Sana
MSc Medical Device Design and Entrepreneurship
I wanted to go to a university that was rigorous, ambitious and well-connected to industry – Imperial fit my criteria perfectly.
While looking for a Master's course that would allow her to build her experience across science, engineering and innovation, Sana from the UK found our MSc Medical Device Design and Entrepreneurship course: a place where lab work, creativity and real-world problem‑solving converged. Find out why Sana chose Imperial, how she’s being supported by her scholarship and what it’s like to rediscover her home city of London.
Why did you choose to do a Master's at Imperial?
I decided to apply to Imperial because the course was precisely aligned with what I wanted to build in my career.
Before coming to Imperial, I studied Neuroscience at an undergraduate level. Toward the end of my degree, I knew I wanted to pursue a Master’s, but I was unsure whether to specialise further in laboratory research or move toward a more business-oriented path. I became increasingly interested in MedTech after attending a medical technology conference, where an investor emphasised how critical it is to gain practical experience alongside academic training.
While researching courses, I found the MSc Medical Device Design and Entrepreneurship at Imperial. It stood out immediately because it integrates technical laboratory work with startup development and commercial strategy, and reflected how MedTech operates in reality, where science, engineering and translation are closely linked.
The opportunity to work both on a business plan and in a lab environment was exactly what I’d been looking for, and it felt like a deliberate and well-designed way to build my experience across science, engineering and innovation rather than choosing just one direction.
I decided to apply to Imperial because the course was precisely aligned with what I wanted to build in my career. I don’t like to think in terms of a single job title or destination. Instead, I think of my career with the goal of accumulating skills, exposure and experience – the course structure felt intentional and directly relevant to that goal.
I wanted to go to a university that was rigorous, ambitious and well-connected to industry. It was important to me that the institution had strong relationships beyond academia, particularly in innovation and entrepreneurship, and was looking for an environment that would challenge me but also provide access to real opportunities. Imperial fit my criteria perfectly.
What research did you do before applying for a postgraduate course at Imperial?
When applying, I reached out to a current student on the course and met them for coffee to understand their experience in more detail. I found Imperial students to be open and honest about both the opportunities and the workload. Before accepting my offer, I also attended the annual Medical Device Design and Entrepreneurship Elevator Pitch event where students on the course present their ideas and projects. I spoke to several current students during the event which gave me a realistic insight and view of the course.
What ultimately confirmed my decision was seeing the depth of expertise and the strength of Imperial’s network. There’s a clear ecosystem where knowledge, industry and entrepreneurship intersect, and it feels like a mutually reinforcing environment. Imperial invests in its students, and in return, students are expected to take initiative and make the most of what is available. That balance was important to me.
What scholarships and funding support are available at Imperial?
In my view, the existence of scholarships specifically designed to broaden access is clear evidence of Imperial’s commitment to being a genuinely inclusive institution, where potential and ability matter more than financial background.
When I received my offer from Imperial, I was genuinely unsure whether it would be financially possible for me to attend. Coming from a working-class background, postgraduate study can feel inaccessible, as students from lower socio-economic backgrounds remain underrepresented at this level.
After accepting my offer, I received an email about a newly introduced widening participation scholarship within the Department of Bioengineering and was fortunate to be awarded it. In my view, the existence of scholarships specifically designed to broaden access is clear evidence of Imperial’s commitment to being a genuinely inclusive institution, where potential and ability matter more than financial background. Increasing access is not only about fairness; diverse lived experiences strengthen innovation, and different perspectives lead to more creative and effective solutions, especially in healthcare and technology.
My scholarship application required honest reflection on my experiences and motivations. Throughout the whole process, the admissions team were very responsive and supportive, and they took the time to answer my questions about the scholarship clearly and thoughtfully.
I’d encourage prospective students not to rule themselves out of highly ranked universities and to actively explore funding opportunities early, as they can make a decisive difference. My widening participation scholarship has reduced financial pressure and allowed me to focus fully on my studies and entrepreneurial work.
What is student life in London like?
Explore London fully, be observant and take advantage of being in a city where so many different communities, industries and perspectives collide and cohabitate.
I was born and raised in London, so studying here feels less like relocating and more like seeing my own city differently. Since starting at Imperial, I’ve become more aware of how uniquely positioned London is. It sits at the centre of multiple industries, and many conferences, networking events and conversations that shape sectors like healthcare and technology happen here. That proximity creates real opportunity.
What I value most about London is its depth. There is always something happening, but beyond what is advertised or hyped, the real character of the city is in the places local Londoners go to. The food reflects the city’s diversity, and some of the best experiences are in neighbourhood spots rather than central tourist areas. Making the effort to explore beyond the obvious is worth it.
London also has a particular pace. In central areas, you learn quickly to walk with purpose. At the same time, the city is full of parks and cafés where you can reset and step away from the intensity. That balance between momentum and calm is part of what makes living and studying here so distinctive.
For future students, I’d recommend treating London as more than just a backdrop to your degree. Explore it fully, move confidently, be observant and take advantage of being in a city where so many different communities, industries and perspectives collide and cohabitate.
Explore London fully, be observant and take advantage of being in a city where so many different communities, industries and perspectives collide and cohabitate.
What is student life in London like?
I was born and raised in London, so studying here feels less like relocating and more like seeing my own city differently. Since starting at Imperial, I’ve become more aware of how uniquely positioned London is. It sits at the centre of multiple industries, and many conferences, networking events and conversations that shape sectors like healthcare and technology happen here. That proximity creates real opportunity.
What I value most about London is its depth. There is always something happening, but beyond what is advertised or hyped, the real character of the city is in the places local Londoners go to. The food reflects the city’s diversity, and some of the best experiences are in neighbourhood spots rather than central tourist areas. Making the effort to explore beyond the obvious is worth it.
London also has a particular pace. In central areas, you learn quickly to walk with purpose. At the same time, the city is full of parks and cafés where you can reset and step away from the intensity. That balance between momentum and calm is part of what makes living and studying here so distinctive.
For future students, I’d recommend treating London as more than just a backdrop to your degree. Explore it fully, move confidently, be observant and take advantage of being in a city where so many different communities, industries and perspectives collide and cohabitate.
What's life at Imperial really like?
Connect with current students and explore the vibrant community that makes life at Imperial so unique.
What's your advice for Master's students?
My advice for future Master’s students is to be intentional about how you use your time at Imperial. The university has strong industry connections but those networks are only valuable if you actively engage with them. Attend events, speak to visiting professionals and follow up with people. Imperial’s reputation also carries weight, and having it on your CV can open doors, but it's what you do while you're here that determines how far that advantage goes.
I’d also highlight the startup culture and ecosystem that’s available at Imperial. There’s a distinctive emphasis on translation, commercialisation and real-world impact, which sets Imperial apart from many other UK universities. So if you’re considering entrepreneurship, take full advantage of Imperial’s innovative culture and support which can help bring your ideas and visions to life.
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