Matylda
BSc Medical Biosciences
Imperial is unexpected in the best way possible; it has given me opportunities far beyond the lecture theatre, from discovering my passion for research to finding such a kind community.
Growing up in London meant Matylda (UK) was no stranger to Imperial and its influence. She shares why she applied to the Medical Biosciences course, her experience working as a Social Media Ambassador for the university and the financial support she received through the Imperial Bursary that allowed her to make the most of every opportunity and plan for future studies with greater confidence.
Why did you decide to apply to Imperial?
Imperial College London has always stood out to me as exactly the kind of environment I wanted to learn in. Growing up in London, I've seen Imperial's influence up close and appreciated how much emphasis it placed on biomedical research. With campuses all around London, there are plenty of accessible opportunities to advance this research.
"More than anything, I want to be surrounded by ambitious academics and peers that challenge the boundaries of their fields, and Imperial truly embodied that."
My main priority was to explore how an institution prioritised real-world experience, especially when it came to the lab facilities and the broad range of skills I could develop in this environment. I also focused on finding a wide range of taught modules that interested me as well as supplemented what I was doing in the lab. I found that the BSc Medical Biosciences course at Imperial did exactly that, with the the laboratory placement in final year sealing the deal.
What was important about the department you chose to study with?
One of the most important factors in choosing a department was finding one that genuinely valued its students' representation and actively sought their feedback. At the open day for the Medical Biosciences course, I was immediately struck by how many student representatives were present and how enthusiastic they were to speak to me. Those conversations gave me a real sense of the supportive culture within Imperial, making it clear that students' voices are truly valued.
I also appreciated the department's commitment to supporting students beyond the academic environment. Learning about the financial support available through the Faculty of Medicine Hardship Fund reassured me that there was meaningful assistance when it is needed.
The combination of academic excellence, approachable students, and accessible support made Imperial College School of Medicine stand out as the department I wanted to be part of.
When you were applying, did you attend an Open Day?
Whenever I attended a university open day, I always asked myself the same question: "Can I truly see myself here?" I wanted to be able to picture myself walking through the campus, feeling that I belonged and could thrive both academically and personally. I think it is quite normal to feel quite overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the university for you, but what ultimately influenced my decision was the atmosphere.
"I wanted to study somewhere where I felt welcomed and genuinely excited about spending the next few years."
One of the ways I recommend is to utilise the student ambassadors at the Open Days, voice your questions and really get to know both your course and university. I think it's worth remembering that these ambassadors were in your shoes only a short time ago, so those same questions or worries they had will probably be very similar to yours!
What's it like studying Medical Biosciences?
Medical Biosciences teaches you to ask 'why?' and encourages you to question the intricate details of human health and disease in order to understand the mechanisms behind them. The course pushes you to investigate through research and design experiments to uncover the answers to these questions.
With a strong emphasis on laboratory work, I have developed a wide range of experimental techniques and gained hands-on experience, alongside being taught through engaging modules. The course has strengthened my curiosity and ability to approach complex problems in human health from a research perspective.
Learning independence in the laboratory has been the most rewarding part of my course. I have also gained the confidence to think critically about experimental outcomes and troubleshoot to find better ways to adjust these outcomes. It was in these moments that I knew Medical Biosciences was the right path for me, as I discovered how much I enjoyed the challenge of research and contributing to advancing our understanding of human disease.
When did you know that Imperial was the right place for you?
I moved into accommodation in my first year, which was a great way to meet new people, especially because everyone was in the same boat and looking to make friends. Even on the very first day, I sat down next to someone who is now one of my closest friends and we shared a pizza. I remember feeling nervous about finding my group of friends and wondering where I would fit in, but I quickly appreciated how welcoming and approachable everyone was.
“Through simply starting conversations with people around me and attending society events, I found a supportive community at Imperial.”
Those first few weeks helped me realise that Imperial was the right place for me, not just because of the academic opportunities, but because of the people I met and the sense of belonging I developed.
Have you done any practical placements as part of your degree?
As part of my degree, I gained extensive practical experience through a 20-week laboratory-based project placement that formed the majority of my third year. I had the incredible opportunity to become involved in clinical research in embryology at the Wolfson Fertility Centre in Hammersmith Hospital. Working in such a dynamic research environment not only allowed me to develop new practical skills but also helped me grow personally and build confidence through collaboration.
After graduation, I plan to study for a master's in reproduction and embryogenesis, which was definitely brought about by my placement opportunity within my final year.
Did you take any I-Explore modules?
