Myrthe previously studied BSc Forensic Science at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences before immersing herself in life here at the University of Central Lancashire.
UCLan is one of the few universities in Europe that offers a forensic genetics course and focusses solely on this area. I wanted to develop my skills in forensic DNA analysis and that is why I decided to study here. On the DNA Profiling course I have enjoyed the focus on forensic genetics and the combination of theoretical and practical lectures and assignments.
The tutors and professors are very friendly and approachable and are always willing to help. There is a research project in semester three that can be done in collaboration with Lancashire Forensic Science Academy which is exciting.
Away from the academic side of things, I can tell you that student services are very helpful and friendly. There’s a gym on campus for students which is nice with all the equipment you’d expect; I like to go here in the morning when it is not too busy. A particularly memorable experience for me since joining the University was winning our first (and only) game with the UCLan women’s volleyball team against York!
"At first it can seem difficult to meet new people when arriving at a new university, but UCLan accommodation is a great way to meet new people as is joining a society, which really helped me."
— Myrthe Metselaars, Msc DNA Profiling student
I also joined the UCLan volleyball team and when I’m not studying or playing volleyball, I like to visit other places in the UK, go to pub quizzes with the friends who I met here and attend social events with my volleyball teammates.
Preston is a small city with all the necessary shops and restaurants, nice parks (like Avenham) and a lot of takeaway food options. There are good train connections with cities nearby, but also with places further away like London and Glasgow. In only a few months here I have been to visit the Lake District, York, Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool and London.
Although the UK and the Netherlands are close to each other, there are still a lot of cultural differences and meeting people from all around the world here at UCLan is very interesting and you can learn a lot from it.