Student Profile - James Shanley

MEng Civil and Railway Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering

"The University has such great facilities. Also the campus is beautiful and it is located in close proximity to the city centre." 

Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?

I have a passion for railways and was already looking to do a civil engineering course here at Birmingham.

What do you think are the best points of your course?

For me the best part is working on the railway projects.

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

The University has such great facilities. Also the campus is beautiful and it is located in close proximity to the city centre.

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

We got the opportunity to go along to Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to help the volunteers with the heritage railway, which was really interesting.

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying on the course?

You don't need to have a lot of knowledge beforehand but you do need to have an interest and passion for railways in some capacity.

Is there anything extra students thinking about studying on the course should know?

Be willing to get any experience on railways if the opportunitiy arises.