Oscar Hunt

Oscar Hunt is currently in the third year of his Materials Science and Engineering MEng, BEng degree. 

Choosing Leeds 

At First Oscar wasn't sure which engineering discipline to go into but after seeing Materials Science and Engineering on offer at Leeds, he knew it was for him. Oscar said “It stuck out to me because it offered a wide range of learning opportunities, given the fact it had modules in physics, chemistry, materials and maths. The interdisciplinary nature of the course made me want to sign up as I really liked the idea of being able to understand materials and science from multiple different perspectives. 

The interdisciplinary nature of the course made me want to sign up as I really liked the idea of being able to understand materials and science from multiple different perspectives.

“I ended up choosing Leeds partly because my brother and step brother were both at Leeds and always had great things to say about the city and the university, but also because Leeds is unique in the fact that it is a campus university but within a city, meaning you get a great student community on campus but also have the freedom to explore a vibrant and exciting city.”   

Hands on learning 

At Leeds, lab and project work is integral to our courses. They give you a chance to really take what you’re learning in class and apply it in a practical setting, building the skills you’ll need to work in industry.  

Oscar shared his experience saying “I enjoy the practical work the most. For me, getting out and seeing what you have learnt in the lectures in a laboratory really helps to improve understanding. As well as that it gives a more real-world experience to the course and relates it to something we might be doing within the workplace. For example, we completed a laboratory on heat treatments of steel and saw how different cooling mechanisms can change its microstructure and therefore its properties, which can affect what it is used for. A couple of weeks later we had the opportunity to go and visit a steel plant which allowed us to see what we did in the laboratory on heat treatment but on a larger real-world scale. For me, this is a fantastic way of learning and being able to link lecture work with visual backing improves understanding massively.” 

In the later years of your degree, you will take on a project. Oscar shared, “As well as the practical work, my design project in year 3 has definitely been a highlight. This project has allowed me to bring together all aspects of my course up until now and combine them to create a detailed analysis of a material and process selection for an important component within a system. It has been a satisfying process, putting together knowledge from different sections of my course to create something that I am proud of.” 

It has been a satisfying process, putting together knowledge from different sections of my course to create something that I am proud of.

Specialist facilities and expert teaching 

During his time at Leeds, Oscar has had a range of experience using the facilities on offer in the School of Chemical and Process Enginering. He Said “The laboratories provide lots of up-to-date equipment which we have access to when doing group work in the labs. Being able to use equipment that we wouldn’t have had access to before is a great privilege.” 

Oscar has gained strong relationships with staff and peers, he said “From having small lecture groups, it has allowed me to ask more questions and have more of a relationship with both my lecturers and my peers. It allows for more open discussions when it comes to lectures and seminars which I feel is more valuable for the development of my learning. I have really enjoyed having a smaller group on my course as it has given me a much more personal relationship with my lecturers, encouraging me to ask questions and become more involved in the lectures.”  

Outside of the school there are also lots of great facilities and spaces for students. Oscar said “The student union provides a great range of shops and food stalls and can be a great place to meet in between library sessions. The kitchen area allows you to reheat your own food which is perfect for someone looking to bring in their lunch every day.” 

Joining clubs and societies 

At Leeds we have more than 300 student-led clubs and societies, so you'll find something whatever your interests. During his time at Leeds, Oscar has taken part in a few different ones with the main one being rugby. He said “This was a great way to meet people, especially as I came up in summer as a fresher for pre-season. Through rugby I’ve created some great friendships and shared some great memories with people from all different areas of study. As well as that I took part in the rowing society as well as the poker society and boxing society, as I think it’s best to try out as many things as possible while you have the opportunity, even if it turns out not to be for you! Outside of the university there are more opportunities such as run clubs, of which I am a part of, five aside football and many other non-sporting opportunities too.”  

Live living in Leeds 

Leeds is one of the country's largest and fastest-growing cities and has a leading reputation in business, culture and sport. Oscar said “Leeds as a city is vibrant and modern. It offers lots to do within the city, and having the campus just outside the city is great for nipping into town when you need to. Hyde Park where I live is the main student area after first year. It has a great feel to it with something always going on and is also a great place to be as a student as there are lots of other students there too.  

“My favourite place to go is the Yorkshire Dales. You only have to drive 20 minutes outside of Leeds to be in beautiful rolling hills which provides really nice walks and a good chance to get away from the city and explore some of the surrounding area. Ilkley in particular is a favourite of mine, being in the Dales and having lots of charity shops and a few nice pubs. I am very much an outdoor person and so having the dales on your doorstep is a luxury that not many students have access to across the country.” 

Future career plans 

After graduating, Oscar will have a range wide of career options. He said “From an academic standpoint, the knowledge I have gained from studying here will drastically help with my career plans. The fact that I am not sure quite what engineering I want to go into after university is not a problem as the multidisciplinary nature of my course means that I have knowledge applicable to many different engineering opportunities. From a non-academic standpoint, the life skills you learn while you are at university are a perfect guidance to going onto being independent and self-sufficient within the workplace and at home.” 

..the multidisciplinary nature of my course means that I have knowledge applicable to many different engineering opportunities.

Join us

Find out more about studying Materials Science and Engineering MEng, BEng at Leeds