Emma Holmes - 3rd Year Bsc (Hons) MediaLab Arts

I came to the university of Plymouth for two reasons. Firstly, I knew I that I wanted to do a media type course, but wasn't too sure exactly what. MediaLabArts was a fairly new course that looked new and exciting and the idea of designing multimedia really appealed to me, as opposed to studying the traditional forms of media. It also provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in the form of a work placement in the 3rd year which has been really valuable. I think that this make me more employable when I graduate. It has been quite an intensive course, but I have learnt a great deal. Secondly, I wanted to be as near the sea as possible, so that I could keep on surfing. Plymouth is an excellent place for watersports and other outdoor activities. There are always people driving to the coast.

Jon Southall - 2nd year Bsc (Hons) Computing and Informatics

I was working for a company implementing computer systems before I came to Plymouth University. Some of my friends were already at Plymouth and I was regularly coming down to visit them. After seeing how much they were enjoying their life at university and I decided to give up a promising career path to study Computing and Informatics. My first impressions of Plymouth were mainly beer and surfing, seeing as I enjoy both it seemed like a good move. I then realised that if I wanted to pass I had to put some effort into it. I have found the course to be varied, interesting and enjoyable and despite my best efforts to the contrary I have achieved some good marks.

Philippa Lawson and Alex Buxton

Both joined the HND in Electronic and Communication Engineering at Plymouth in 1993. They were from different educational backgrounds but both were feeling slightly disappointed. Philippa had not achieved the A-level points that she was expecting and Alex had not obtained the Distinctions in her National Diploma that she was expecting

However they both performed well enough in the HND to progress on to the third year of the BSc. Philippa comments:- " I really enjoyed the practical nature of the HND and it allowed me to regain my confidence sufficiently to take on the challenge of degree level work. I also found the Dyslexic support service at Plymouth to be excellent." Alex adds:- " The variety of subjects studied on the HND inspired me to progress to degree level and I have found this was excellent preparation for my first job. I now work as the only test engineer in a small specialist team designing microwave and radar equipment and frequently draw on my knowledge gained at Plymouth."

Philippa is now head of operations for a company installing telecoms equipment and has the day to day responsibility for 12 engineers. Both are very positive about the career opportunities for women in what has traditionally been regarded as a male dominated environment. "I am accepted as part of the team" says Alex, and Phillipa readily agrees. They both stress that technical knowledge these days must be accompanied by good communication skills and their time at Plymouth gave opportunity to develop these.

Although Philippa works in Warrington and Alex in Milton Keynes they remain good friends and often return to Plymouth together to meet up with their many friends who are still there. "We found the staff at Plymouth very friendly and helpful and still drop in to see them from time to time. That is how we were persuaded to do this interviewÉÉÉÉ.. along with the promise of a few free drinks!"

Steve Harris - Final Year student on BSc. (Hons) Computing and Informatics.

After a remarkable first year studying HND computing Steve was accepted to transfer onto the BSc (Hons) Computing and Informatics course. With continued success in his second year he began searching for an industrial placement opportunity, eventually finding employment with Inform Information Systems (IIS) Ltd based in Maidenhead.

His placement year continued to develop his computing skills and his manager J.A. Croghan quoted "Steve is quite simply the best student I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He has already received a verbal job offer for next year, or if he chooses otherwise can expect an outstanding reference."

Steve is now back at Plymouth completing the final year of his degree program, and can look forward to a colourful future ahead of him.

Nicholas David Hall - 3rd year BSc (Hons) MediaLab Arts

I came to Plymouth straight from finishing my A-levels at school in Worcester, to be honest I was more attracted to Plymouth university because of its location than because of its academic attributes, my number one passion surfing dictated where I wanted to study. As it turned out I couldn't have chosen a better course, BSc MediaLab Arts is a highly original and unique course at the fore-front of the few new-media related courses in Europe. The third year 48 week placement provides vital experience in the "real-world" allowing for a attractive CV at the end of the degree, and helping with the, "...can't get a job without experience, but can't get experience without a job" problem. There's a great social scene down here which is obviously a priority! So really I couldn't have asked for much more! Its just finding time to fit it all in that's the problem...

Steve Brown - Mmath (Hons)

As a mature student with children and a one-and-a-half hour journey to and from the university, effective organisation of my time was vital. Fortunately , I found my tutors to be both flexible and understanding. My fourth year project was one of the most enjoyable elements of the programme and is something I still look back on with pride. I'm Now studying for a PhD in Applied Mathematics. I'm optimistic that I'll soon be in a position to pursue a variety of rewarding careers.

Vicki Hutchens - Meng (Hons) Civil Engineering

I heard about the University of Plymouth's excellent reputation in Civil Engineering while I was at college. To begin with, I found the workload quite daunting, but the staff helped me to get organised and their "door open" policy meant that there was always someone on hand to provide advice and support. Palace Court, where civil engineering is based, is a self-contained location a few minutes from the main campus which means there's a real family feel.

Paul Betterly - 2nd Year BEng (Hons) Robotics and Automated Systems

At college I studied electronic engineering and decided that while I enjoyed the practical applications of electronics I was bored by the topic areas being studied so I choose to do a Robotics degree. Several other universities did Robotics but I choose Plymouth because of its reputation and location for watersports. Being a keen surfer this seemed the ideal mix of work and play. I have found the course tough going at first, mainly because I enjoy surfing and drinking. The course has stimulated my interest for the topic and I have plans to apply robotics posts at NASA.