Yes! For my I-Explore module, I chose to study 'Personalised Medicine: Hope or Hype?', as I wanted to explore how emerging interdisciplinary approaches are shaping the future of healthcare. The module was delivered through a series of lectures from different clinicians and researchers, each sharing their involvement in their field of personalised medicine. From understanding how environmental factors can influence disease phenotypes and exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to analyse medical images such as fracture scans, I particularly enjoyed broadening my understanding of how research can be translated into more targeted treatments.
“Studying at Imperial has transformed me from being simply curious about science into someone who feels confident enough to question and explore it.”
Have you overcome any challenges?
Research comes with its ups and downs, and it has truly taught me the meaning of determination and resilience. Sometimes there were long days in the laboratory that resulted in inconclusive findings, but it was the ability to adapt that mattered most. Whether it was working through challenging experiments with my lab group or thoughtful discussions with my supervisors, I learned that research is built from many puzzle pieces that require collaboration to bring together. I am incredibly grateful to have had such a supportive network of tutors and supervisors who guided me to grow as a scientist.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities?
At Imperial, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside the Social Media team to create content for the university’s platforms. It has been amazing getting to showcase the variety of experiences Imperial has to offer, from exploring all the different modes of transport London has to offer to discovering how food could be grown in space for astronauts!
One of my favourite parts of this role has been science communication, where I get to interview professors and researchers to distil their work into engaging videos that are accessible to anyone watching our Instagram.
I have also loved creating welfare and prospective student content, as it has given me the chance to help others feel connected to Imperial before they even arrive.
"Nothing beats the feeling of someone recognising you on campus from your TikToks and knowing that something you created has helped them picture themselves as part of the community!"
There are lots of ways for students to get involved with job opportunities at Imperial. Imperial has a dedicated platform called JobsLive, run through the Careers Service, which advertises a wide range of roles and opportunities for students. There are also regular updates through Imperial’s social media channels, the Students’ Union website, as well as posters and advertisements around campus. My advice would be to keep an eye out and connect with other students to ask how they managed to find their roles.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities?
At Imperial, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside the Social Media team to create content for the university’s platforms. It has been amazing getting to showcase the variety of experiences Imperial has to offer, from exploring all the different modes of transport London has to offer to discovering how food could be grown in space for astronauts!
One of my favourite parts of this role has been science communication, where I get to interview professors and researchers to distil their work into engaging videos that are accessible to anyone watching our Instagram.
I have also loved creating welfare and prospective student content, as it has given me the chance to help others feel connected to Imperial before they even arrive.
"Nothing beats the feeling of someone recognising you on campus from your TikToks and knowing that something you created has helped them picture themselves as part of the community!"
There are lots of ways for students to get involved with job opportunities at Imperial. Imperial has a dedicated platform called JobsLive, run through the Careers Service, which advertises a wide range of roles and opportunities for students. There are also regular updates through Imperial’s social media channels, the Students’ Union website, as well as posters and advertisements around campus. My advice would be to keep an eye out and connect with other students to ask how they managed to find their roles.
Have you received any financial support?
The Imperial Bursary has provided me with invaluable financial support throughout my time at Imperial and has helped me plan for my future studies with greater confidence.
When researching universities, financial support was one of the most important factors I considered, and Imperial stood out due to the generosity of its bursary scheme. I found the Imperial Bursary through the university’s website, where eligible students are considered based on a household income of under £70,000 a year.
"I am extremely grateful to the donors and Imperial’s alumni community whose kindness makes this support possible."
The bursary represents a wider commitment from the Imperial community to ensuring that students can pursue their ambitions regardless of their financial circumstances. Receiving this support made me feel incredibly fortunate, as it showed that Imperial truly invests in its students. The bursary has allowed me to budget more effectively and focus more on making the most of the opportunities available at Imperial. It has also reassured me as I continue my higher education journey and work towards my future goals.
Matylda's tips and tricks for travelling around London
Explore London on our virtual tour
Visit famous London landmarks close to Imperial, including the London Eye, Borough Market and Oxford Circus on our interactive virtual tour.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying to Imperial?
Stay curious and immerse yourself in your subject. Explore beyond what is taught in the classroom and take the time to ask questions and discover what truly excites you. When you are genuinely interested in what you are learning, passion will naturally shine through, and people will see that enthusiasm in you.
If you're interested in studying Medical Biosciences, my advice would be to acknowledge the challenges that come with studying human health and disease. Medical Biosciences is a course that will teach you how to handle uncertainty and keep going when things do not go as planned. Research rarely follows a straight path, so highlighting the determination you have learnt in extracurriculars or school life will show that you have thoroughly thought about the resilience needed to bounce back in the lab.
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