Jonathan B

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I wanted to extend and improve my professional practice. I work in public health in local government as a behavioural scientist. My job involves using behavioural science to inform the action of the public health team to try and improve the health of the public and to reduce inequalities in health outcomes. 

I was employed in this role as I had considerable practical experience but wanted a sound theoretical basis and the chance to learn from experts in the field. I wanted the course to help me to underpin my practical experience with theoretical models. I also wanted to learn how to evaluate my work using statistical analysis and hopefully share and publish my findings with others in my field. 

What are the best things about your course?

I can study part-time to fit around my work and life commitments. The tutors are very accessible and supportive. The lectures fit nicely with my professional practice and the tasks set are reflective of real-world experiences. I can take what I learn and put it into my job, sometimes the same day!

How does your course impact the work you are currently doing?

I have taken specific things I have learnt and put them into practice, for example using statistical analysis to assess the impact of social marketing campaigns on smoking cessation service uptake. I have been able to say what impact campaigns have had and the size of this effect. This will help us to see whether we are spending money wisely and getting the best return on our investment. 

I have used what I have learnt to pass on knowledge to colleagues who are not experts in the field, and I have used the practical examples and case studies from my lectures at work. I have also made changes to the data we collect so it is more easily assessed and more likely to predict health outcomes for people.

What are the best things about life here as a postgraduate student? 

The open campus with good links into the city and the countryside. A good mix of younger and mature students. The ability to take on extra classes for skills and software that are not always directly connected to your course.

How will the course inform your career plans?

I aim to widen my practice and want to become influential in my field. I hope to use what I learn to make a bigger difference to the lives of the public in my area and beyond. I hope to be able to share what I have learnt with other professionals in my field. And I hope to publish my evaluated work so others can benefit from the work we have done in my area.

What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?

Talk to the tutors as I was impressed and felt reassured and motivated it was the right place for me. Ask others on the same course what they think and check out the campus in person if you can.

Find out more about our Behaviour Change MSc