Hamza
- Subject area
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
In my final year studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Loughborough University, I was focused on gaining industry experience through a graduate role. At the same time, I became interested in the MSc in Systems Engineering offered by Loughborough. Later, when my workplace offered the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate apprenticeship in Systems Engineering, I was confident that Loughborough was the ideal choice for me.
After having had such positive experiences as an undergraduate student, I felt a strong sense of loyalty to Loughborough. I was already aware of its excellent engineering reputation, top-tier academic support and experienced lecturers, that would provide the perfect environment for further study. It was also conveniently location close to home, which was a bonus for me.
The study structure whilst balancing work, varied depending on the modules but generally, we would attend sessions for a full week at a time, with some occasionally extending to two weeks. For almost all modules, there was some light pre-reading required beforehand.
This apprenticeship experience has greatly enhanced my skill set because the knowledge I gained from the postgraduate programme has allowed me to improve the projects I've worked on by applying systems thinking tools and systems engineering methodologies. I've also developed new skills in advanced problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and critical analysis. In addition, completing my dissertation has positioned me as an expert in integrating systems thinking and MBSE. Additionally, I now have a strong understanding of implementing digital twin technology and integrating MBSE effectively.
It was easy to maintain a good balance between studying and working because the modules were spread out throughout the year. Additionally, Loughborough University is very supportive when it comes to health, wellbeing and work-related challenges and so you can always approach academic staff if you have any concerns.
The academics with their extensive experience in Systems Engineering, offer valuable industry insights through their teaching. This has been crucial in deepening my understanding and has helped me effectively integrate what I’ve learned into academic reports.
The academic guidance has been particularly valuable in shaping my dissertation, which aims to enhance the understanding of systems thinking, model-based systems engineering and digital twin technology within an engineering consultancy context.
The three-year apprenticeship route was a great decision for me, as it provided a hands-on, practical learning experience. It meant that rather than spending the majority of my time in a classroom, I was able to split my time between industry work and studying. This allowed me to apply what I learned directly in the workplace while focusing on skill development, gaining industry knowledge and building professional experience. As a result, I’ve been able to demonstrate causal loops to clients and highlight the value of systems thinking tools and methods in addressing complex challenges. I’m already noticing improvements in my professional skills and expertise.
My greatest achievement so far has been my end-of-year project, where I was able to integrate all the knowledge I’ve gained, along with new methods and technologies. This has provided valuable insights that will assist in the development of designs within the Engineering Consultancy environment.
Loughborough has been a great source of inspiration, helping me build resilience and determination to consistently produce high-quality work throughout my degree and now in my postgraduate studies, all while motivating me to explore new and innovative ideas.
My advice for anyone considering this postgraduate apprenticeship is to enjoy the fascinating modules, as there’s a wealth of knowledge to gain. Also, make sure to engage with the academic staff, they genuinely enjoy connecting with their students and can be a fantastic resource, offering valuable guidance on projects. A highlight has been the friends I have made and the socials I have attended. They made the experience even more memorable and enjoyable!