During Strathclyde's Week, the idea is for you to learn more about the university, the partnership with loveUK and how we can help you.
The University of Strathclyde is one of the most renowned universities in Scotland. Located in Glasgow, it was named University of the Year (for the second time!!!) by the Times Higher Education Awards 2019, which recognizes UK universities in several categories. The Sunday Times also named Strathclyde “Scottish University of the Year” in the Good University Guide 2020.
That's right! They are riding the crest of the educational recognition wave and we couldn't help but participate by telling a little about the history of the institution and those who are or have been there.
So we reached out to a Masters student who graduated from the UK’s largest engineering department and asked her all about her experience with the university and loveUK. Read on:
Don't miss the Strathclyde Engineering Webinar on 22nd January! Register here!
Meet Marianne!
loveUK Brazil: Why did you choose Strathclyde?
Marianne Monk: I chose to study at Strathclyde, firstly, because it was one of the universities recommended in the Iberdrola/Neoenergia scholarship notice, which was the scholarship I applied for and was awarded. Among the recommended options, Strathclyde was the one that offered a master's degree in renewable energy with the most comprehensive curriculum, which perfectly matched my professional goals. In addition, the university's reputation for academic excellence in the field of engineering and its location were also factors that I considered during the selection process.
loveUK Brazil: What course did you take at Strathclyde and during which year?
MM: I graduated with a Master's degree in Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment (MSc Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment). The course started in September 2018 and ended in September 2019.
loveUK Brazil: What do you have to say about the University as a whole? The infrastructure, the support for foreign students?
MM: Strathclyde offers a complete infrastructure with laboratories, a library, suitable classrooms, well-maintained environments and modern equipment to enhance the skills of its students. The fact that the campus is located in the city center also makes the students' daily lives much easier. Another extremely positive factor is the support provided to international students. The university offers free academic English classes and a specific counseling service for international students. There is also a careers service, which offers everything from individual advice to help with writing a CV and finding an internship/job.
loveUK Brazil: How was your adaptation process?
MM: My adaptation process was quite smooth due to my previous experience as an exchange student at the same university in 2015/16. An important factor that helped me adapt was the fact that Strathclyde is a highly internationalized university, which facilitated initial interaction with other students. The most difficult aspect of adaptation was, without a doubt, the weather, which is rainy most of the time. However, Glasgow offers many leisure options such as museums, theaters, exhibitions and shows.
loveUK Brazil: Tell us about a remarkable experience from your year in the UK.
MM: During my master's degree, I had the opportunity to visit Rwanda to develop an electrification project aimed at rural communities without access to electricity using renewable sources. This experience allowed me to see another reality and it was very rewarding to be able to contribute to the implementation of this project that positively impacted the lives of several families, both socially and economically.
loveUK Brazil: How did having a master's degree abroad reflect on your professional life?
MM: The Master's degree in the United Kingdom allowed me to improve my knowledge on renewable energy and the environment, as well as enhance my analytical and interpersonal skills. In addition, through the Master's degree, I had contact with relevant professionals in the sector, which further strengthened my networking network.
loveUK Brazil: How important was loveUK's assistance in your application process?
MM: The support provided by loveUK in my application process for the Masters programme in Strathclyde was extremely important. The educational consultants were very attentive and available to guide me in relation to the application process and documents required to obtain the Tier 4 visa. The day before my interview at the official visa application centre (VFS Global) I had a face-to-face meeting at loveUK where my documents were checked by one of the consultants and any final questions were answered.
Congratulations on your graduation and such an enriching experience, Marianne! We’d love to hear more about how your experience at Strathclyde has been transformative and important to your life.
