Jamie studied maths, physics and geography at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC. He wasn’t sure what to study at university, but thanks to his teachers at UTC, he had all options open to him: “The UTC has a different approach to learning, it’s very adaptable to each subject and really worked for my studies,” says Jamie. “It was a totally different way of doing things.”

Ultimately, it was a trip to the largest particle and nuclear physics experiment in the world, CERN, with his physics class that was “one of the main turning points” swaying him towards physics. Torn between geophysics, theoretical and straight physics, Jamie turned to his teachers at UTC to help him make the decision that was best for him. 

“I had a really great physics teacher. She encouraged me to undertake a summer placement and work experience at the University of Liverpool to help me decide which aspect to specialise in. Subsequently, I chose pure physics. I really enjoyed the mixed aspect of the subject, and she was very influential in that decision.”

Jamie was also chosen to be Head Boy while he was at UTC. Recounting a mock interview with Professor David Hornby from the University of Sheffield as an “extremely valuable experience”, his stint as Head Boy and the UTC’s connections helped him to form relationships with higher education institutions, and helped him decide which university he wanted to go to.

In the end, it came down to Liverpool or Bristol – a scholarship opportunity through the UTC helped Jamie to make that crucial, final decision.

“The UTC had a selective partnership scholarship with the University of Liverpool that offered a yearly stipend, meaning I could focus on my course throughout the academic year. There’s so much connectivity with UTC, so it’s a great place to be if you’re interested in the companies and universities they’re partnered with,” he says.

Thanks to the teaching style at UTC, Jamie felt prepared for the next academic step he was taking, too. “The learning styles at UTC are based around what you can expect at university, so it’s really helped me.”

Now, having achieved a first class degree during his integrated Masters in physics at the University of Liverpool, Jamie is returning to the university in September to start his PhD in nuclear physics. His studies and research will focus on exotic/superheavy nuclei and will see him travel to various experiments across Europe.

For Jamie, thinking back to his time at UTC, one of the main assets he gained there was his relationships with the teachers.

“My main piece of advice is to talk to your teachers. It’s not common in all places but at the UTC, I found they genuinely wanted to help. I think it stems from the unique learning styles that we all bought into: making these kinds of relationships is an incredibly important skill, and one that helps you prepare for the next stage.”