How I combined postgraduate study with on-the-job learning

I left school with my GCSEs and joined my employer as an apprentice. As part of the apprenticeship I took first what was then an ONC qualification and later an HNC in electrical building services, both of which took two years. Once I completed my apprenticeship I didn’t need to carry on studying but I felt I had a lot to gain from it. I undertook my degree on a part-time basis, which was difficult at times: my spare time was severely reduced! My degree accredited me to IEng (incorporated engineer) level with the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE); however, it did not qualify me to gain CEng accreditation (ie to become a chartered engineer). I therefore enrolled at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE) at Manchester University for a distance-learning MSc in sustainable electrical engineering.

Course structure

My MSc is a taught course and I am funding my own way through it. I study two units every six months: these are examined and there is also a ten-minute presentation on them. There are eight units in total followed by a dissertation. The course is as I expected: it is not difficult and is pitched roughly at the same level as my degree. I also have the benefit of my college grounding in electrical services. The exams are relatively straightforward and the presentations are not as daunting as people tend to think they will be. What I enjoy most about doing the course is expanding upon the knowledge that I already have and setting myself apart from my peers.

Combining work and study

The advantages of combining work and study are that I understand what the lecturers and course notes are trying to say and that I can put what I learn to use in a practical sense. The hardest parts are juggling the different demands on my time and maintaining a personal life. It can be difficult to study while maintaining focus at work: invariably the masters slips and I need to use more of my free time to catch up. However, I am very fortunate in that my colleagues and friends are supportive. I also have study mates with whom I get together once a month – we provide assistance and support to each other in our studies.

Future plans

My immediate plans are to complete my masters successfully, therefore gaining the required level to apply for chartered engineer status. Then, who knows? I may carry on to a PhD but only time (and sufficient funding) will tell.

John Shadbolt is a building services engineer at EMCOR Group (UK). He has a BSc in building services engineering from the University of the West of England and is currently taking an MSC in sustainable electrical engineering at the University of Manchester.