FHS Further Study Sharing inspires undergraduates’ postgraduate planning

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at the University of Macau (UM) recently held  Further Study Sharing, coordinated by Assistant Dean Xuanjun ZHANG, attracting around 30 second- and third-year undergraduates. The session aimed to help students better prepare for postgraduate studies through direct engagement with outstanding graduating seniors.

Three graduating students, Hong U FONG from BSc Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (PHA), Yuan TANG from BSc Bioinformatics (BIF), and Jianqi YANG from BSc Biomedical Sciences (BIO), shared their journeys from exploring postgraduate study options to securing admission to leading universities worldwide.

Hong U FONG presented a comprehensive overview of doctoral and master’s pathways, drawing on his success in securing PhD offers from institutions including the University of Cambridge, National University of Singapore (with the President’s Graduate Fellowship), and Nanyang Technological University, as well as master’s offers from the University of Oxford and Imperial College London. He highlighted the importance of early research involvement, publications, and effective communication with potential supervisors.

Yuan TANG, who received master’s offers from Yale University and Carnegie Mellon University, focused on application materials and preparation strategies, emphasising the distinction between Statements of Purpose and Personal Statements, as well as the importance of early planning and strong academic references.

Jianqi YANG, admitted to multiple leading universities including Johns Hopkins University, University of California Los Angeles, University of California San Diego, Imperial College London, Karolinska Institute, National University of Singapore, and Georgia Institute of Technology, shared comparative insights into postgraduate applications across different regions and highlighted how research experience and publications strengthen competitiveness.

The speakers encouraged junior students to broaden their perspectives, actively engage in research, and prepare systematically for postgraduate applications. The session was held in an interactive and engaging atmosphere, with junior students actively seeking advice on examinations, applications, programme selection, and research experience. It strengthened communication among students across cohorts, helped participants clarify their academic goals, and boosted their confidence in planning for further studies.