PhD scholarship success is a ‘Pretty huge Deal’ for former East Sussex College student

When you leave school and start college, you might not necessarily know what you want to do in the future. But don’t worry, because college is the place where you’ll start to figure it out.

Exactly like one of our former students, Nathan Brooke.

Since leaving college, Nathan studied at univeristy, completed a Master's degree and is flying high in the world of academia after he was awarded a PhD scholarship at Canterbury Christ Church University to explore Forensic Ballistic Research.

The 25-year-old, former Claverham Community College student, studied Public Services at our Station Plaza campus and said that he wouldn’t be where he is today, without his time at college.

“I was never very academic, and I struggled at school. But now I’m studying for a PhD!

Without my time at college, I would not be where I am today. The help from my lecturers and the passion they had for their subject was a real motivation; it has been the basis for my achievements.

I decided to study the Uniformed Public Services (UPS) at East Sussex College because I had aspirations to work in the Police or for the Royal Marines. I looked around at other colleges in the area, but I was not that impressed with what I saw. Other colleges couldn’t compete with the practical elements on offer with the Hastings course.

I learnt A LOT of things on the course, from how to polish my boots, speak properly on a radio, orientate myself and fellow classmates. There was just so much to learn. But the real highlight was getting out of the classroom to learn. Our expedition across Snowdon was unforgettable.

After completing Level 3 UPS, I decided to carry on studying at the college and boosted my skills and qualifications with a Level 3 in Preventing Injuries in Sport and Active Leisure, and a Level 2 in Gym Based Exercise. I ended up working at the college gym, Plaza Fitness, and before I left college, gained a Level 4 in Sports Massage Therapy.

As I mentioned earlier, the one thing that made college such a memorable and important part of my journey was the teachers. They were all fantastic, but a special mention has to go to Vicki, who taught me on the Public Services, Sports Injury, and Massage courses. They taught me to have confidence in myself, and I can achieve anything I want if I apply myself enough.

From that moment onwards, I started to develop academically, to a higher level, and I knew I had a thirst for studying.

The following September, I started my BSc Biosciences and Forensic Investigation degree at Canterbury Christ Church University. I found university very different from college. It was the first time that I had moved away, and I found it quite daunting. But after a short adjustment period, I settled into university well and enjoyed myself. The most challenging change from college was having the self-discipline and drive to do assignments. But joining a society was one of the best parts of uni.

It was during my BSc dissertation that I began to research an idea that I had to explore The correlation of distance and damage in a ballistic setting. I really enjoyed this research aspect of my dissertation, more than the taught modules on the course. As I was entering into my last year, the university started offering a Masters (MSc) in Forensic Investigation for the first time. I had the opportunity to continue studying my passion in a higher-level of detail. My passion and curiosity only grew during my MSc, and my supervisor informed me that the university was offering a PhD scholarship which I could apply for. I wanted to continue working on my project and see where it could take me. I decided to apply, ended up being shortlisted, and after an intensive interview, I was awarded the scholarship position. To say I was delighted is an understatement.

My PhD will open so many doors for me. I am looking at going into teaching, where I can share my passion for my field. But I’m also looking at working as a researcher for the Ministry of Defense or a private firm. There are a lot of options for me.

My time at college certainly helped me to get where I am today. It taught me that I can achieve anything. The one thing I know now that I wish I knew when I was 15 or 16 years old, is that I can achieve much more than I ever thought possible! It didn’t matter that I was in low sets, doing foundation papers for GCSE. That was just the beginning and look at what I’ve achieved.

I think Uniformed Public Services is an incredible course. It will teach you many different skills and qualities which can be fundamental in work and life. With a difficult current employment climate, those skills could be the difference between you and someone else getting a job. So, if you are unsure about what you want to do, my advice would be to study UPS so you can work out where you want to go in life!”