What were your reasons for deciding to study an MSc degree?
I am intrigued by how things are created. Design and innovation were two aspects that have always sparked my interest and have ultimately led me to a career in engineering. After achieving my goal of working as a product development engineer in Malta, I was eager to further expand my knowledge and experience in the field of design. The MSc Design Engineering course at the University of Strathclyde provided me with the right opportunity to invest in my own passion, abilities and to contribute to the global design community.
What made you want to pursue your MSc studies out with your home country of Malta?
As an avid traveller, I have always wanted to take the plunge and live somewhere outside my home country. I am open to experiences, meeting new people whilst also learning about different cultures and perspectives. Glasgow was also the perfect choice for me because of its widely diverse community. I feel very privileged in being able to engage with people from all over the world. Scotland’s rich culture and beautiful natural landscapes also made it highly appealing for me to live here.
How did you first hear about the University of Strathclyde?
I heard about the University of Strathclyde whilst I was undertaking my undergraduate course in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Malta. There were several lecturers who had studied at the University of Strathclyde and they shared their positive experiences with students, which I found highly encouraging.
Why did you choose to study at Strathclyde for your MSc?
The University of Strathclyde has a reputation of excellence at the University of Malta, where I have obtained my bachelor’s degree. The University of Strathclyde has also won multiple awards including the Times Higher Education University of the Year (2012 and 2019) and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize (2019 and 2021). The MSc Design Engineering course also contained the key modules I wanted to specialise in, mainly Human-Centred Design, Mechatronic Systems Design Techniques and Sustainable Product Design and Manufacturing.
How did you find the support from the staff in your department?
All the staff were highly supportive throughout my MSc studies. They were always keen to provide guidance and answer any queries from all students. The dedicated tutorial sessions offered by several modules helped create a collaborative environment where staff and students could openly discuss their progress on their work. The lecturers were always open to provide feedback on my projects and assignments, which I found particularly useful.
What facilities have you had access to during your studies?
The Digital Design and Manufacture Studio (DDMS) contains advanced rapid prototyping equipment which is accessible to all students and researchers in the Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM). I have made use of the 3D printers to print various designs for projects I was involved in during my studies. The studio also contains a Virtual Reality (VR) suite which I mainly utilised for my dissertation which involved developing a virtual environment and performing experiments on multiple users. I have also used the Product Design Workshop due to its large variety of model making materials and equipment that DMEM students are trained to operate. Building my own designs was a learning experience for me and felt very rewarding.
Personally, I believe in living a healthy and balanced lifestyle and therefore I make regular use of the excellent gym facilities offered by the University.
Are you part of any groups or societies?
As a student within the DMEM department, I am a part of the DMEM Society. I highly recommend students to join due to the opportunities they offer in engaging in a wide range of design related projects and events. I have found their sketching sessions particularly useful to continuously develop my skills in sketching. I am also a member of the theatre society, Re.Act which is a highly diverse and inclusive group that encourages members to express themselves in a safe and welcoming environment. I recommend this society for those students who are seeking a creative outlet and are interested in boosting their confidence and communication skills.
What are the highlights you have found about studying in your Department?
During my masters, one of the main highlights of studying in DMEM was the Industrial Group Project. I was involved in the design and development of a portable ventilation system with Sigma Engineering Product Design Ltd. This project provided me with the opportunity to take on a real design challenge, directly interact with industrial partners through regular meetings and site visits and work in a team. Working on my dissertation was also a major highlight during my MSc Design Engineering course. I had the opportunity to propose and work on my own idea and the project introduced me to the field of research. My dissertation was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my career to date.
What made you decide to continue your studies at Strathclyde with PhD study?
When I decided to pursue my MSc in Design Engineering, I did not have any intentions of continuing my studies further. During my masters, I had the opportunity to work with the Advanced Forming Research Centre, which is Strathclyde’s globally recognised research centre in innovative manufacturing technologies. My experience working in a project that involved VR applications further encouraged me to continue working in the fields of VR and research. Additionally, my dissertation provided me with the opportunity of conducting and managing my own research project. This felt very natural for me and motivated me to propose my own PhD research project with DMEM.
What has been your favourite aspect about studying at Strathclyde?
My favourite aspect of studying at Strathclyde was the student experience itself. The projects I was involved in during my masters, enabled me to think creatively and work with people from different disciplines. The services offered by the Strathclyde Union and Strathclyde Sport together with the multiple social events happening at the University throughout the year have made my experience at Strathclyde both holistic and memorable.
Have you had access to any funding opportunities and if so how did they help?
During my studies, I had access to funding opportunities by the University and by the Endeavour Scholarship Scheme which is offered by the Government of Malta and is partly financed by the European Social Fund. Such opportunities have supported my tuition fees and living costs. Therefore, they were crucial in facilitating my student experience in which I am genuinely grateful for.
What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?
Looking towards the future, I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and experience in the design engineering field, particularly Human-Centred Design and VR technologies. My aim is to design augmented user experiences and to enhance human computer interactions. I look forward to a career based on research and product development within the manufacturing industry and academia.
Would you recommend Strathclyde to other people and why?
I would highly recommend the University of Strathclyde to others because of the unique opportunities it has to offer within the area of study and beyond. Such opportunities include design projects, competitions, workshops, and social events. In addition, the MSc Design Engineering course has been awarded academic accreditation by three institutions which are the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). This demonstrates the level of excellence and relevance of the course amongst higher education programmes.