Maha Mansha Akhtar

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster because of its central London location, which makes it very accessible with multiple tube connections. Commuting from home has been convenient - if one train is delayed, there are always alternative routes I can take to get to campus.

Another key reason was that the Biomedical Sciences BSc at Westminster is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), unlike many other universities. This reassured me about the quality of the course and its alignment with professional standards. My sixth-form teacher also highly recommended the University of Westminster, which encouraged me to explore the course in more detail. I was impressed by the structure and by the opportunities available, such as the chance to study abroad for a month or a full year through the global exchange programmes.

I also value the strong student support system - whether it’s academic advice, mental health support, or wellbeing services. Every student is assigned a personal tutor, providing consistent guidance throughout the course. On top of that, the university has a vibrant student life with lots of societies, events, and guest speaker talks. I’ve attended social gatherings, trips and networking events that have really enriched my university experience.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London has been an incredible journey - it’s given me so much more than just academic growth. As a major global city, London provides unique opportunities for students, such as conferences, research symposiums, and career fairs. I’ve presented my research poster at several conferences through the Gene Editors of the Future programme, which helped me engage with professionals and expand my knowledge. These events have played a big role in shaping both my academic goals and career aspirations.

Outside of studying, I love to explore the city - whether it’s parks or new cafés, there’s always something to discover. The range of part-time job opportunities, from tutoring to research lab roles, has also helped me gain practical experience alongside my studies.

Looking back, London has helped me grow not just academically, but also in confidence and independence. The experiences I’ve had here will stay with me and play a key part in shaping my future.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

The Biomedical Sciences BSc at Westminster offers a great mix of theory and practical learning. Overall, the course has been well-organised and delivered clearly. I especially enjoyed some of the modules that really sparked my interest.

A major highlight for me was getting involved in research projects with real-world relevance. Through the Gene Editors of the Future programme, I explored CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing techniques, which deepened my understanding of genetic engineering and its potential in medicine. That hands-on experience played a big part in developing my interest in a career in clinical embryology.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

When you start university, it can feel like you’re on your own, juggling everything – academic elements, finances, personal life. But at Westminster, that hasn’t been my experience. Throughout my degree, the lecturers have been approachable and supportive. They never judged and were always ready to help.

Their feedback helped me refine my research and build my confidence. Whether it was running experiments, prepping for assessments, or talking about future career options, I felt supported. The open-door policy made it easy to reach out, and their encouragement helped me grow - not just academically, but as a researcher ready to move forward in my career. There’s a real sense of community among staff and students that made a huge difference.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

Westminster offers more than just coursework - it gives you experiences that help you stand out professionally. One of the most transformative for me was joining the Gene Editors of the Future (GEOTF) programme. It gave me hands-on experience in genome engineering, which built on the practicals in my course.

The programme let me apply techniques across different settings, helping me understand them better. We also had lab work and visited research institutes, giving me a real-world view of biomedical science in action.

Beyond the technical side, GEOTF helped me grow personally and professionally. I started out unsure of my abilities, but I finished with strong lab skills, confidence in problem-solving, and the ability to explain scientific ideas clearly. I learned how to adapt quickly, troubleshoot experiments, and work in teams. I even got the chance to co-organise large-scale symposiums and attend international conferences. I supported newer students by leading trips and helping them prepare posters and presentations.

GEOTF wasn’t just about building my CV - it helped me discover what I’m capable of. It was a defining part of my journey at Westminster and confirmed my passion for biomedical research.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service 

I have not personally used the University Careers and Employability Service, but as a student representative, I’ve gathered feedback from my colleagues who have found the service extremely helpful. Many students have shared that the team is not only fast in responding to queries but also provides clear, thorough guidance tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s advice on job applications, CV writing, or career planning, students consistently praise the professionalism and support offered. The team’s proactive approach has helped many students feel more confident in their career paths, and it’s clear that the service plays a vital role in supporting the future careers of students at the university.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course 

Recently, I had the chance to visit Illumina in Cambridge through the Gene Editors of the Future programme. It was an incredible experience where I saw cutting-edge genomic technologies in action, including machines used for whole genome and next-generation sequencing. These are technologies that drive forward genetic research and clinical applications.

The visit deepened my understanding of how these tools work and how they’re used in the field. Being part of the programme has kept me up to date with developments in gene editing and has given me opportunities I never imagined when I first started university.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

Take advantage of every opportunity that Westminster offers. Programmes like Gene Editors of the Future can make a real difference to your academic and professional development. Build relationships with your tutors and peers, seek out mentorship, and get involved in activities outside your course. These experiences can make your time at university much more rewarding. Be open to challenges and try new things within your field - you never know where they might lead you.

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

For me, it’s the holistic approach Westminster takes to education. There’s a real balance between academic learning and practical experiences that help prepare you for your career while building your confidence.

Also, being in London means you're close to so many professional networks, organisations, and events. It opens up opportunities for research, internships, and employment that really enhance your university experience.

What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

I never expected that my involvement in the Gene Editors of the Future programme would lead me into politics! I had the opportunity to host Members of Parliament and even organise a mayoral assembly. One of the most memorable moments was representing West London on stage, holding a banner in front of over 1,000 people.

I also never imagined I’d attend international conferences as an undergraduate. When I introduced myself, people were often surprised at the level of involvement and responsibility I had. These experiences have broadened my horizons far beyond what I expected - both in science and in leadership.