Ariya
Shademani

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I returned to NTU for my MSc after completing my undergraduate degree here, knowing the university offered great support and opportunities. The modules in the MSc Civil Engineering course would broaden and deepen my knowledge, while introducing me to specialist areas such as fire engineering. It’s also an important step towards my goal of becoming a chartered engineer, and the alumni discount was a great bonus.

Tell us about your background and what you studied prior to continuing into postgraduate studies.

I completed a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering before joining a water and sewerage design team as a graduate engineer. Working in this area sparked my interest in water infrastructure, which led me to study for my Masters part-time while working.

Have you been involved in any live projects or industry placements on your course and if so, can you talk a bit about one you really enjoyed?

NTU offered many opportunities to gain insights from industry professionals and engineers. Multiple guest lectures were held on different topics, all relevant to real life and live projects. These sessions were incredibly valuable and gave me exposure to different sectors of engineering beyond my own field.

Does the “real” NTU match what you’d imagined? How does it compare with your friends’ experience at other universities?

Everyone told me I’d enjoy my time at NTU, and they were right. I was initially worried about how l challenging a Masters would be, but the staff were always supportive. I noticed my friends at other universities didn’t always have the same level of support. That support made a real difference, especially during my dissertation.

What’s next for you after NTU?

I'm going to focus on building my career, earning, and working toward ICE chartered status now that im eligible. But first, I’m going to take a deserved break and relax after completing my studies.