Courses
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course?
I come from a family with a strong engineering background, so engineering was always something I was familiar with and interested in. I have always enjoyed problem-solving and figuring out how things work, and I’ve also loved designing and creating things. These interests naturally led me towards engineering and made the course at ATU a great fit for me. I liked the idea of being able to combine creativity, mathematics and practical problem-solving in one area of study.
What are your favourite modules on the course?
My favourite modules have been Mathematics, problem-based learning and programming. I found these particularly interesting because they challenged me to think in different ways and apply what I was learning to solve problems.
That said, I have enjoyed all of the modules I have taken so far. Each one has given me a different set of skills and has helped me build a better understanding of engineering as a whole.
Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial? For example, work placements or practical projects?
The projects have been one of my favourite parts of the course. Having that balance between creative freedom and guidance was really beneficial. The projects allowed me to put the theory I had learned into practice and gave me experience of working through problems and developing solutions myself. I also really enjoyed the modules in first year, as they gave me a strong foundation and helped prepare me for the more challenging work later in the course.
If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?
My biggest piece of advice would be not to worry if everything seems difficult at the beginning. The course really takes you from the basics and gradually builds up to more challenging levels, which I found to be a huge benefit.
I would also recommend keeping on top of your coursework and project work from the start. A big part of succeeding is simply showing up, attending your lectures and engaging with the material. If you attend regularly, pay attention and put the work in, you are already giving yourself a good foundation.
For me, staying engaged and keeping up with the work made a big difference. You don’t have to know everything straight away, the course is designed to help you build your knowledge and skills as you progress.
What are your plans after ATU and what long-term goals are you aiming for?
After ATU, I am considering continuing my studies by completing a Master’s degree. I am currently looking at options in Belfast, Dublin or Galway and would like to explore which area of engineering would be the best fit for me as I progress through my degree. I am looking forward to seeing where the skills and experience I gain at ATU take me.