Alisha Desai

First-year student Alisha shares why she chose the University of Cumbria and what she's loving most about her BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography course.

Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?

From an early age, I always wanted to work as an allied health professional and enter the world of healthcare. My interest in the advanced technologies helping to shape and evolve the medical field - such as x-rays, MRI and CT scans - spiked my interest in studying diagnostic radiography.

Radiographers play a crucial role within the NHS and contribute to patient care by allowing medical diagnoses to be made so rapid treatment can be provided. This is what motivated me to want to support patients with treatment and diagnosis. Furthermore, shadowing a radiographer inspired me even more as I realised I had the skills for the role, such as working well under pressure and time management.

Having in-depth knowledge on the internal structures and functions of the bones and cells in the human body has made me more confident to become a radiographer and I look forward to learning more while studying at Cumbria.

Why did you choose the University of Cumbria over other universities?

The University of Cumbria’s Allied Health Professions courses are ranked 1st in the North West*, which was a key factor for me. I also visited an open day with my college at the time and came across the radiography department. We spoke to Dr. Amanda Martin, who is a consultant radiographer, and she really inspired me. She discussed the kinds of things learnt in radiography, such as anatomy and physiology, and explained more about clinical practice placements, ethics, and professional practice.

So far, as a first-year student, my experience has been positive. The university is equipped with excellent facilities which support my learning and allow me to gain experience working with patients in the medical world. It also has many quiet study zones and useful books at the library to build up my knowledge of my profession and to ensure I complete work to the best of my ability. I have also met the most amazing friends who are supportive and who I can have a great laugh with (outside of lectures, of course!)

*Our Allied Health Profession courses are ranked 1st in the North West and top 10 in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2023 Results)

How have you found your placement(s)? Where was your placement, and what was it like?

I will be going on my first placement in two weeks’ time, and I really look forward to contributing to a patient care setting, gaining hands-on experience with the modalities, and working with real life patients. I also look forward to gaining confidence in my skills and decision-making abilities in a clinical environment.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

Keeping up with content (especially anatomy) and balancing university with a social life is challenging. However, I have created a schedule and marked out how many hours I should be studying for on what days. I also dedicate time to work on my weaknesses, which is mainly anatomy as there’s so many parts to remember in the human body. I also use the Feynman technique to revise, which is a technique used to recall what you’ve just learnt and teach it to family member or a friend. I feel like this has definitely helped me a lot.

How have your tutors supported you during your studies?

My tutors have been extremely helpful during my studies. They give constructive feedback on my assignments and are readily available to answer any questions, which helps me clear up any uncertainties. They also guide us in developing practical skills and motivate us to participate in discussions, making learning more engaging and enjoyable. Their support has significantly enhanced my confidence and comprehension of the subject.

How is university life beyond your studies?

Outside university, I attend the gym frequently, which helps with my physical and emotional wellbeing. Being fit and healthy is crucial for me, and following a good diet creates discipline and routine. This is very important for university life, helping to reduce stress and maintain healthy habits.

I am also a florist! I make bouquets in my spare time and share them on Instagram, TikTok and Vinted. I absolutely love making them and serving my regular customers; they keep me busy and enable me to create something new each time.

What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?

When applying to study diagnostic radiography, ensure to really say why you want to study the course and what led to your decision, and what skills you already have. The most important thing is to be confident at your interview.

When starting the course, ensure you make a good set of notes after each lecture and if you’re unsure of anything, ask the lecturers to explain it to you or ask for a one to one - all the lecturers and staff are very supportive at the University of Cumbria, so don’t be afraid because they are here to help you. It can be quite tricky to balance it all, so to make life easier, ensure you are putting all the effort in so you won’t fall behind on anything. All the hard work will pay off!

What advice or guidance do you have for people thinking about applying for university?

If you’re considering applying to university, I suggest starting your research as soon as possible and looking into various programmes that match your interests. Connecting with current students or academic staff can provide valuable insights. Reflecting on my experience, I wish I had been more organised during the application stage. Having a checklist for deadlines and requirements would have made the process easier. And remember to let your unique personality come through in your personal statement; it’s an excellent chance to showcase your enthusiasm and what sets you apart.

What are your plans for the future, and how is your course preparing you for your potential career?

I plan to become a diagnostic radiographer and study further after graduating. I am thinking of working in mammography which is a specialised medical imaging technique that uses low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue for signs of cancer or other abnormalities. I have also looked at nuclear medicine, which is a medical specialty that uses small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat various diseases, including cancer, by providing images of the body's internal organs and monitoring their function. There are so many career options once you graduate as a band 5 radiographer. This is also another reason why I chose to study this profession, but I hope to do postgraduate study as well.

What’s been the highlight of your time at university so far?

A highlight has been gaining practical experience in the x-ray labs and studying the various pathologies in radiography. This helps me understand how imaging techniques can be utilised to recognise these conditions, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.