From having a keen interest in aircrafts to receiving 1st class honours and a graduate role in Aerospace – read Abdul’s fascinating journey studying BEng Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Salford.

Hi Adbul, it’s lovely to meet you. Can you tell me why you chose to study at Salford?

I chose to study at Salford after attending the course open day and because my brother was a recent Salford alumni. In the open day, I had the chance to ask questions to the faculty and have an overview of the course content. I toured the campus and to be honest, the campus is amazing. Everything was close to each other and there was no long distance between buildings where I had lectures, which was great! Before attending university, I was really amazed at aircrafts and how they can fly for so long safely and how they are able to stay stable at 36000ft altitude!

What made you want to study your course?

I decided to study Aeronautical Engineering to learn the different aspects involved in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of these amazing machines! It was not an easy course, but it was definitely worth it. So, my course is all about the fundamentals of Engineering involved in the design and manufacture of anything that flies, be it an aircraft, rocket, drone etc. For example, one needs to design a strong structure so that the air vehicle can withstand the loads applied on it. This can be done when we study and understand engineering structures. Likewise with Aerodynamics, Control Systems, Thermodynamics etc. Designing and manufacturing a flying vehicle is so multidisciplinary and the course at Salford greatly responds to that need by incorporating a wide range of modules.

What was a highlight of studying your course?

There was a wide range of teaching activities which were all aimed at providing students with high quality teaching. We had lectures, seminars, laboratory practical sessions, group projects, and the most interesting was the experience of flying the SaaB 340 with the National Flying Laboratory Centre. This flying experience was a practical experience of what we learned in theory.

What support is available for students throughout their studies?

The university has great personal and academic support in place for students. They provide financial advice on how to spend wisely whilst on campus and immigration advice for international students. One of the things I really liked was offering on campus part time jobs via Unitemps. I worked as a student ambassador in all my time at Salford and that really helped me both professionally and financially. The academic staff are supportive and approachable, and they are always happy to see their students succeed in both their academic and professional life.

I personally was awarded the generous Gerry Mason Scholarship offered by Morson Projects. I am very grateful that the university awarded me this scholarship and it was really life changing for me.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying here?

I would encourage anyone to study at Salford. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Salford, and I never felt any regret for choosing Salford whatsoever. My first advice would be to give your studies the time it deserves and stay focused on your end goal which is to learn and develop your skills. Second advice is to engage positively with both the academic staff and your colleagues. The academics are your mentors, and your colleagues are your future industry peers! Be socially smart and always show kindness, it will pay back one day! It did with me.

What did a day in your life look like while studying?

On average, I was on campus for teaching 4 days a week. What I used to do was after every lecture, I go to the library to read through what we learned today and get my head around it by solving the tutorials or problems provided in the notes. If I have an assignment, I aimed at finishing it off at least 1 day before the deadline. I encourage you not to leave things to pile up! Be on it all the time. That obviously doesn’t mean not dedicating time for entertainment or fun activities. After all, it’s a matter of balancing personal life and university life.

What do you think of the facilities and equipment? Is there anything you particularly enjoyed using?

Salford has world-class facilities dedicated for research activities and learning purposes. I am a bit jealous that the new SEE building was opened right after I graduated, but during my time as Teaching Assistant, I enjoyed helping professors in conducting laboratory practical sessions in the Structures lab. I should mention the MakerSpace where advanced additive manufacturing activities take place. During my time as an Aerodynamics Engineer at Salford Racing, we manufactured many parts of our F1 car with the help of MakerSpace. Students also have access to the wind tunnel which is used to study how air flows around an object.

What was your favourite thing about being a University of Salford student?

My favourite thing about being a student at Salford was the fact that you can unleash your potential and be the best of yourself with the support and encouragement of the university represented by its staff. I engaged in so many activities in the university, each of which was a valuable experience I had learned from. I loved being able to be who I am with no prejudice or judgement. When I am on campus after graduation, it truly feels like home. I felt belonging at Salford.

Where has your degree taken you since graduating? What is your dream job and how do you think your degree will help you get there?

Upon graduation, I landed a graduate role as a Stress Engineer, working on the structural analysis of aerospace structures to ensure that the structure is strong enough and is safe and sound for continued operation. A year later, I was offered a scholarship to study Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield University and this month I graduated with Distinction. I am currently taking a 3-month break visiting family and hopefully I am aiming to either study a PhD or work in the Research and Development of Aerospace Structures and Advanced Materials.

I hope that with the skills and knowledge I gained from my degree at Salford I would be able to contribute to the development and improvement of aerospace structures and materials. With sustainability goals in mind, we need to think about how the aerospace industry can minimise its CO2 emissions. One aspect of it is using lighter and stronger materials that will reduce fuel consumption. My dream job is to be a Research and Development Engineer/Scientist specializing in Aerospace Structures and Materials.