Meet Oscar
Hydrology and Water Management MSc, Class of 2018
Where my degree took me
I’m currently working as a Principal Hydrologist at WSP. I first started my career as a Graduate Hydrologist at Golder, a small mining consultancy, and slowly worked my way up through the ranks.
Newcastle’s Hydrology and Water Management MSc was a direct influence on my career. The course covered many topics that are essential in my day-to-day work, and it gave me a good introduction to some of the software I use.
A course that prepares you for industry
My MSc focused on hydrology, water management and climate change, balancing theoretical depth with practical use and covering everything needed for the working world. It placed a high priority on mathematics and its application in hydrology, while also introducing coding and industry-standard software.
In consulting, I would say a Master’s degree is important. The course was not just centred on individual achievement, but also on team projects, helping develop key skills for working on complex challenges. A live debate module gave me valuable experience in a forum I had no prior exposure to. With its focus on water and climate, the course is invaluable for the future as climate change and water scarcity become bigger challenges.
I would say that hydrology in general is always a good career. Water is a hot topic and it is only getting hotter!
A city that felt like home
I was drawn to Newcastle from the open day, the city and the course felt like the perfect fit for me. The accommodation was always great fun and Jesmond was a great area for second and third-year housing. Having the Metro made it easy to get around, including trips to the seaside on nice days.
On a more personal note, I met my girlfriend at Newcastle on the very first day of Freshers’ Week - she lived on the floor below me - and we’ve now been together for eight years.
I loved the campus, especially the beautiful red-brick buildings, and I never met a Geordie I didn’t like.
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