Our graduates

Fisheries Research Officer
Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IoSIFCA)

Sarah studied MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation and graduated in 2021.

“I enjoyed the strong practical elements of the course. I felt even with Covid I got a lot of chances to expand my field skills. The highlight for me was definitely the weeks of boat trips; we got to improve our ID skills at sea and a visit to Lundy island to see the seabirds. Having the opportunity to work with IoSIFCA and Natural England for my masters project was brilliant as well. The best thing about studying at the Penryn Campus of the University of Exeter is the staff. The lecturers all go above and beyond to support you. They really are exceptional. 
 
“I chose to work in fisheries because I like a challenge. I don’t believe there is ever a straightforward or obvious answer when it comes to fisheries research and management and I love getting stuck in to figuring out solutions that work for multiple different stakeholders. The thing I enjoy most about my work is the people I get to work with. I’m lucky enough to work with wonderful fishers who make even the rough, grey days at sea seem easy.” 

Community Economic Development Officer
City of Moncton, Canada

Alicia studied MSc Sustainable Development and graduated in 2016.

"I enjoyed being able to learn first-hand about climate change and its effects from scientists who are actively contributing to the IPCC, as well as the opportunity to learn how to use programs that are essential for a job in sustainability like GIS mapping systems. I was member of the Green Consultants, where I helped develop a project to have a joint sustainability policy with Falmouth University. I also loved the beautiful Cornish scenery and all the amazing hikes and walks available around Cornwall.

After graduating I did a three-month placement with Taylor Woodrow as an Environmental Assistant in Bristol. I then returned to my home country and worked as Manager for Business Development for a cleantech firm where I helped coordinate the YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) programme for social entrepreneurship, which opened the doors for me to come to Canada.” 

Scientific Fisheries Observer,
Falkland Islands Government

Lise studied MSc Marine Environmental Management and graduated in 2022.

“Being on a campus where everyone is interested in conservation, the environment and sustainability was such an encouraging environment to develop views and opinions, and discussing with different people about their research was very inspiring. I had studied fisheries management solely from an ecological perspective until I took the Marine & Coastal Sustainability module, which completely turned around my view on the management of fisheries and convinced me of the need for interdisciplinarity in conservation and management.  
 
“Since graduating I moved to the Falkland Islands to work on fishing vessels and collect data for the Falkland Islands Government. It can be quite a tough job, but it's teaching me so much on the amount and quality of data required to manage fisheries. I'm so excited to apply everything I've learned in this position into managing fisheries! I was a member of the SeaSwimming Society at Exeter, and am proud to say I'm continuing to do this in the South Atlantic, where the water is much colder than in Cornwall...” 

Environmental and Social Safeguards Expert,
World Health Organisation

Guy studied MSc Mining Environmental Management and graduated in 2021.

“The MEM programme is a well-designed, structured and enriched course that equips students with an outstanding skillset covering natural, engineering and social science aspects of environmental management and mining sustainability. I really enjoyed the environmental landscape of the Penryn campus, the research facilities, the outstanding lecturers and extra academic support from the university. 
 
“The technical skills and experiences that have been most useful for my career are planning, environmental risk assessment, drafting of technical reports, stakeholder engagement, partnership building, capacities building in environmental best practices, and environmental monitoring. Adding to this, skills such as team leadership and project management, problem solving, critical thinking, time management, effective communication, flexibility, accuracy and good attention to detail, have also been so useful in my professional journey. Since I left Exeter I worked as an expert for the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) and joined World Health Organisation (WHO) in late June 2022.” 

PhD Student Dept. of Zoology,
University of Cambridge

Nile studied MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology and graduated in 2021.

“I chose to study at Exeter because the course was unique and the academics offered incredible opportunities to learn new skills. I enjoyed engaging with my cohort academically, the highlight was the fieldtrip to Kenya. Living in Penryn also worked really well for me. Since leaving Exeter I have been continuing my research as part of a PhD investigating the ecology of the first animal ecosystems and the ecology of benthic reefs.” 

Engineering Geologist,
Australia

Jack studies MSc Mining Engineering and graduated in 2022.

“I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter here in Penryn, Cornwall. Having recently worked in Western Australia in the mining industry as an Engineering Geologist, studying the mining engineering masters really helped link together the full mining life cycle, from production and cost estimation to drill & blast and quarrying. Living and studying in Cornwall is very unique and a fantastic place to live.” 

Exploration Geologist,
Musgrave Minerals Limited Australia

Alessia studied MSc Exploration Geology and graduated in 2022.

“I chose Exeter and CSM because I wanted to learn about the application of geology to the mining industry. The course turned out to be exactly what I hoped it would be and I was delighted to also learn about the focus on dealing with community communication and preservation, ESG factors and understanding economic trends crucial to the industry. I have also enjoyed the field trip run and the relationships with both peer students and staff members during our first time as proper exploration geologists in Norway.” 

Doctoral Researcher,
University of Queensland

Chinonso studied MSc Environment and Human Health and graduated in 2018.

“I became interested in studying at Exeter because of the excellent nature of the European Centre for Environment and Human Health: the researchers and experts in the centre, graduate student achievements, and, most importantly, incredible interdisciplinary research collaborations. What's more, the University is a world leader in the area and well-known for attracting quality international students across the globe, giving me the perfect opportunity to meet and network with scholars from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. Practically, I enjoyed everything but what stood out for me was the conducive environment to study and research. Also the fact that the programme was taught by experts and researchers from diverse fields, thereby making the course more robust and unique. My biggest highlight was when I received a report that my MSc thesis was graded as a Distinction (83%).”