University: The University of Western Australia

Postgraduate Degree: Master of Clinical Pathology

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

School Subjects: Mathematics Methods, English, Chemistry, Human Biology, Music, Chinese

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Transitioning from undergrad to postgrad was a massive step-up. Nevertheless, I found myself more excited than nervous, and what I believe helped me the most in preparing to start postgrad study was acknowledging that I’m about to study something I’m genuinely interested in.

What helped me realise I wanted to study Pathology

Pathology is the study of testing, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of human diseases. Because I am very much a people person, I wanted to pursue a career where I can help others, specifically in the health sector, and pathology is perfect to fulfil this want of mine. If you have an interest in the underlying causes of diseases (whether that’s from natural curiosity or from studies in Human Biology ATAR), this is a course I would recommend considering.

Another factor in what helped me realise that a Master of Clinical Pathology is what I wanted to pursue is definitely through my undergrad study in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. What I found is that content taught in my undergrad did provide a good background knowledge prior to starting my Masters, which definitely aided me in settling into the Masters course. That being said, you definitely don’t need to do an undergrad completely related to Pathology to pursue this Masters (similar to how not all Juris Doctor students do a pre-law major).

Advice for Prospective Uni students who want to do a Postgrad Study

Like most postgrads, the jump in difficulty is 100% noticeable. More content will be taught in a shorter span of time and there is an increase in contact hours (i.e. there are more lectures, labs etc.). Although I haven’t started yet, placements will also begin in the 2nd/final year of the Masters (which is a common practice amongst all medical-related postgrad studies). To cope with this spike in workload, a good (but worn-out) piece of advice I have for incoming uni students is to make sure to keep yourself accountable. Because it’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of work, especially in postgrad, set weekly goals you must hit. Whether that is mastering content or making new flashcards, by making sure each week is ‘complete,’ you’ll find uni far more manageable, fun, and rewarding!