Barclay Winter has always been keen on music, and his chosen profession – Audiology – has obvious links to that passion. Barclay studied Physiology at Otago, completing a BSc in 2009, and then a Postgraduate Diploma in 2010 looking at epithelial physiology.
He describes himself as a bit of a nomad, having grown up in Auckland, going to school in Whanganui, attending uni in Dunedin and now living in Hawkes Bay and studying in Auckland. So why did he choose Otago?
“Otago has a stronger student culture, its an excellent studying environment with smaller numbers of students, a more localised campus … Dunedin is more focussed on students.”
Barclay's currently studying towards a Masters in Audiology at University of Auckland. He says the career prospects are very good, with a strong demand for audiologists in New Zealand and overseas. The programme involves a lot of clinical work – so practical sessions observing and then assisting in audiology clinics. There's also a lot of coursework in the first year, but in the second year the scope for research opens out more, in addition to further clinical work.
“The Masters has a strong research component which I'm really looking forward to. There are a lot of options with the degree – I could do further research, I could go into the public health system or into private practice. “
Although he has now moved away, Barclay has fond memories of his time at Otago : “It's the best undergrad uni in New Zealand; it's a fantastic compact campus and a really friendly place …”