Distance learning student, Nick, completed his MSc in Hydrogeology from Australia in 2020. Here he tells us about his experience...
Why did you choose to study at Strathclyde?
I chose to study at the University of Strathclyde as a distance learning student because it allowed me to maintain full-time employment while obtaining a masters’ degree from Australia. The university was quite well known, even in Australia as a university for engineering and science.
What aspects of the MSc course did you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoyed the fact that the courses were well established online and I could learn at my own pace. It was quite easy to engage with the instructors and my course advisor was very supportive. The assessments and exam submissions were well managed and allowed for good flexibility.
The course allowed me to connect with industry contacts and granted me the opportunity to focus on a unique topic for my dissertation and refine advance analytical skills.
What are your plans on completion of your degree?
I plan to continue working within my profession and obtain professional accreditation as a hydrogeologist.
As an international student, what advice would you give to potential students thinking about studying an MSc at Strathclyde?
I would recommend spending time to review each course outline, the assignments, and their due date. If possible, I would reduce your workload outside of school if the university still requires you to complete two courses per semester. I found it was very difficult to manage time effectively and maintain a personal life as an environmental consultant. It is extremely important to look at the countdown for the deadline submission due to time zones.
I would also recommend engaging with your course advisor as soon as possible for your dissertation to identify a topic and get a thorough understanding of the deadlines and university limitations / expectations regarding submission. If completing a dissertation through a company, allow at least one month prior to the deadline for internal approvals.
