Ryan Whittall

For years, Ryan believed his dream of working with animals was out of reach, but his Integrated Foundation Year gave him the scientific knowledge needed to pursue a BSc (Hons) Zoology degree. Below, Ryan tells us all about his journey to university, what he enjoys most about his course, and his plans for the future.

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

I always wanted to work with animals, but I was encouraged to continue with the courses I was good at in college – art and English. Because of this, by the time I realised I would enjoy studying science at university, I didn’t have the correct qualifications. I was also too anxious for university; I found the concept terrifying and instead I worked full-time for a few years. Eventually, I was encouraged by my friend who was applying for a foundation year course as a mature student, which made me want to give it a try too. 

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

Big, busy cities are too overwhelming for me and so I didn’t want to study at a large campus. The University of Cumbria is small and homely, and I didn’t have to worry about being lost in a sea of people. It’s nice knowing that the tutor knows me by name, and I can approach them if I’m struggling with anything. The location was a massive bonus too – what better place to study zoology than in the Lake District! 

Pinning and organizing moths while volunteering at Tullie House Museum. 

What was your experience of your Integrated Foundation Year? 

Although it didn’t contain the content I was most interested in, I understood that it was important for me to get all the base scientific knowledge that I missed by not studying science at college. Going into the first year of the zoology course after completing the foundation year was a lot less stressful than it could have been, and I felt fully prepared for the content. It definitely gave me a head start over my peers who didn’t do a foundation year. 

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

I am a very anxious person, and I have autism, which made me very worried that university would be a difficult challenge for me. I was worried I wouldn’t fit in and that my anxiety would make it hard to concentrate in lectures and complete assignments. The tutors are very approachable if I have any issues and the smaller class sizes at the university made me a lot less overwhelmed than I thought I’d be. Because of this, I have managed to build my confidence so that I am a lot less anxious now and am managing to get involved in things I never would have been able to before. 

A visit to the Ambleside campus to hear about the white-tailed eagle reintroduction. 

How have your tutors supported you during your studies?  

I struggle to concentrate in lectures when I am not sitting at the front, as I get distracted by noises and what everyone else is doing. I communicated this to my tutors, and they would always make sure there was a space for me at the front of the room. I also struggled with occasional group work, as working with people I don’t know can make me panic, tutors have also been understanding about this and ensure that I’m comfortable when carrying out group activities. Tutors are also always trying to help find volunteering opportunities for you to get involved in which has been a big help. 

How is university life beyond your studies?  

I regularly volunteer for the community, working mainly with the Wildlife Trust where I have taken part in planting wildflowers and creating wilder places for animals. I also volunteer at the Tullie House Museum, where I am lucky enough to see the collections and work with the curator to manage them. There are lots of birds, which are my favourite. I am also a founder of the Zoological Society at the university, where we are trying to improve wild spaces here on campus and get more involved in the local community. I have a much more active social life than I did before university, and I just love being outside all the time. 

One of the cockroaches we got to meet during an Invertebrate Zoology lab. 

Organising bones while volunteering at Tullie House Museum. 

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

Get involved in as much volunteering as you can. It’s great experience and prepares you for when you go out there into the zoological world. Also don’t leave your assignments until the last minute, it never works out well! 

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

Think about what works best for you, and if you go to any open days try to imagine what your life would be like there. Don’t let anxiety hold you back from something that you would really enjoy. It’s hard to take that first step but this university is so lovely and supportive! 

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

I love birds and I want to work with them in the future. One of my lecturers is an ornithologist and has worked with birds a lot in the past, meaning he can give me lots of good advice. The course has taught me bird surveying techniques that I already use a lot as a hobby. There are also a lot of birds on the campus, that I love keeping an eye on. I am confident that after graduating I would be well-prepared to work with birds in the future. 

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

Getting to see so many animals and visit so many places that I’ve never had the opportunity to visit before. The field trips are very informative and have helped me broaden my knowledge about conservation and animals in general.  

One of the blackbird fledglings on Fusehill Street campus.