Student Profiles
Scholarship PhD student Konstantinos Tsamos from Greece joined Brunel University in 2011 to successfully complete the MSc course in Building Services Engineering (BSE)
When choosing a university to study at post-graduate level, I think it is of paramount importance to keep in mind the dedication needed in order to excel and achieve your goals.
Having completed an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Brighton earlier in the year, I enrolled onto the MSc course in Building Services Engineering (BSE) at Brunel in September 2011. After an exciting and challenging year here, I successfully completed my MSc degree.
The school of Engineering and Designhas an excellence reputation in providing a comprehensive suite of programmes to suit the needs of the industry and professions, in the areas of building engineering, natural environment and sustainability.
As soon as I joined the MSc course, it was apparent that I had entered a dynamic and vibrant environment, with academics spanning all levels, from research students to research lecturers, readers and professors. The opportunities to enrich my engineering knowledge and professional development were in front of me and I took the opportunity as soon as possible.
The MSc course was challenging; even with its ups and downs on a daily basis, it was exciting to be part of a programme where drawbacks became my motivation to continue and complete the course. Without the guidance of my lecturers, professors, lab staff and interesting conversations with fellow students, I would not have progressed so well.
My dissertation topic was an investigation into the performance of a two-phase closed thermosyphon. I started the literature review and set up a test rig in mid-May and completed the project at the end of August; these were the best four months of my academic life. A daily discussion with my supervisor and the laboratory staff gave me a great opportunity to learn and understand thermodynamic principles and gain experience in real situations.
When I finished the dissertation my supervisor granted me the great opportunity to continue my studies with a PhD. It is an honour to be part of the Mechanical Engineering Department and I accepted the offer without hesitation.
I am confident that the long established history and partnership with industry in the UK and overseas would support my research during the upcoming years. Given that the University has one of the world’s leading groups in the area of building services, and offers a world-class research environment, I am confident that I will concentrate fully on my research.
Brunel University is my past and my future and I’m happy to be a part of it. I would highly recommend postgraduate studies in Building Services Engineering at Brunel to any prospective student.
Darko Pinter is a recent graduate of the MSc in Building Services Engineering Management
"The MSc course is an excellent programme - at times very demanding, at other times challenging. As a result, I was offered through various head-hunting agencies, four senior-level positions with global companies, all with career paths in management. I have since accepted a position with Carrier as a Programme Manager. Each company was extremely interested in the masters programme offered at Brunel and admitted it was that extra "edge" they are looking for in potential candidates. A few years ago, I was applying to companies, now they are contacting me. What a difference."
Michael Touhey graduated in 2005
I came to England from Ireland in 1973, when I was sixteen years of age to work with an Electrical Contractor, as an apprentice electrician. Now at forty-eight years of age, having completed the 'Distance Learning' MSc in Building Services Engineering Management at Brunel University, I was admitted to the degree of Master of Science in March 2004.
Apart from a burning desire to conclude 'unfinished' business, from an academic stand point; I decided to embark on this course of study, at Brunel University, as it matched my needs both personally and professionally. Personally, because I am married with two children and the time scales allowed me to spread my study periods through the week and attend to my family commitments. And professionally, because the course content meets the needs of the industry in which I am employed, which is the Construction Industry.
I am a Building Services Manager on a new Arena and Conference Centre in Liverpool, working for a major Contractor, where my role and responsibilities comprise managing the design and build of the Mechanical & Electrical Services, Fire Protection Services, Lift & Escalator Installations and Lightning protection installation, having an overall value of circa £25m. As a senior member of the project team I also contribute in the overall management of the project.
Starting the MSc, I found the first few modules very tough indeed. However the assistance and guidance I received from the staff at Brunel helped me reach the necessary level of competence to work through that difficult period.
I found their assistance particularly helpful at the dissertation stage of the degree, when contact with my supervisor was constant over the twelve-month period. She made herself available throughout offering helpful advice and necessary guidance. The dissertation was an assessment of thermal comfort within hospital wards, through the correct application of ventilation.
The course of study, which I completed over a four year period, has added a new dimension to what I am and what I do. It has given me a greater appreciation of what I read and write. My presentation skills have improved to the point that processes developed by me on my project are currently being considered by Engineers in my sector throughout the region and in some cases are being applied. Prior to completing the MSc I would not have had the confidence or knowledge to develop my career in this way.
