Following graduation, Health and Medical Sciences alumna Marcella went on to study the Master's in Public Health at Warwick Medical School, and now works as a Wider Determinants of Health Project Officer at Walsall Council. Here, she tells us how her time at Warwick and the skills she developed through the courses have helped her at the start of her career.
Why did you choose to study BSc Health and Medical Sciences at Warwick Medical School?
I have always been interested in biology and psychology. Finding a degree that connected biology with the social forces that shape health was like a spark was lit. Health and Medical Sciences (HMS) blends the molecular (genetics, physiology and pathogens) and the systemic (sociology, health systems and policy), so I could learn not only what affects health but why and how to intervene. When I applied, Warwick was one of the few universities offering this integrated approach, which felt innovative and future-facing. On a personal level, the campus during spring and summer is perfect for a picnic and a walk… sometimes ending up at The Duck (pub).
What were the highlights of your time on the course?
Case-Based Learning (CBL) pushed me to reflect, apply theory to realistic scenarios and think beyond textbook descriptions of illness and systems, teams and patient outcomes. My favourite module was Infection, Control and Prevention, delivered in my second year. I enjoyed learning about pathogens, routes of transmission and, how systems respond in outbreaks. It’s fair to say that module was the spark of my interest in public health. I worked as a student ambassador for HMS, which helped me develop communication skills and reflect on my own learning while interacting with prospective students.
Why did you choose to go on to study the Master's in Public Health?
The Master's in Public Health (MPH) felt like a natural next step as it deepened the population-level perspective introduced in HMS. Many themes, such as epidemiology, social determinants of health, and translating evidence into practice, carried through. MPH built directly on that foundation. The group work and numerous presentations during HMS, which I used to dread, became strengths I could draw on. I was more confident in presenting, facilitating discussions and communicating complex ideas clearly.
How did the postgraduate experience differ from being an undergraduate?
Postgraduate study felt much closer to “real life.” Assignments, case studies and lectures mirrored the problems public health teams actually face, so the course doubled as a practical rehearsal for a public health job. I practised applying methods, critiquing evidence and working in teams, all in ways that translated directly to my professional work.
What were your favourite parts of your master's?
Can I say the free coffee during 9ams?! Beyond the direct public health knowledge, my favourite parts of MPH would be clarity around what evidence matters in public health and the exposure to various professionals across the field. Being taught by people working in policy, commissioning, and community practice gave me practical insight into career pathways. Group presentations also taught me a lot about collaboration, leadership and reflective teamwork.
Tell us about what you’re doing now. What does your role involve?
Currently, I am working as a Wider-Determinants of Health Project Officer at Walsall Council. My role involves designing, implementing and evaluating a Gambling Harms campaign aimed at reducing harm and health inequalities in the borough. I also work on how planning and the built environment affect health by reviewing weekly planning applications. I liaise with local employment services that understands the bidirectional relationship of health and employment. I also support cross-sector partnership to embed health into local decision-making.
How do you feel your Warwick degrees have helped you in your job? Which skills from your degrees are you using?
My degrees have laid the intellectual groundwork and practical skills I use. Key skills include critical appraisal and interpretation of evidence, academic writing for reports and briefings, confidence in presenting and facilitating stakeholder meetings, and teamwork and project management.
What advice would you give to those considering HMS or MPH at Warwick?
If you enjoy any aspect of biology but are also curious and want to understand the social, economic and policy drivers of health, both degrees are exactly what you need. HMS will provide you with an interdisciplinary scientific base and MPH builds that into public health practice. Expect to face challenges, present and do applied teamwork; all of which will grant you with transferable skills to public health, research and wider healthcare roles.
