Our Director of Engineering, Michael Wigington, chose to study MSc Quantity Surveying (Mechanical and Electrical) via a distance learning platform, so not only was he able to enhance his skillset but he was able to study around his full-time work.
“As a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, my commercial awareness and understanding was limited. So, I chose to study MSc Quantity Surveying (Mechanical and Electrical) to not only develop my understanding of cost, value and project risk in the construction industry but also for my continuous professional development, as I could incorporate my learning into my work life.
The teaching on the course was of a very high quality and the weekly, online lectures were easy to manage around my own calendar; if I missed one, I was able to watch the recording in my own time via a virtual learning platform.
The highlights of my learning were the Mechanical and Electrical Practice, Procurement and BIM for the Built Environment modules as they made a genuine impact upon my practical working which was reflected in my coursework.”
Overall, Michael felt that the course helped him to develop as an engineer, and provided him with a footing into the commercial management of projects. Michael commented, “Having the ability to apply aspects of my coursework to my work outside of the University, improved my understanding greatly, allowing me to delve deeper into areas that would have gone unnoticed before”. Michael now has the advantage of implementing costing, risk assessment and value management techniques on a regular basis.
Michael will continue to champion distance learning, “Look at your career aspirations and identify the areas that need to be developed, because distance learning can help steer your learning towards these goals as it’s great at tying your studies and work together”.