"I first came to study at Plymouth because of an international partnership programme. I entered into the BSc (Hons) Business and Tourism programme after two years studying a BSc Tourism Management with Sichuan International Studies University and I graduated with a First Class honours degree in BSc (Hons) Business and Tourism.
Honestly, I never thought I could directly progress from BSc to PhD. However, I am grateful for the encouragement I received from my undergraduate dissertation supervisor Dr Rong Huang. She gave me a lot of confidence, and encouraged me to apply for the PhD research scholarship.
I am really grateful that the University provided me with a full research scholarship to undertake my PhD research. My supervisors and colleagues were very supportive throughout my research journey.
The University provided me with a great research environment and facilities, for example: 24/7 library, staff support, research office and research training.
Undertaking a PhD is an unforgettable life experience. It is like an adventurous journey, which is full of happiness, joy, and fulfilment as well as bitterness, loneliness and frustration. It has been a wonderful life-changing journey with problems to solve, lessons to learn, and full of experiences to enjoy.
Get ready to think and plan what you really want to do for your career when you start your research/study. It really helps a lot if you have a clear direction, and then you can work towards that direction during your research.
You will never regret starting this amazing journey, and it will always be remembered and appreciated."
"I was extremely interested in my research area, and I really wanted to do it. Therefore, I started working really hard on my research proposal, application, and the interview. I was really surprised and overwhelmed when I knew I was offered the scholarship. However, I knew I really put a lot of effort into it, and I really treasured the opportunity!
The aims of the research were to provide a holistic examination of tourists’ food experience in China, and to evaluate the potential of food tourism in promoting Chinese regions. Tourists’ food experience is a complex multi-phase model among which different phases interrelate with each other exerting an influence on tourists’ loyalty intentions to specific destinations in China."
"I have attended and presented my project at five international conferences around the world including Portugal, Sweden, Oman, China, and the USA."
"I came to study in the UK in 2010. I can still remember how I felt when I first came to this new country. Fear, loneliness, shyness … however, the University helped me to get used to living and studying in the UK. The lecturers on my course were very patient and I received a lot of encouragement from them. The University helped enrich my student life. I got to know about a lot of fantastic voluntary opportunities through the Student Union, and worked with a local voluntary organisation for a couple of years. It not only helped me to get to know a lot of new friends, but also improved my confidence in communicating with local people.
The University created fantastic student experiences for me, there are such a variety of sports clubs and societies that I didn’t feel bored with my student life. I was the chair of the Chinese Society for a long time, which really developed a variety of skills for my career such as management, leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Plymouth is located in the ocean city and undertaking research at the University is an enjoyable thing. Every time if I felt tired of my research, I would walk or run around the Hoe. Running and enjoying the calm sea scenery, really helped me to refresh my mind and release my stress.
The University provided great support for my research, and I really was able to get focused on research. The supervisors at the University were very supportive and patient! You will be amazed by their guidance, motivation and inspiration during the amazing research journey.
I think the best thing I have learnt from the University is to 'experience' without fear. I am really grateful that the University provided me with so many opportunities to open my eyes and mind. The fantastic and various 'experience' opportunities really made my student life unforgettable."
"Since completing my research, I worked as an events consultant in a global events company in the UK. After about a year, I decided to go back to China. Since coming back, I have been lecturing in tourism and hospitality management in a Chinese university."
The University of Plymouth offers a range of postgraduate research degrees across all areas of our world leading research.
As a postgraduate research student, you will join a vibrant, supportive and forward-thinking community, that is committed to meeting global challenges in creative and imaginative ways.
