Applications for the BSc (Hons) Sexual Health Studies Course are welcome from countriesacross the world.Here are some of the reasons why they decided to apply for this course.
‘I choose to study Sexual Health, because I have always been interested in educating people especially adolescents about behavior, sexuality, sexually transmitted infections and other related sex and relationship issues. I have had a major interest in reproductive health, the rate of unwanted pregnancy, the need for them to know about family planning and making informed choices without coercion. After surfing the internet searching for a Bachelor of Science undergraduate course, which is specific to my interest, I found University of Central Lancashire as the only university that offers sexual health as a specific degree program in the United Kingdom. I also found out this course is taught by experienced lecturers in this field of work, which was very important for me, because they teach with the know-howthey have gained from offering sexual health services. I appreciate the fact that this course also offers volunteering services for students in organizations the school of Community Health & Midwifery has established a relationship with. In addition, the international trips organized during the years of study in sexual health, opens the student to experience real situations happening in other parts of the world.
As an international student at the University of Central Lancashire,my experience so far has been heartwarming, from the welcome team at the airport until now. The welcome event by the student union was superb. It helped me to sink in as an international student. Moving around the university in the initial days was easy because of the campus maps around and the campus tour that was organized. My lecturers have been very helpful and offer advice when needed. The environment is very welcoming and the staffs of the university I have met are extremely helpful. I also found a society in university that suits my culture, which for me is very relevant, to associate with other people who share a common culture. The environment in the university is very conducive for learning. The library offers a good twenty-four-hour service for all students.My experience so far has been very beneficial and interesting and I look forward to more fun times ahead.’
Miriam Akoto from Ghana
Year One, BSc (Hons) Sexual Health Studies Student
"I choose this course as it was the only course that specialized in my area of interest. No course in Ireland could compete with the course content and the knowledge and experience of the tutors. There are also great volunteering opportunities and chances to learn new skills not just through the course but also at UCLan in general. The Sexual Health Studies course is the perfect course that allows me to gain the skills needed to pursue the career I want within sexual health."
Gareth Jones from Ireland
Year One, BSc (Hons) Sexual Health Studies Student
‘I have chosen Sexual Health Studies, because this is the only undergraduate non-clinical degree in the whole UK. One of the things that attracted me the most was the controversy of the degree. People are more likely to ignore any information or problems related to sexual health. They don’t know correct information as it is shameful to talk about sex out loud. I can feel that by doing this degree I can actually make a difference after I graduate. It doesn’t matter if you work at university, schools or clinics afterwards, spreading the correct information can prevent unplanned pregnancies, STIs or self-esteem issues related to sex for many people I will come across. I strongly feel that this subject should to be talked about more. As international student, I know that in many countries there is not even a sexual health subject in schools, not to mention university programs. In many families, you would not talk about it. I want to change this. I want to help people realise that sex is not taboo, that to go into sexual health clinic and have a check-up is not something to be ashamed of. It is okay not to know everything about sex and seek guidance from advisors and doctors. Sweeping a problem under a rug will not do any good. Just when you accept that there is a problem, you can start fixing it. The (BSc) Sexual Health Studies degree at UCLan is so interesting! There are so many topics and issues we need to address… If you are interested in controversial topics and want to attract more attention to it, it is a right degree for you. I feel passionate even thinking about the future possibilities. The Sexual Health team are extremely supportive. Being an international student can create many problems (money issues, accommodation, language barrier, loneliness). Lecturers and academic advisors are there for you; it does not matter if the problem is academic or not. They are always happy to give you any support you need, if they know there is an issue beforehand. As an internationalstudent, you sometimes can feel isolated from others. Not having family around can be lonely. However, this university cares about you if you open up to them. Personally, I feel that I have a little Sexual Health family that always looks out for me. Even with a language barrier, I believe my ideas are heard. So many different opportunities (volunteering, societies and sport clubs) accessible to anybody. The country you were born in does not matter. At this moment, I can truthfully say that to come to UCLan to study Sexual Health was one of the best decisions of my life, despite any obstacles I may endured’.
VickiMisunaite from Lithuania
Year One, BSc (Hons) Sexual Health Studies Student