Burnley marine biology student making a splash in his studies

A former Burnley teaching assistant with a passion for music is hoping to go even deeper - by studying for a PhD researching acoustics on marine life in Inverness.
Thom CloughThom Clough
Thom Clough

Burnley mature student Thom Clough recently graduated from Blackpool and The Fylde College with a first class honours degree in marine biology and coastal zone management from Lancaster University.

The 31-year-old has always had a passion for music away from his professional life, working in the studio producing tracks for local bands, but is now hoping to be accepted to study for a PhD.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “I found the course online and it ticked a lot of boxes for me, having become interested in marine biology through scuba diving. I was advised early on that you will get out of it what you put in and I’m over the moon with my result.

“I looked at various courses online and this seemed like the right one for me, especially with the college being coastal. You can do this kind of course inland but tend to just be working in canals and waterways. It was an easy commute with a direct train every day.

“The tutors are excellent and are really knowledgeable about their subjects. One found a scholarship to work for a summer with the Marine Biological Society and encouraged me to go for it. I did and I moved to Portsmouth for three months to work there. It was amazing.”