Student Profiles
Mehmet Guzel
PhD Mechanical Engineering: current
"My supervisor when I was a research assistant at the University of Ankara in Turkey recommended that the UK was the best place to do a PhD as he had previously studied here. I also like the fact that Newcastle directly offers a PhD instead of an MPhil/PhD. My friends also told me that it was a good student city and cheap compared to others within the UK.
"I am happy and very satisfied with the content of my course. It is very good. I have regular meetings with my supervisor so I am happy with that also. The content of the research I am doing is very interesting and is exactly what I wanted to study for my PhD. As well as the research side of things, I also attend courses as a research assistant and give lab demonstrations to other students."
Stephen Akande
PhD Mechanical Engineering: current
" I chose to study in the UK as I find the education system to be similar to that in my home country. I chose Newcastle because of the profile it has and it's good reputation and high ranking among other universities in the UK.
"The course is interesting but challenging. It is all self study research done by me. The school puts on workshops which I can attend along with students studying for similar qualifications. The experimentation and practical side of the course is particularly interesting. I get very good support from my supervisor. I meet with him two to three times a week to talk about my progress. The University offers very good support and they have a lot of equipment which I can use to help me with my studying. I have been funded by the Nigerian government for this."
Bader Alsaeed
MSc Mechanical Engineering: 2008/2009
"I
chose to come to study at Newcastle University as the course offered by Newcastle is distinguished from other courses at other universities. The reputation of the university was also one of the most important factors that led to my choice.
"There is a friendly supportive atmosphere by both staff and other postgraduate students and the facilities are excellent and to a high standard. The range of modules is very good and opens different possibilities for future research. The teaching quality meets the world’s highest standards, and lecturers are amongst the most knowledgeable in the field.
"The university library is very good, and the staff are very friendly. The teachers at the language centre are experienced, and they offer great help for students, and I have benefited much from them. The activities organized by the union society are interesting and appeal to students from several cultures.
"Newcastle is close to the sea and countryside, advantages most other universities do not have. People are friendly. Accommodation is good and prices are also reasonable. It is cheaper to live in Newcastle when compared with other cities in the UK, an essential advantage for students."
Chinedu Ugochukwu Dim
MSc Mechatronics: 2008/2009
"The relationship that exists between the teaching staff, non teaching staff and the students has really convinced me to recommend Newcastle. Everyone at the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering is very much ready to offer their assistance to see that you realise your academic dream. Lecturers are ready to offer their time to ensure that total understanding among the students is achieved. It has been a wonderful experience for me."
Mariano Otheguy-Torres
PhD Mechanical Engineering (Staff): "Manufacturing thermoplastic composite marine structures": 2007 onwards
"After gaining an MEng in Madrid, Mariano worked in industry for a couple of years before coming to Newcastle to take up a Marie Curie funded research post with the School. He is working towards a PhD as a staff member. He chose Newcastle because of recommendation and reputation.
“I love research,” says Mariano, “and I feel I can help our societies to do things better. As well, I love teaching and communication. I have been involved in several side-projects and teaching in collaborative workshops, besides my secondments at our industry partner. These have been extremely inspiring and research work boosting.”
Mariano rates the University’s computing facilities, “excellent” library and the Open Access Centre. He also describes the Student Union facilities and societies as “excellent”. “Newcastle is fantastic. Lovely natural areas around, and the Geordie people are very nice (to the extent that I just find myself imitating the local accent!)”
Matthew Benning
PhD Manufacturing Engineering: 2007 onwards
Graduated from Newcastle with BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering
in July 2007
"The initial attraction
to Newcastle University was its esteemed reputation for engineering. After completing
my BEng at Newcastle I took the step to further my education by accepting a
place to study for a PhD in Manufacturing Engineering. My decision to stay on
at Newcastle was not just based on the good work that defined the engineering
department, but the warm, and most of all helpful learning environment that
I had come to expect from studying at Newcastle University.
"I chose to study for a PhD as an alternative to a Masters, as it provided greater flexibility and therefore allowed me to study the parts of engineering that interested me the most. I have enjoyed the chance to demonstrate in a number of lectures but undoubtedly one of the best parts of my PhD is the chance to converse with fellow PhD students and academics in a pleasant and friendly environment. I think the prospect of a PhD from Newcastle University stands me in good stead for the future, as that combined with my existing CV has already brought much employer interest.
"The facilities around the Newcastle campus have, in my experience, been not only first class but also invaluable to my study. I have spent many a crucial hour in the Robinson library with friendly help and the correct literature. I am an active member of NUSAC (Newcastle University’s diving club) and often take advantage of the sports facilities to play squash, badminton etc. I have found all sports facilities to be of a high standard.
Lung Chang
MSc Mathematical Modelling for Engineering and Industry: 2006/2007
"I did an MSc in Transport Engineering and Operations in the School of Civil Engineering, and used mathematical modelling in my dissertation. Having a mathematical background, I thought it would be a good idea to do the MSc in Mathematical Modelling to enhance the knowledge I have. With this qualification, I am hoping to become more competitive.
"I enjoy the atmosphere and the environment in the university. In the student accommodation, students are from everywhere around the world and we get know people from difference races and cultures. Newcastle is very convenient; especially living in the halls of residence, everything is within walking distance. Compared to London, the rent is cheaper and the accommodation space is bigger."
Bill Waugh
PhD research in MEMS
MSc Mathematical Modelling for Engineering and Industry: 2005/2006
"I was looking for a career change, with a mind to study mathematical modelling. Fortunately, the university seemed to be offering the ideal course for my needs. I have enjoyed the challenging nature of the work, as it has been some time since I last employed mathematical skills. I like the practical aspects of the course, and I have found the attitude and level of support from staff to be excellent."
Stuart Peter Marsden
PhD research into shoulder biomechanics
Graduated from Newcastle with MEng Mechanical & Design Engineering in
2004
"Many close friends were still in the Newcastle area when I graduated from my degree and the opportunity to stay was presented by my Stage 4 project/dissertation supervisor. He had a position available with a PhD research scholarship and I accepted the offer straight away. I don’t believe that an MEng only is enough to do what I want with my career. It is increasingly difficult to get specialised work in industry, so the natural thing for me was to continue learning. When I graduate from the PhD I will be more specialised in my field, having made a new contribution to bioengineering.
"The most enjoyable aspect of the work is that it is almost entirely self-directed study, which means that I can work on something that I enjoy. If I stray too far from what my supervisor thinks is relevant he is always there to put me back on track. The work is interesting and so are the people in the School, so I always have access to the best resources available."
Colin Herron
Completed a PhD with the School in June 2006, investigating a model for sustainable productivity improvements in manufacturing companies.
"I had
a long term ambition to attend Newcastle from when I was at school but did not
have the chance. I had been working in industry for 30 years as an engineer.
Personal
circumstances and access to this programme provided the correct environment
to finish my education and hone my skills in the subject of lean manfacturing.
"The most enjoyable parts of my course were the one-to-one sessions with my supervisor. This aspect was very new to me and opened up a new world of concept thinking. I was given the chance to present to 4th year business students at Newcastle and Durham which was again a new experience. In February 2004 I attended an international working seminar in Austria to present a paper. The annual School postgraduate conference forced me to learn new skills such as EndNote for compiling papers and how to act as a referee. The attendance at conference introduced the academic side of my studies in that the etiquette of working with academics is something which has to be developed."
Here you can view a selection of profiles of international students from across the University.