Emma Andrews

What course are you studying? 

I am currently studying MSc Nutrition at the University of Leeds.

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

I wanted to study at the University of Leeds as it is one of the best universities in terms of education in the UK and when I was searching for Nutrition masters the University of Leeds always came up first. Once I had read the course information, including the previous student reviews, and saw that the course was accredited with the Association of Nutrition there was no other option but to come to Leeds.

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

The fact that this course offers such a wide variety of modules allows you to be able to decide which aspect of nutrition you prefer, whether its public health, food processing or looking into how nutrition can cause/help with diseases on a molecular scale. This allows you to keep your options open for a wider variety of jobs as you have learnt a multitude of different skills. Another great aspect is the help and support network within the school as well as the University makes you feel included and not just another student through the door. 

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

There are a lot of assignments on the course and although I don't think anybody really enjoys doing them at the time, looking back I really enjoyed looking into the sugar levy and explaining how that will affect sugar sweetened beverage consumption and therefore public health. Another interesting project was a lab based assignment looking at the polyphenols in different types of tea and explaining the potential consequences this could have on health. 

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds has so much to offer! There is plenty of places for shopping, food and drinks as well as good transport links to all parts of the country. I haven't had the chance to experience the nightlife too much but I hear it is a good night out. If you prefer a quieter scene there are plenty of parks and places to explore in and around Leeds, Headingley is worth a walk around and it is only 1.5 miles from campus. That's what is so good about Leeds, there is a balance between a good night life and quieter scene - there's something for everyone. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

I hope to go travelling after I finish my course but after that, I aim to find a job within the public health side of nutrition, potentially abroad. 

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

Due to the number of different cultures on my course I have learnt to be able to communicate and work with a variety of people which will help when I go into a work environment. Also as the course includes a number of assigned presentations, I now feel more confident being able to get up in front of a group of people and present my ideas and/or views on a subject.