
Placements play a huge role in the radiotherapy course. They allow you to become confident using the equipment used in the department and talking to patients. It also places you in a professional setting, which helps you build confidence in talking to other radiographers and staff members. These experiences are very helpful not just your academic writing and exams, but also once you’ve graduate.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for this course?
Try to visit a radiotherapy department or talk to someone who has been around a department, to get a feel for what happens and what the job of a radiotherapist is. Even watching a video of radiotherapists really helped me realise this was the career path I wanted to take.
What QMU student services have you used to support you through your university journey and how have they helped you?
The Effective Learning Service (ELS) is a really important service that everyone should try and utilise as much as possible, especially in 1st year when learning new skills, like referencing and different academic writing styles.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Join as many things as possible, put yourself out there, and get the full university experience. This doesn’t just help when it comes to social life, but it also helps your mental health when you have something other things to do when you need a break from academic life. University can be difficult at times, but keeping up with sport, your friends, and a social life l can really help.
What are your plans after graduation?
I see myself as a radiographer, using all the knowledge I have gained at QMU to work at the highest level I can.
I also hope I will be able to give some guidance to any student who works with me, just like all the lovely staff I worked with on placement did for me!
