Offshore Wind Energy (MSc)Aiswarya Chandran
After working as an Offshore Structural Engineer in the Offshore Construction and Installation Engineering Industry, Aiswarya made the decision to advance her career and expertise in the field by moving from India to pursue a postgraduate degree at Strathclyde.
Find out more about her experience and why she chose Strathclyde to continue her studies.
What were your reasons for deciding to study for a postgraduate degree?
Deciding to pursue a postgraduate degree was a significant choice and a cherished aspiration for me. Having gained nearly three years of valuable experience as an Offshore Structural Engineer in the Offshore Construction and Installation Engineering Industry, I wanted to further advance my career and enhance my expertise in the field. The primary factor that influenced me choosing to study the MSc in Offshore Wind Energy was the growing significance of offshore wind energy in the future of the offshore engineering industry.
With the world moving towards a sustainable future, offshore wind energy is poised to become a pivotal component of the global energy landscape. Recognising this, I wanted to focus my studies on this emerging and vital topic, as it aligns perfectly with the future trajectory of the industry. Additionally, I believe a postgraduate degree holds great potential to open doors to a wider range of professional opportunities. I was certain that it will provide a platform for networking with experts, researchers, and industry leaders, enabling me to establish valuable connections that can hopefully facilitate in future collaborations and career advancements. Furthermore, I wanted to explore advanced concepts, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative approaches within the field, with the goal to contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable energy solutions.
How did you first hear about the University of Strathclyde? Why did you choose to study at Strathclyde?
I first came across the University of Strathclyde during my extensive research to identify universities with strong programmes in my specific domain of interest. Strathclyde consistently emerged as a standout choice due to its esteemed reputation, and due to the fact, it is highly regarded by both professionals and former students.
The University's strong track record, coupled with glowing reviews from accomplished alumni, served as a testament to the quality of education and support provided. Additionally, I had the opportunity to receive insightful responses from senior colleagues at my workplace who had studied in the Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Marine Engineering Department at Strathclyde. Their enthusiastic recommendations regarding the exceptional facilities at Strathclyde resonated with me. Their positive feedback and personal endorsement of the Department further solidified my conviction that the University of Strathclyde was the ideal institution to pursue my postgraduate studies.
While exploring potential options within the offshore wind energy sector, I discovered that the United Kingdom has set the most ambitious offshore wind target. This realisation further fuelled my enthusiasm, as I firmly believed that this commitment to renewable energy would create a plethora of opportunities in the job market within the UK. Moreover, knowing that not many universities offered a comparable course in this specialised field only served to reinforce my confidence in the uniqueness and value of the programme offered by the University of Strathclyde.
How have you found the support for international students at Strathclyde?
The support provided to international students at Strathclyde has been exceptional throughout my experience. From the initial stages of my application, the University demonstrated its commitment to assisting international students. The University website proved to be a valuable resource, offering comprehensive details for international students, including information on trusted agents who could assist with the application process. Moreover, any additional queries I had were promptly addressed by staff via email, ensuring a smooth and transparent communication channel. To further facilitate the application process, I utilised one of the recommended agencies from the University website. This decision greatly simplified the application process while instilling confidence in its reliability. The University promptly responded to my application-related enquiries, providing timely updates and guidance.
Additionally, I used the feature: "Chat with a student ambassador" offered by Strathclyde. This resource allowed me to gain insights into the requirements and preparations necessary for moving to the University and this new city. Additionally, the University staff initiated a WhatsApp group for our cohort of students, fostering effective communication among us. This platform provided an opportunity to connect with my future classmates before arriving, instilling a sense of camaraderie, and boosting my confidence.
Strathclyde’s commitment to supporting international students extended to the international arrival support. As part of this initiative, students arriving at Glasgow Airport were offered an Airport Taxi Booking Service, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free journey to their accommodations. This service proved invaluable, particularly as an international student navigating a new city after a long and tiring journey.
Throughout the year, the university continued to demonstrate its commitment to our well-being and success. Regular email communications were sent, providing valuable information about various student support services available on campus. These encompassed a wide range of areas, including mental health resources, career support, and other important student services.
What do you like about your course?
I find several aspects of my course incredibly captivating. One of the key factors that drew me to this programme was the comprehensive range of modules it offers, covering both fundamental and advanced topics related to offshore wind technology. The modules, such as "Wind Turbine Technology" and "Turbine Dynamic Modelling," particularly caught my attention due to their relevance to my background in Offshore Engineering. The course structure, with its well-thought-out module sequencing, is particularly impressive. It manages to cover all the important aspects of the subject matter within a condensed one-year timeframe, which greatly appealed to me.
What has been your favourite aspect about studying at Strathclyde?
