Postgraduate Student Profile
Helen Phillips
I first came to Newcastle in 1997 to do a MSc in Medical Genetics. This course involved taught and practical work so it gave me the chance to meet different researchers and students within the Institute of Genetic Medicine and I then subsequently stayed within the Institute to undertake a PhD in Human Genetics.
Throughout my time as PhD student I found the Institute very supportive as there is a wide range of research groups with different expertise and everyone was very helpful.
There are excellent facilities within the main University including a medical library, a sports centre, a helpful postgraduate office, which runs social events for postgraduate students and courses including help on writing your thesis.
The Institute of Genetic Medicine has subsequently moved to the International Centre for Life and therefore has lovely new labs and excellent new facilities including a lot of new equipment. There are loads of people around to ask for advice and a good seminar series that attracts many outside speakers. More importantly there are now 3 pubs just below the labs, which are very good for an end of week much needed drink! There are also often social events arranged within the Institute.
Newcastle itself is a brilliant city to live in, as it is a very friendly city with a good range of shops, cinemas, restaurants, pubs and clubs. There are also numerous cultural places to visit including the Baltic Flour Mill and the beach is only a 20 minute drive away.
I enjoy living and working in Newcastle so I decided to stay on after my PhD to do a postdoc at the Institute of Genetic Medicine and I would definitely recommend Newcastle as a place to come and live.
