The Integrated Design Project was the highlight of the course as it was a real challenge overcoming realistic obstacles to a local design project

I came to the University because of my visits on open days, which involved working as a team to design and build the most efficient bridge in the laboratory. This instantly struck a chord with me as I love problem solving and team working and the University has the perfect environment to practice both.

It was pretty different to sixth form college with a lot more independent learning, however, lecturers were always open to discuss topics and answer any question I had, and I realised very quickly they are very passionate about their subjects. Teaching also involves lab work which was great for me as I learned most effectively through hands-on teaching, and you also get use some cool stuff like liquid nitrogen and augmented reality.

The department helped me to secure a summer placement at Eastwood & Partners, a local engineering consultancy, and during my time there I was offered a graduate position around six months before I graduated. This really took the pressure off me in my final year and allowed me to fully concentrate on my studies.

The Integrated Design Project was the highlight of the course as it was a real challenge overcoming realistic obstacles to a local design project. It gave me a tangible sense of what it meant to be an engineer as it involved working in groups to decide on designs and solve site-specific problems, with a major element being able to communicate your ideas to other students and industrial partners.

One of my favourite topics on the course was sustainability, which included aspects such as reducing the carbon footprints of structural designs and how local materials could be utilised. With this being so important for the future of engineering I feel the University has prepared me to make a real positive change to people’s lives as a civil engineer.