Josh Raybould

After leaving school at 16, Josh spent several years trying different jobs and college courses without finding the right fit. It wasn’t until his mid-20s that he decided to return to education, motivated by a desire to challenge himself and pursue a career he was passionate about. 

Josh entered Abertay through the Scottish Wider Access Programme, designed to support adults returning to study after a break. He progressed onto the BSc Forensic Sciences programme, where he quickly made the most of the opportunities available. After completing his degree, Josh transferred to the MSci in Forensic & Analytical Science. 

Josh said: 

My previous experiences with education weren’t great, and I struggled to commit when I was younger. But coming to Abertay, I found the support and environment I needed to succeed.

Throughout his time at university, Josh engaged in research projects with access to labs, attended networking events with industry professionals, and took careers development modules that enhanced his skills and employability. 

Josh believes more needs to be done to improve access to higher education across Scotland, especially for those who don’t live near a university. 

There needs to be better integration of universities into colleges and high schools across Scotland, not just near a university campus. The elitism in some academic spaces needs to be removed to make education truly available to all.

Looking ahead to graduation this summer, Josh plans to build a career in analytical chemistry, using the knowledge and skills he has gained at Abertay to make an impact in the field. 

Find out more about Forensic Sciences at Abertay.