Marco Dobson

I absolutely love the topics covered in my degree. I never quite appreciated how wide I would study, and how much I would learn. Everything covered over the duration of my course all links perfectly together and provides a very holistic view to the natural world around us from different viewpoints.

I have gained invaluable experience during my studies by undertaking countless ecological surveys in the most phenomenal environments both abroad and in the UK. I have gained so many skills that I will need in my future career in ecology and conservation and had such a fantastic experience at the same time.

Edge Hill has financially supported me through the Student Opportunity Fund, which has enabled me to undertake several residential volunteering placements around the UK. It enabled me to afford necessities while I was not able to work (due to the nature of volunteering) which has subsequently boosted my career prospects and widened my network of contacts.

I have thrived under the change of living independently and gained much more motivation. I have really enjoyed living with friends because it has given a really good work-life balance.

After my degree, I aim to do more volunteering to gain further work-related experience with conservation charities, before looking for full-time work. At some point in the future, I also intend to do further academic studies to boost my knowledge and skill base, because I expect to very much miss it when I leave.