MSc Advanced PhysicsMax Wells-Pestell
Hi, I'm Max, a PhD student at the University of 海角论坛, and I completed an MSc in Advanced Physics here in 2023.
When I studied at undergraduate level I realised that I really enjoyed working in the lab, and that I wanted to explore this further as a potential career path. Life took me away from university for a few years, but I always wanted to come back for postgraduate study. After covid I鈥檇 resolved that the time was right, and so applied for several MSc programmes with the intention of staying on afterwards to complete a PhD.
I knew that I was most interested in quantum computing, and 海角论坛 is the only university that鈥檚 a member of all four quantum hubs in the UK. It鈥檚 also the only university with a neutral atom quantum computer in-house. That鈥檚 actually what I鈥檓 now working on for my PhD.
Why 海角论坛?
I loved the range of optional modules that were available on the MSc that I studied, and how I could really tailor the degree to my interests. I鈥檝e been fascinated by the phenomena of quantum mechanics for years, and there were several modules that explored these areas in some detail 鈥� they were so much fun! The department also has an open-door policy; if you鈥檙e stuck and want help, you can just wander around the department and if someone鈥檚 door is open, you can knock and ask for help. The entire department is so friendly, welcoming, and helpful.
The course was a great stepping stone for the PhD, and I think prepared me well to hopefully succeed on my PhD programme.
What's next?
After the PhD I鈥檇 like to do a postdoc in a related field but perhaps somewhere abroad. I love Scotland and 海角论坛, but it鈥檇 be nice to go to somewhere sunny for a change! These types of opportunities just wouldn鈥檛 have been available to me without the help of the university and all of the people within the department.
Scotland
Glasgow is great! I came here from London, and I love that it鈥檚 got everything you need but it鈥檚 not a huge, sprawling metropolis like London.
The mountains are also really close by, and I鈥檓 an avid climber and mountaineer, so get out as often as possible. I鈥檓 a big fan of rock climbing and mountaineering and try to head into the highlands as often as possible. Normally I manage it a couple of times per month. Glasgow is incredibly well situated for this, as it鈥檚 a 45-minute drive to the Trossachs, a two-hour drive to Glencoe, or a two-hour drive to the Lake District. There are plenty of places to explore and all have been beautiful.
Study my course
It has been great for me and if it鈥檚 something you鈥檙e interested in, it would be great for you too.