MEng Materials Engineering, School of Metallurgy & Materials
Materials science encompasses so many different areas of study that you could learn about magnetic materials, steels, polymers and many other subjects all in one day of lectures.
What are your favourite parts of your course? What have you enjoyed most?
My favourite parts of the course include the wide variation in the subject area within the department. Materials science encompasses so many different areas of study that you could learn about magnetic materials, steels, polymers and many other subjects all in one day of lectures. I have enjoyed getting to know people in the department over the last three years and becoming more involved in student activities within the department, for example by being a student representative.
How have your career goals developed or changed since you started at the University of Birmingham?
My career goals have progressed since I started university, I have gone from not really being sure of what a Materials Engineer does and what I wanted to do after my degree to deciding that I would like to pursue further research once I graduate.
Are you engaged in any activities outside of your course?
Outside of my course I have been involved in student societies like the Art Society. More recently I have been involved in my departmental society (Birmingham University Materials Society) as well as being a student representative for the department for the last two years. Within the university there is also an employability program (Personal Skills Award) which I have completed over the last two years which has really helped prepare me for interviews and allowed me to get recognition for my extra-curricular activities.
What advice would you give to prospective students looking to study your course or attend the university?
My advice would be to make sure this is the right course for you. I study Materials Engineering but there are huge range of other options involving materials such as, Sports and Materials Science, Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Nuclear Materials Science.
If you’re thinking about attending the University of Birmingham I would say to definitely do it. You are in close proximity to the city but you also have the benefit of being campus based so that everything is easy to get to. For first years there is also the option to live at the Vale student village which is only fifteen minutes away from campus and is beautiful!
What is your favourite thing about the university campus?
My favourite thing about the university campus is the greenery!
What benefit does it have, being in close proximity to the UK’s second city?
Living in Birmingham is great; you are only about ten minutes by train away from the city centre – which is great for shopping/nights out.
What is your best memory to date, of your time at Birmingham?
I probably wouldn’t be able to choose a single memory but I have to say I really loved my first year! If I could go back I would make sure I really made the most of that time (when exams don’t count!).