There are several aspects that I have thoroughly enjoyed about studying at Strathclyde, making it difficult to pick just one favourite. However, if I were to highlight one key aspect, it would be the exceptional quality of education and the enriching learning environment that Strathclyde provides, complemented by its beautiful and modern campus. Walking through the campus grounds has been a delight, as I have been able to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while engaging in my academic pursuits.
Beyond its visual appeal, the campus also offers state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience. Throughout the year at the University of Strathclyde, we have taken advantage of the student discussion rooms offered in the library on numerous occasions to facilitate discussions regarding our class assignments. Additionally, the opportunity to study alongside experienced and knowledgeable Faculty members has been invaluable.
The inclusive and collaborative learning environment at Strathclyde has been a highlight of my experience. Interacting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas, and engaging in group discussions have enriched my learning journey.
Are you part of any groups or societies and what benefit have they brought?
Yes, I am a member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) chapter at the University. One notable event I had the privilege of attending was the Annual Dinner Dance programme hosted by IMarEST in November 2022. This gathering provided a fantastic opportunity for networking and connecting with professionals, researchers, and fellow students in the field of marine engineering and related sciences. The evening was not only enjoyable but also immensely valuable in terms of establishing new connections, exchanging ideas, and gaining insights from experienced individuals in the industry. Being part of IMarEST has also allowed me to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements, research, and industry trends through their publications and webinars.
What do you think of Glasgow/Scotland? Have you managed to do much exploring during your time here?
Despite the demands of my course, I have managed to find time to explore the city and its surroundings. Glasgow is a vibrant and beautiful city that strikes a perfect balance between liveliness and tranquillity. Despite the University's location in the city centre, Glasgow manages to maintain a sense of calmness, allowing for a peaceful study environment. The city itself offers a multitude of opportunities for leisure and recreation. The prime location makes it convenient for shopping and engaging in various recreational activities.
Additionally, Glasgow is dotted with captivating tourist spots showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of Scotland. One aspect that I particularly cherish is the golden hour in Glasgow which is made breathtakingly beautiful by the cityscape. What sets Glasgow apart is not just its physical attributes but also the high level of accessibility and the warmth of its people. I have also enjoyed exploring various food places with my classmates around the city.
Were there any funding opportunities available to you and if so how did they help?
I was fortunate to receive the Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship offered by the University. The scholarship reduced my tuition fee by GBP 3460, which greatly contributed to easing some of the financial burden associated with my studies. In addition to that, I was also able to secure a part-time job in close proximity to the University. The income generated from this job helped me in managing my living expenses.
The combination of the scholarship and the part-time job has been instrumental in enabling me to make the most of my educational experience without compromising on my financial well-being.
What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?
My ambitions for the future are centred around making significant contributions to the renewable energy industry and furthering sustainable development. I firmly believe that my time at the University of Strathclyde has played a pivotal role in setting the foundation for achieving these goals. Strathclyde’s strong industry connections and reputation proved to be useful during my job search. I was fortunate to secure a job as a Civil Engineer in the Nuclear & Power department with Atkins Limited within just three months of joining the University. The reputation of Strathclyde stood out during the job search, thanks to the impressive number of alumni working at influential companies within the industry.
In addition, I actively engaged with the Career Services offered by the University, seeking their guidance and support for the job application process. The career advisors provided assistance in modifying my CV, offering insightful feedback and suggestions to enhance its effectiveness to industry standards. I am confident that the knowledge and experience gained during my time at Strathclyde will continue to be invaluable as I pursue my ambitions and strive to make a positive impact in the renewable energy sector.
Would you recommend Strathclyde to other people and why?
I highly recommend the University of Strathclyde to prospective students, particularly those with an interest in studying in my Department. The University's exceptional academic programmes, profound industry connections, and unwavering dedication to student success make it an outstanding choice for individuals seeking a world-class education and promising career prospects. As the Class Representative for my course, I have first-hand experience of the Strathclyde’s commitment to student development. The University actively encourages student engagement by organising regular student body meetings, where we have the opportunity to voice our concerns and collaborate on finding effective solutions.
Strathclyde also places great importance on maintaining the highest quality of teaching and learning. It has established a robust teacher evaluation system that allows students to provide feedback on their learning experiences in each subject. Moreover, the University employs excellent student assessment methods that effectively evaluate the depth of knowledge and understanding acquired by students. These assessment methods go beyond traditional examinations and include a variety of approaches such as project work, presentations, practical assignments, and group projects.
Furthermore, Strathclyde organises career fairs, seminars, and workshops that provides students with industry insights and networking opportunities. Finally, one of Strathclyde’s greatest strengths lies in its extensive industry connections and robust alumni network. These connections provide unparalleled opportunities for internships, work placements, and future employment prospects.
Interested in studying Aiswarya's course?
This course is designed for ambitious graduates with a background in engineering, maths or physics who want to gain in-depth and industrially relevant knowledge in offshore wind energy.
Offshore Wind Energy (MSc)