MSc Aerospace EngineeringIdrees Shaikh
Idrees Shaikh began his studies at Strathclyde on the BEng (Hons) in Aero-Mechanical Engineering, before deciding to continue his studies by studying on the MSc in Aerospace Engineering. From hands-on engineering projects to a strong sense of community on campus, his time at Strathclyde has shaped his confidence, broadened his skills, and helped him discover the path he wants to pursue in the aerospace industry. Find out more about his Strathclyde experience, and what he has gained from his time here.
Why did you choose to study at Strathclyde?
I chose Strathclyde because it felt like the right fit for me both academically and personally. Growing up in Glasgow, it was close to home, but more importantly I knew it had a really strong reputation in engineering. Strathclyde is also one of the only universities in Scotland that offers the hybrid Aero-Mechanical Engineering degree, which made the decision even easier.
I’d already spent four years here during my undergraduate degree, so by the time I was considering a Masters, I’d built a solid network, felt comfortable on campus, and knew how supportive the environment was. I also loved how active the Students’ Union was. The societies, events, and community feel made a huge difference to my experience. And with Strathclyde’s great industry connections, I knew staying on for the Masters would open even more doors for my future.
What do you like about your undergraduate course?
One of the things I loved most about my undergraduate course was the sense of community within our cohort, it felt like a small group of people all growing and learning together. The curriculum had a great mix of topics too; one week we’d be deep into fluid dynamics, and the next we’d be designing and building a remote-controlled aircraft, which was one of my favourite projects.
The course also opened a lot of doors. We had the chance to go to gliding school, which was an amazing hands-on experience. Different companies would come in to speak with us about placements, internships, and graduate roles. It made the degree feel connected to the real world and showed how many paths were out there for us.
What were your reasons for deciding to continue your studies at Strathclyde with a postgraduate degree?
Continuing my studies at Strathclyde felt like the natural next step for me. After spending four years here during my undergraduate degree, I’d already built strong relationships, felt supported, and knew the university inside out. It made sense to stay somewhere I was comfortable and where I had already built a solid foundation.
Another big factor was Strathclyde’s strong industry connections. I knew that staying here would open even more opportunities for my career. I’d also always loved the atmosphere on campus, from the Students’ Union to the sports societies, which really shaped my overall experience.
What made the decision even more exciting was that Strathclyde had just introduced the new MSc Aerospace Engineering course. Being part of the first group to study it felt like a unique opportunity, and I knew it aligned perfectly with where I wanted to take my career.
What facilities have you had access to during your studies, and how have they benefitted you?
I’ve made good use of the wide range of facilities available at Strathclyde, and they’ve all played a big part in shaping my overall experience. On the academic side, having access to industry-standard software like ANSYS has been a huge advantage, it allowed me to build real, practical skills that I know will be valuable in my career. The library has also been a key resource for me, whether I needed a quiet space to focus or extra materials for my coursework.
Outside of academics, the Strathclyde gym has been a massive help. It became my go-to place to blow off steam after studying, and it was also a great way to meet new people. Since it’s close to campus, it was easy to fit workouts into my schedule whenever I had some free time.
What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?
In the future, I want to play a meaningful role in the aerospace industry. Whether it’s contributing to the aircraft we rely on every day or supporting the exciting developments happening in space exploration, I want to be part of the progress that takes us further into the skies. I also hope to take the opportunity to work towards a pilot’s licence one day, flying has always been something that inspires me.
At the same time, I want to uplift the people around me. Helping others, offering advice, and giving back to my community are all things that matter to me just as much as my career goals.
My time at Strathclyde has played a huge part in shaping who I am today. It’s given me a varied and versatile skillset that I know will be valuable in industry, but it’s also helped me grow personally. I’ve become more confident meeting new people, integrating into new communities, and connecting with like-minded individuals. That mix of technical ability, real experience, and personal growth has given me a strong foundation to build on, wherever my journey in aerospace takes me next.
What has been your favourite aspect about studying at Strathclyde?
My favourite aspect about studying at Strathclyde has definitely been the hands-on experiences that made engineering come alive. One of the highlights was our residential gliding course where a group of us spent a few days learning how gliders work, training with instructors, and actually getting to fly them. It brought everything we’d learned in class together in a way I’ll never forget.
Another standout moment was designing and building a remote-controlled aircraft from scratch. After months of modelling, testing, and hoping it would stay in one piece, we had a full day where everyone’s planes were put to the test. Watching them take off, circle around the field, and seeing whose design flew the best was both nerve-wracking and incredibly fun. It was competitive, but the kind of competition where everyone cheered each other on.
Outside of the academic side, I loved how many great food spots there are around campus. I’m a big foodie, so finding new places to eat with friends between lectures became its own little tradition.
Would you recommend Strathclyde to other people and why?
I would definitely recommend Strathclyde to anyone considering it. My time here has been filled with opportunities to grow, both academically and personally. The University has a strong sense of community, from supportive staff to the friends and networks you naturally build along the way. There’s a great balance between hands-on experiences, academic learning, and the chance to try new things through societies and campus life.
Being at Strathclyde has helped me become more confident, more connected, and more prepared for whatever comes next. Whether you're passionate about engineering, looking to meet like-minded people, or just wanting a place where you can genuinely feel part of something.