Meet Alex
Zoology BSc
About Alex
I spent four years completing my Zoology degree, including a placement year working at a koala sanctuary in Brisbane and a seal rescue centre in Ireland, before staying on for two years as Newcastle University Students' Union's elected Sports Officer. Every year brought something completely different.
Starting university in 2020 wasn't what any of us expected, but even though everything was online, I quickly felt welcomed. I still remember getting to know second and third years over Zoom, and those friendships have lasted to this day. Looking back, our first year was a unique experience, and I'm grateful we found such a strong community despite everything going on.
The course gives you a strong foundation while allowing you to shape your own journey.
Life in Newcastle
When I first arrived, Newcastle felt much bigger than I expected and, if I'm honest, a little intimidating. I'd grown up in Dubai for most of my life, only moving back to Yorkshire for sixth form, so starting university in the North East was a completely new experience. Funnily enough, I've now spent more of my life in Newcastle than anywhere else in the UK, and I couldn't imagine calling anywhere else home.
What surprised me most is how quickly such a vibrant city can start to feel like a close-knit community. It's somewhere that's grown with me, and somewhere I'll always be grateful to call home.
For me, what I love most about Newcastle is the people, the friendships, the opportunities, and the communities, you become part of what makes it such a special place.
My experience undertaking a placement abroad
Whilst at Newcastle, I took part in a year-long placement abroad, which was one of the most valuable parts of my degree. I worked at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, where I gained experience caring for native Australian wildlife across a range of departments, including macropods, birds, mammals, reptiles, raptors and koalas.
I also worked at Seal Rescue Ireland in Wexford, initially as an Animal Care and Conservation Intern before being promoted to Education Manager. This gave me hands-on experience in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, as well as delivering public engagement work focused on marine conservation.
Both placements developed my confidence, independence and communication skills, and gave me a clearer insight into working in the conservation sector, including how challenging and competitive it can be. Moving abroad at 20 also had a big impact on my personal development, building resilience and adaptability while working in professional environments away from home.
Outside of my studies
I joined Newcastle University Women's Rugby Club in my first year, and it became one of the biggest parts of my university experience. I'd loved rugby since I was eight years old, so joining a club with such a strong performance programme was a huge draw. I played for the 1st XV throughout my time at university and was proud to be awarded a sports scholarship.
Newcastle University Women’s Rugby Club gave me leadership opportunities, lifelong friendships and the confidence to take on challenges that ultimately led me to becoming Sports Officer.
The social side
The social side of university has been one of my favourite parts of my time at Newcastle. I've made lifelong friends and love that there's always something to do. Whether that's catching up over a coffee or pub trip, heading to the beach, playing rounders on the Town Moor in the summer, playing tennis in the park, or starting a Saturday with a Jesmond Dene Parkrun.
A huge part of my social life has also been Newcastle University Women's Rugby Club, which gave me a real sense of belonging from my very first year. The friendships and community I've found through sport have been a defining part of my university experience.
My future
In the future, I see myself in a senior leadership role within the professional sporting sector, working in commercial or strategic partnerships. I'd love to work for a National Governing Body, and a role with the RFU would be a dream, helping to grow the game and create opportunities for more people to get involved in sport.
Why study this degree at Newcastle?
I'd recommend this degree to anyone with a genuine interest in animals, biology and the natural world. It offers a great balance of theory, practical lab work and fieldwork. It gives you the flexibility to tailor your modules to your own interests, whether that's marine science, ecology, behaviour or conservation.
I came to university passionate about zoology, but I left equally passionate about the power of sport to create belonging, confidence and life-changing opportunities for students.
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