Questions

Hello again, I had a few more queries and I was hoping you'd help. I am an Electronic and Communication Graduate. I was a mediocre student back in my graduation days. I wanted to ask if taking up this course will put any kind of pressure on me? I mean, I did study a few technologies in my grad school as a part of the curriculum. I just don't know if the syllabus is going to be thought and the project being 120 credits scares me. I have done a mandatory final year project in my grad school, so it's not new to me. But the syllabus scares me. Could you please help me here, I am a bit scared? Thank you.

Hello, sorry for the late reply. Please don’t be scared. You will do very fine. I took some courses during my undergraduate that I struggled with, but during the program, I got the hang of it. You will be taught in class, and you will have tons of resources to assist your learning. There is so much support from PhDs and even the lecturers. My advice is that you take a day at a time, make sure you work with your coursemates and do all assignments as at when due. Also, remember that everyone is learning and no one seems to know it all, so always ask questions.
I know you will do well 🙂

Hi, I have recently finished a part-time bachelors in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and I am looking to undertake the MSc Electrical Power Systems in Part Time format as well. In my past course as we were part time students we were allowed 'crib sheets' (some worked formula/examples) is this the case with this course or is it fully closed book? Much appreciated

Hello,
Congratulations on your Bachelors’s. To be honest, I think we were only allowed a formulae sheet without the examples in some exams. However, I will suggest you ask the postgraduate coordinator as the policy might have changed (It’s been almost 5 years I finished my degree)
Success with everything 🙂

Thanks for your response to my previous question. Did you get funding from the school for your MSc or you are self-funded? I intend to apply for the Chevening scholarship but I am not sure if I want to include Birmingham among the list of schools to consider for Chevening. Due to the uncertainty of Chevening, I think I would just apply to Birmingham separately. What would you suggest I do?

Hello… I was self-sponsored. I will say you do both if that is possible. I will advise you to read this https://medium.com/series/8a69658c41f8 or watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMsJYz6Qjtw, I think you will find it useful
All the best!

Hello, I intend to apply for African Studies at the University of Birmingham later this year. I am yet to sit for IELTS and do not know how well to prepare. Any assistance and advice will help a lot. Thanks.

Hi,

Thank you for your message and I am glad you are considering applying for African Studies. Unfortunately i did not have to IELTS so I don’t know too much about what the test actually involves. However, I would recommend you fully understand the format of the test and answer some sample questions where possible.The following webpage may provide more helpful information: https://www.ielts.org/book-a-test/prepare-for-your-ielts-test

Best wishes,
Tom

Why did you choose the University of Birmingham?

UoB is the 1st civic university in the UK, this was really encouraging as I was sure to meet different people from different cultures. UoB is also rated as one of the top universities in the UK and as a member of the Russell group, I was sure that I would be exposed to the top experts in my field as well as have the best research experience.

What was your motivation for undertaking postgraduate study?

After completing a 6-month internship in a power utility company during my undergraduate program, I became interested in power systems and I saw the need for further studies with the aim of specializing in Electrical Power Systems.

How will your degree prepare you for what you want to do afterwards?

My degree has really improved my research skills. I have learned to work on time schedules and deadlines. I have also developed my skillsets in writing academic papers. These I believe will be useful in the pursuit of a PhD program.

What has been the highlight of your time at Birmingham?

My highlight will be when the school provided a research office for all students pursuing a two year MSc in Electrical Power Systems with advanced research at the beginning of the second year. The office was adequately furnished and conducive. It motivated me to plan my program, study more and interact with my course mates.

What, for you, are the best things about the course?

The best thing about the course is that I experienced both taught and research curricula. In the first year, I had the opportunity to be taught by visiting lecturers with many years of experience in the academic and power industry. In the second year, the research curriculum gave me an insight into research work as a pre- PhD student. It also gave me an opportunity to decide if I want to pursue a PhD in future.

Has the course enhanced your work CV?

Hello,

Yes it has. It was really useful in securing a PhD position.

How much work is involved? Will I be able to study part-time as well as working in your opinion?

Hello,

Well.. It is possible as the course can be taken as part time rather than full time. I think it will take about 2 years for the MSc without the advanced research. Whereas, the full time is just  a year. But if you decide to be a full time student, you can only work 20hours per week. It can be more demanding but possible. 🙂

Thanks for your answers, one more question is: Can I start the MSc without Advanced Research and later on upgrade to Advanced Research? How many hours studying a week is required for PT students? I am weighing my options in studying PT as well as working FT.

You are welcome.

Yes you can. You will have to fill out a transfer form though that will be approved by the school.

To be honest, I can’t give you a definite study hour range. I know that in the first year as a PT student, you take on three modules rather than 6 modules, that gives you a breather. But like any other Masters degree, you will be required to put in a good amount of time studying and completing coursework (assignments).

Is it possible to be working on part time basis and still be doing my Masters programme at the University?

Yes it is possible.

What is the future or employability rate after pursuing a power systems taught course?

The employment rate is pretty high to be honest. Most of my course mates have jobs in their home countries. Those that are not working are currently pursuing a PhD. The reputation of the university and the lecturers makes your degree marketable.

Is it possible to sponsor oneself for a Masters programme?

Hello,
do you mean pay for the Masters degree without scholarship? Yes, it is possible to sponsor yourself for the Masters programme.

I will be happy to answer any other questions.