Hi there,
That’s great news! Birmingham is a fantastic city to live in and the university is one of this highest rated in the country and an excellent place to study and spend your time 🙂
Was there anything specific you wanted to get help on or ask?
What level are you at? Would this be for undergraduate studies, a masters, or a PhD?
I’m happy to help with whatever you need, if I can!
Jen

Hi there,
I must admit I wasn’t actually sure what the IDTP is! I had to look it up haha. But it sounds like a great programme.
What I would recommend is that whatever you decide to apply for, that you show dedication to it. For example, for the IDTP, try to identify some areas of research that you could see yourself working in, whether it be in immunology, cell biology, neuroscience or some other aspect of biology or otherwise. Read some recent papers on the topic to show that you are interested in it and try to be relatively specific about what you are excited to achieve through the programme. Is there a particular skillset you would like to develop or get experience in such as microscopy or flow cytometry or immunoprecipitation. If you can demonstrate that you have thought about how the programme could help you reach your goals then I think that will impress the interviewers.
If applying directly for a PhD with a specific research group; read their most recent papers and any seminal papers they have and really try to show them you have read up their work and have a real interest in their research. In terms of how to sell yourself, focus on aspects of your previous training or experience and try to relate it back to the work that the lab you’re interested in does. So for example if you are applying to a PhD in a neuroscience lab, focus your application letter, your CV and in the interview on any neuroscience modules you studied, or how any practical lab experience you gained relates to their work.
The most important thing is to show enthusiasm and a real passion for science and for research. Willingness and eagerness to learn and grow your skills goes a long way, along with a positive attitude.
For my PhD, I approached the lab directly through email. Then when I came in to visit the lab I had an informal interview that was basically like a meet-and-greet. I was shown around the labs and met with other PhD students and the post-docs in their lab, so you may well have the same experience.
I hope that was helpful.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want any further information or help with applications etc.
Good luck!
Jen

Hi,
In response to your question, it really depends on what you envision yourself doing as a final career. Obviously with histology the majority of work would probably be clinical and therefore I would recommend looking into training through the National Health Service. They offer a lot of training programs that lead directly into a career in your chosen target area and the training program, although quite rigorous, looks fun and gives you a lot of opportunities once you graduate. Check out this website; https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/pathology/histopathology-doctor/training-and-development it is certainly an advantage to have a Masters degree. I think the fact your degree is in Zoology is not necessarily detrimental, as long as you had a good range of training and experience in other aspects of biology such as basic biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, anatomy etc. As long as you can demonstrate that you have the capacity to undertake the training and have a solid background of general biological knowledge then I can’t see why you couldn’t be considered for the training.
If your focus is something more research-based then the best route would be to search around for labs that are doing research that interests you and contact them directly to see if they might have any upcoming PhD programmes available. Show that you are really interested in their work and that you have read a number of their recent papers (you could start the email referencing a most recent paper to show you have read it and talk about how it fascinates you), then explain your training and the experience and skills you have.
It may also be possible to gain experience through approaching your local GPs office and seeing whether you could shadow their team or speak to any of their staff about how they got to the position (in particular if they have on site histologists – somewhat unlikely as that is probably carried out offsite through the NHS).
I’m sorry I can’t be more directly helpful, I’m afraid histology is not really my field of expertise. I’m happy to help more though with anything such as looking over applications or emails or your CV. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jen