Tawachi Nyasulu

Tawachi Nyasulu

Why did you decide to study the MSc Digital Communications Networks programme at the University of Leeds?

I am a Commonwealth scholar so first of all, I had to look for participating universities in the Commonwealth Scholarship Fund. Then I had a look at the QS world university rankings as well as rankings in electronic and electrical engineering research. And Leeds came out as one of the best!

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University so far and why?

The most outstanding aspect of my course is that the course content is up to date with the trends in the electronic industry as well as in academic research. The content is well balanced in terms of academic lectures, hands-on labs, industrial lectures/visits as well as independent study and research. It also includes a module in which you study about developments in both the industry and the academia, which has helped me to have a global perspective of our industry and academia; this has helped me in making a decision about my next career path. The lecturers are very supportive and very engaging. In fact I consider my tutor and project supervisor as my mentors.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed.

I enjoyed wireless communication system design projectsvery much because it was something I have been longing for but I could not get during my undergraduate course. I am also excited about the research project I am working on. It is based on trendy applications of communication technology: cloud computing, internet of things, wireless sensor networks, and smart buildings. I have partnered with a company called Imagination Technologies who have supplied me with microcontrollers under their university partnership programme. I am also using a laboratory in the school of civil engineering as my test bed. As you can see, I am collaborating with several entities on my project which is the case in real life projects, and this is just awesome.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds city is comparably affordable. It is easy to get around especially that most student residences and the city centre are within walking distance from the university. The people are generally nice to international students. I came to Leeds at a time when I was suffering from depression but I managed to pull through because of the support I got from the student counselling team as well as members of the nearby Bleinhem Baptist church. This church has become family to me. There are lots of beautiful get-away places in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors where one can go to unwind after a heavy workload.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I have hope for an interesting future. I intend to look for a job once I am through with my course while at the same time looking for a PhD position.

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

I will cherish the academic writing and critical thinking skills that I have learnt through courses offered by the Skills@Library as well as through literature review and essay writing.

The course is very intensive, which has helped me sharpen my time management skills as well strategising.

I have also learnt to network. I am a member of the Leeds network of Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WiSET) where meet women engineers / scientists / lecturers and I just get inspired to pursue my career higher and higher.The career centre has equipped me with skills on how to sell myself to employers.

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

To students looking for the best university in electronic and electrical engineering, I can confidently say 'Go for University of Leeds!'