Pandora Molly Zilstorff

Full Name: Pandora Molly Zilstorff
Degree Course: BSc Population Health 
Year of Study: 3rd year

Before UCL 

What were you doing before you became a student at UCL?
Prior to embarking my studies at UCL, I attended high school in Denmark. After graduating I took a gap-year, where I traveled for 6 months, notably through the Western Pacific and Asia doing conservation and development work in Indonesia and New Zealand. 

Your time at UCL

What attracted you to study Population Health at UCL?
My choice to study Population Health at UCL stems from my desire to pursue a career which will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to society. My interest in global health and international development thus allowed me to discover this degree at UCL.

What’s the best thing about your programme?
The relatively small cohort of students allows you to be more engaged within the faculty, develop personal bonds with lectures and staff members, as well as, increasing the peer learning. Moreover, the degree has the possibility for students to choose a range of modules outside the department allowing you to cater your degree to your own personal interests, academic strengths and future career prospects. This was something that I personally enjoyed very much. 

What can a student expect to learn on this course?
A degree in Population Health at UCL will introduce you to core concepts in public health and research, ultimately, showcasing how this intersects with broader social science and mathematics in an international perspective, as well as, providing you with a solid foundation in epidemiology, social determinants of health, research and statistics. 

What is it like studying in London and how do you think it’s benefited your studies?
London is an amazing vibrant city to live in, and has allowed me to pursue endless activities and interests outside university. This has benefitted me greatly by allowing me to balance my university work and outside fun. 

Life after UCL 

What are your career plans once you’ve completed your current studies at UCL? 
I plan to use my degree in Population Health to pursue a career in global health and become a leading expert in this field through work with international and third sector organisations, and possibly through further graduate study.

Student wisdom

What piece of advice would you give to new students? 
Getting involved with a society is a great way to pursue various interests and make friends from all over the university.