Student Profile
Fred
Physics PhD
Choosing Newcastle
As a single parent I needed to study locally, but I also knew that Newcastle University was a member of the Russell Group of leading research institutions with well respected qualifications amongst employers.
Living in Newcastle
The city has excellent facilities and entertainment. The city centre is compact with good leisure, shopping and cultural amenities and has beautiful countryside and coastal attractions within a short travelling distance. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Newcastle is packed with restaurants, bars and clubs and there are a number of hot spots with character to suit many tastes. My favourite area for drinking would be the Central Station area with bars that are open until the early hours. For bands the Ouseburn Valley, just to the east of the city, has a number of bars with live entertainment.
I live in Whitley Bay near the sea front about 15mins drive or 26mins by Metro from the University. It has a lively zone with bars open until the early hours Thursday to Sunday. The beach is pleasant and nearby Tynemouth beach is a top national destination for surfing. I like St Mary's Lighthouse, Tynemouth Priory and Tynemouth Station Market. I also like the local shops in Whitley Bay, which are varied and mainly run by independents.
Studying at Newcastle
The undergraduate Mathematics degree was well structured with plenty of course work and good IT support. The lecturers were generally interesting and conscientious about their teaching and some were excellent. The staff were supportive and accessible. There were about 150 people in my year for core modules, but the larger classes were well served by smaller tutorials and there was plenty of scope for specialisation.
Spare time
I am involved with the Postgraduate and Mature Students' Society and with the postgraduate community in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. We have a lively social life, including lunching, quizzes, 5-a-side football and visiting arts and cultural exhibitions. I use the gym and swimming pool next to the University frequently and attend the occassional football match at St James' Park.
Before your research degree
I passed the MMath (four year) degree at Newcastle with a first-class Honours degree. I have been a qualified driving instructor since 2001 and continued to work part time while studying. I previously worked for Northern Electric up to management level.
Choosing your research degree
From a young age I have had an interest in physics and astronomy in particular. There is a strong group at Newcastle interested in astrophysics and understanding how the universe works is intriguing; and its complexity an ideal medium on which to develop my mathematical skills.
Best things about your School and postgraduate programme
I have a great supervisory team, who work well together and make me feel well supported and respected. The support staff and other postgrad students are very friendly and I particularly enjoy the office banter. I feel totally in control of my work, at liberty to choose what I work on, my own hours and pace. In my first year I have already had the opportunity to participate in three educational events in my field, in Sheffield, Trieste(Italy) and Heslinki(Finland). These were great fun, as well as being very useful and introducing me to collaborators in my subject from other countries, institutions and disciplines.
Best thing about being a postgraduate
I enjoy the autonomy most. I know I need to produce results of interest to others as well as myself, but I have a large degree of freedom about how I shall achieve that.
Academic facilities
The computer facilities are very good as is the library. I also have access to computing resources at other institutions. I generally have the tools and resources I need for my work, and if not the school support staff are very approachable to resolve this. The building, office and common room facilities are very modern and pleasant. I have 24 hour secure access to my office and remote IT access from home to my desktop.
Funding
I am funded by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) and the award covers my fees and a tax free stipend for my living expenses. I also receive payment from the University for assisting with teaching: marking, tutorials and MathsAid.
Career path so far
I have been able to remain in higher education and hope to be able to develop my career further, either remaining in academia or moving into a career with a high level of scientific specification.
Mature students
In the early years of my undergraduate study, I found the academic work more difficult. It takes time to reskill with the exam preparation technique after a long break from exam based learning. I was also working part time more earlier in the degree. I found it got easier as I progressed. Socially I didn't get involved much as an undergraduate, but as part of the postgraduate team I have found it much easier to fit in, especially as my funding from the EPSRC means that I do not need to do additional part-time work. Also the work is much easier for me, because it is driven entirely by problem solving.