Eni-Oluwa Adekoya

Why did you originally apply to do MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Study at Birmingham?

I chose to study Chemical Engineering at Birmingham due to the varied nature of the course- I enjoy the wide range of topics covered and the depths in which they are explored. Visiting the campus on an Open Day exposed me to the modern facilities that are available, such as the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, which allows students to get hands-on lab experience. The strong industrial links in the Chemical Engineering department showed me that this degree provides excellent career prospects in a range of industries such as formulation, food, petrochemical and renewable technologies.

What do you think are the best points of MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Study?

This course is both challenging and very rewarding- it allows you to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as communication and other soft skills. I enjoy the practical application of what is taught in lectures, through the various design modules in each year. In my second year I got to design a hand cream, using peppermint oil to treat dry skin, which was fascinating. Key skills such as coding are well-taught and have allowed me to gain a better understanding of how to efficiently approach and solve problems.

What’s the best thing about studying at the University of Birmingham?

The best part of studying at the University of Birmingham is that everyone makes you feel seen, heard and included. I love the support you receive, through services such as the Wellbeing Team and the ease with which you can communicate with lecturers if you’re struggling. The work-life balance is another aspect I have enjoyed; being able to choose from a range of societies and sports teams has allowed me to integrate quickly and make lifelong friends.

What’s your highlight of your time at the University?

The highlight of my time at university has been the Frank Morton sports day- this is an event for chemical engineering students facilitated by the Birmingham University Chemical Engineering Society. It allows students to participate in a range of sports events over the course of a day and is a great way to meet new people. I have also enjoyed being a part of the student voice scheme as it has given me the opportunity to represent my peers within the School of Chemical Engineering and create positive change.

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Study?

My main piece of advice is to be willing to embrace new challenges and situations. This course pushes and constantly challenges you, but it also teaches you resilience and how to effectively work under pressure. Having a strong foundation in maths and a willingness to work independently is important.