Sara
MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering
The variety of topics and range of industrial applications is what motivates me the most about my course.
Like many Master's students, Sara was eager to find a course that allowed her to explore her interests further. As her undergraduate course didn't offer much flexibility in the way of module choices, she was looking for an institution where she could tailor her modules to her interests. When she came across the MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering at Imperial, she knew it would be the perfect course for her. Not only could she tailor her courses, she also had the opportunity to focus on materials engineering.
I'm Sara and here's a little about why I chose to study a Master’s at Imperial. One of the main aspects of the course that stood out to me was the opportunity to study a wide range of modules. I also liked that I'd have the ability to focus on materials engineering. This was ultimately what encouraged me to apply as my undergrad course did not offer any flexibility in module choices, so I was keen to study somewhere that I could tailor my modules to my interests a bit more closely.
I was confident that Imperial would provide me with the skills and support to follow whichever path I would decide to take.
I also had a few career paths in mind that were quite varied, from research and development to intellectual property law. I was confident that Imperial would provide me with the skills and support to follow whichever path I would decide to take.
The strong global reputation and chance to meet like-minded individuals was also a big motivator. I had visited London a couple times in the past, but never Imperial College London – the online resources and tours were enough to help me make my decision to apply. Receiving a departmental scholarship was the final factor that really helped me in accepting my offer and moving to London.
Finding my feet
I was a bit intimidated by the university before starting but, once I joined, I saw how friendly and kind everybody was and settled in very quickly.
Welcome Week and departmental team building activities early in the year were great ways to meet other people and get to know my cohort. My departmental administrators are quick to help with any issues that I have and have been very helpful and reassuring.
I’ve also made use of careers team meetings and resources to prepare for job application and interview processes.
The campus is in a convenient spot to get to and has a range of great sports and study facilities. Joining sports classes at the Ethos Sports Centre next door also helped with settling in here.
Life as a postgraduate student
As a student on the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Materials Engineering course, I am able to explore a wide range of modules, from nuclear chemical engineering to carbon capture and storage to medical biosensor techniques. The variety of topics and range of industrial applications is what motivates me the most about my course.
Despite modules being quite content-heavy, my lecturers have presented the courses very well, in a way that it has not felt too overwhelming.
Coming to Imperial from a different university for my undergrad, I was surprised that we didn't have many tutorials associated with my course since I typically prefer working through problems. However, my supervisors and lecturers have been very helpful and supportive throughout whenever I have had a question.
Laying foundations for the future
When I first applied to Imperial, I had not yet decided what career path to take. I was torn between pursuing a career in R&D or intellectual property (IP) law. Luckily for me, Imperial has great ties with both engineering and law firms. After several weeks of writing applications and attending interviews, I received an offer from a firm in London to work within their chemical engineering and life sciences department and look forward to starting soon.
I attended several careers fairs where I networked with professionals in both engineering and IP backgrounds. The university’s law society also hosted several events with patent attorneys of local firms, including online presentations and in-person day-in-the-life activities. I had done research into IP law before joining Imperial, but these activities helped me solidify my decision to work towards becoming a patent attorney.
Everyone that I have met at Imperial – both staff and students - have been very welcoming.
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