Meet our Students
Graduating students and alumni can give you a real flavour of life at Lancaster and how we can change your life and launch your career.
Students
Roland Kanda
MSci Mathematics, Pendle College 2014-18
"Having lived in the South my entire life, I wanted to study in a completely new location to expand my horizons - living in Lancaster has definitely been a fun and unique experience."
"I really enjoyed attending my workshops at the end of each week as it gave me the opportunity to speak with my tutors about any (many!) topics I struggled understanding. Some of my lecturers were my tutors so it also gave me the chance to get to know my tutors as well my lecturers - which made me much more comfortable in asking for any queries I had. I would like to pursue a career which allows me to apply the skills I have learnt here, such as problem-solving and data analysing."
Extra-curricular
"I enjoyed being able to join and participate in clubs and societies I haven't particularly done before (Basketball, Trampoline and Table Tennis). Trampoline, in particular, I really enjoyed travelling with my squad to different universities across Northern England and Scotland to compete during the weekend and at the same time, enjoy my weekend by exploring around the city I'm in."
Advice to first years
"At the end of your modules, you will have an End-of-Module Test, which will determine your overall understanding of the module and will contribute to your overall grade. Make sure at the end of each week you are on track with your Workshop and Assessed Exercises so you know which areas you find okay and others you may need to spend more time with."

Emily Granger
BSc Mathematics with Statistics (Study Abroad)
Emily Granger is glad to have chosen to study at Lancaster, feeling that the excellent reputation of the Maths and Statistics Department is well-earned. "Lancaster's Mathematics and Statistics Department has an excellent reputation, and now I have studied here for three years, I can see why. I would recommend this University to anyone thinking of studying maths. However, wherever you may end up going, my advice is to make the most of your time and your maintenance loan!"
Although Emily has greatly benefitted from the academic aspects of her degree, it was the opportunity to spend a year abroad, as well as her involvement with student societies, that proved to be the highlights of her time at Lancaster. "In my first year, I tried out many things such as kayaking, climbing, going out with RocSoc (Rock Society). All of these I enjoyed, but what I have been most involved with is Lancaster Amnesty International Society and Lancaster Oxfam Society. I was quite shy before coming here. Still, by coming to Lancaster, I have been given opportunities such as being part of an executive for a society, completing an internship at the University and even living in Canada for a year! I knew that Lancaster has great study abroad opportunities and I have a strong interest in travelling. All of these (amongst others I haven't mentioned) have not only been a lot of fun to experience but have filled me with confidence, and I feel much more prepared for what comes next after university. The opportunities that Lancaster has given me have been the best thing about studying here."
Emily feels that the skills and knowledge that she has gained at Lancaster will prepare her adequately for her career in the future, as she wishes to undertake a career related to statistics. "I would like to become a medical or environmental statistician, or if not, work for a non-profit organisation such as Amnesty International or Oxfam," she says.

Faye Williamson
BSc Mathematics
"The campus had a really friendly and inviting atmosphere with lots going on, and the Department has a great reputation.
"I completed a summer internship at the University in Statistics and Operational Research to gauge whether postgraduate study would be right for me. I have also been a third-year course representative collaborating between staff and students to address any problems that students may have; a computing laboratory demonstrator in my final year to assist first-year maths undergraduates with one of their computing modules; a support worker for Clear Links, which involves note-taking for dyslexic or disabled students at Lancaster University; and every weekend, I work part-time as a receptionist at a local ophthalmic practice.
"My advice would be: if you ever have a problem - whether maths-related or not - do not be afraid to ask the lecturers and tutors for help, because they are all very approachable and friendly. I would advise that students get involved in any internship opportunities available over summer because they help give you an idea of what you want to do next and where your interests lie. The continual support and encouragement provided by the Departmental staff was the best thing about studying at Lancaster.
"I would like to complete a four-year PhD programme in Statistics and Operational Research here at Lancaster University; the first year resulting in the award of a Masters of Research, followed by three years of study leading to a PhD."
