Piyawan Wongvasu

What course are you studying?

I am currently studying MSc Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds. My undergraduate degree was Nutrition and Dietetics in Thailand.

Why did you decide to study a masters at the University of Leeds?

Firstly, I always thought studying abroad would be a great opportunity to open my eyes to the new culture and to build confidence, language skill and life experience. Studying in UK was my first option when I did a research on which university I should apply to, Leeds always come up as one of the top ranks in Food Science programs. I looked more at the course information, the university and the city of Leeds and finally knew that this is the place for me.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University so far and why?

I think the best thing that this course offered to me is a chance to study both in nutrition and food science aspects at the same time, which is very good for me who have nutrition background but also curious about the world of food science. In terms of the University, I was impressed by facilities that the University provide for students which help me a lot during my study here.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed.

There were many exciting projects that I have completed. In food science modules, we once tried to make bread with different additives, which did not taste so good (as we’re not the real baker) but it was very fun. We also did the canned bean and played with many food processing machines. In nutrition modules, we conducted experiments to find the number of nutrients in different food products. It was very interesting and the demonstrators were always there to help.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds has everything. It’s not too small but not too crowded. The university and our accommodation are located very near to the city centre. There are supermarkets, fresh market, shopping malls, cinemas, museums and many restaurants. I can walk to all of this places within 20 minutes from the university.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Before I did my Master, I went to a rural area of Thailand to work as a volunteer. There, I saw many people suffering from unsafe and unhealthy diets, because of the lack of knowledge and difficulty to access foods. I realized this problem also occurs in many parts of the world. I wish I can use the knowledge I have gained during my study to do something about that.

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

I have learned a lot from this course. Not only about food science and nutrition, but also about life skills. I learned how to work with people from different cultures as a team, how to manage times, problem solving and many more. These skills would definitely help me in my future career.