Colin Williams

What, for you, are the best things about MSc Railway Systems Engineering and Integration?

For me, the best thing about my course is the quality of the lectures and the flexibility of the course. I have really taken a lot away even from subjects I am really familiar with, which has really helped with some of the things I have been doing outside of the university.

I am doing my course part time, which means I have my work commitments in between the time I am at the University of Birmingham. The University staff and academics are really understanding of one’s situations and circumstances, and they work with you in order to help you progress.

What has been the highlight of your time at Birmingham?

One of the highlights of my time at the University of Birmingham has been meeting and mixing with other like minded individuals. The course brings together students from a range of backgrounds in different areas of the same industry which helps put new perspective on ideas and concepts.

Other highlights include module dinners, where we have industry experts come in to discuss their respective fields, great staff working behind the scenes for the module and most importantly being away from the office and doing something new and exciting.

Do you have anything lined up for once you have completed your degree?

I work at SNC-Lavalin Rail and Transit so it will be back to work for me. I aim to use my new found broad appreciation of railway systems to enhance the projects I am working on such as Crossrail 2 and HS2 in order to make the industry a more efficient and effective place.

Why did you choose the University of Birmingham?

For me, choosing the right course meant that it had to be convenient, it had to be relevant and it had to be good. The University of Birmingham has an excellent reputation and was offering the right level of teaching with an amount of flexibility that suited my work needs.

I’m studying for the MSc in Railway Systems Engineering and Integration. It’s quite a bespoke degree with equivalents not offered at many other universities. Despite the bespoke nature, the course quality is excellent; the course is everything I’d hoped for and has met all my expectations.

What was your motivation for undertaking postgraduate study?

Interestingly, I never planned on joining the railway industry hence why I did a degree in Aerospace Engineering. However, the longer I’ve been here the more I’ve enjoyed it and developed within my role. Engineering is a very transferable subject which has enabled me to take the same skills and knowledge I’ve acquired and use them in my role as a systems integrator.

The main reason I have decided to undertake this course at the University of Birmingham is to broaden my understanding around a specialist subject. With the skills and knowledge that this course will give me I would be able to use it as a stepping stone to further develop my career.