Megan Shave

Megan Shave is a QUEST Scholar and integrated Masters student at the University of Leeds student who studies Civil Engineering MEng, BEng at the School of Civil Engineering.

Choosing to study at Leeds

Choosing Leeds was an easy choice for Megan who wanted to study at a university with a close sense of community that also hosts state-of-the-art equipment and fantastic teaching facilities. She explained: “I attended the offer holder’s day at the University for the Civil Engineering department and the access to advanced equipment and lab spaces amazed me. This was one of the main reasons I was so drawn to the University of Leeds as I felt there were opportunities to transfer in-class teaching to real applications as well as access to high-tech equipment which would deepen my understanding of the degree and set me up well to enter the industry upon graduating.”

“Furthermore, the enthusiasm and expertise of the lecturers inspired me and made the Civil Engineering department seem like a stimulating and exciting environment to learn in. Also, I was drawn to the University of Leeds itself as it is a city uni which means there is a lot to do, good places to eat and it is easy to wander into the centre after lectures. However, it being a campus uni was also very important to me as I liked how all the university buildings were in one area, close to each other, and how the university union is right in the heart of it which is fantastic for socialising and creating a sense of community.”

Picking the right degree

The Civil Engineering MEng, BEng lets students sample the whole breadth of civil engineering, with opportunities to specialise as they progress. As an integrated Masters programme, this course extends the three-year undergraduate studies to Masters level. A big reason for civil engineering students to opt for the MEng, BEng programme is because it is the most direct way of meeting the educational requirements for subsequent registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Students on this programme study all the major subjects that are needed to master as a civil engineer, such as structures, fluids, geotechnics, materials, communications, environmental impact, surveying and mathematics – all reinforced with world-class research and practice.

Discussing her experience on the programme, Megan said: “in my opinion, the best aspect of studying Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds is the teaching department. The lecturers are all so inspiring and many of them are experts and leaders in their specialist fields. It is amazing to have such an array of expertise and specialisations in the department which I can learn from, be inspired by, and be challenged by. This creates a stimulating and stretching learning environment.

Because the lecturers have had their own experiences in the industry in many different specialisations, you can learn from their real-life experiences which places the course in an applicable, industry-led context. I think the teaching and facilities at Leeds in the Engineering departments are industry-leading and inspiring.”

Because the lecturers have had their own experiences in the industry in many different specialisations, you can learn from their real-life experiences which places the course in an applicable, industry-led context.

Hands-on experience

Our courses offer students opportunities to get hands-on experience in the field. Megan explained: “I really enjoyed the Surveying camp in first year as it was both a wonderful opportunity to apply the skills we’d been learning to real-life tasks and also to bond with and get to know my coursemates better. The project I have enjoyed the most so far was the Group design project that we did at the end of last year which was to design a pavilion for an area on the University campus.

It was a great opportunity to develop my teamwork and collaboration skills, which are very important in the Civil engineering industry, and to tap into my more creative side. Presenting our design at the end of the project was also a great experience for developing my presenting skills and learning how to set out a design proposal appropriately, which is extremely applicable in the industry.”

You will be taught by some of the top experts in the industry, have access to high-tech equipment, and be inspired and challenged every day. You will never be bored and your brain will never be unstimulated.

Scholarship support

Scholarships provide help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and the government. There are several scholarships available to our civil engineering students to help them fund their studies. Megan was one such student, she said: “before I started my course at the University of Leeds I applied to be an ICE Quest Scholar. I went through quite an extensive application process and some virtual interviews with prospective sponsoring companies. I was awarded an ICE Quest Scholarship, which was sponsored by both the ICE and Atkins Global, an industry-leading international Engineering company.

It is such a privilege to be awarded this scholarship and it has opened up so many opportunities for me. Each summer I complete an 8-week summer placement at Atkins as a part of my scholarship. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to work and collaborate in teams with qualified engineers. I have learned so much so far during this experience and it has built my knowledge beyond the classroom.

I am looking forward to learning even more over the next few years being a QUEST scholar and being more and more inspired by the innovative professionals around me. Furthermore, as a part of the scholarship I participate in outreach schemes which aim to promote Civil Engineering to prospective students and young people. It is greatly fulfilling to feel I may be inspiring other young people, just as people inspired me to pursue this career. I feel particularly passionate about promoting the industry to young girls as I feel if I had not had the inspiration and push I did at a young age from teachers, peers, and mentors, I may not be studying this degree now.”

Life in Leeds

From music to sports, Leeds University Union has hundreds of societies to suit everyone’s interests and hobbies. Megan she explained: “I am part of the Leeds University Union Women’s Hockey Club (LUUWHC). I played hockey all through secondary school and wanted to continue that hobby at University. It has been a great way to socialise and meet a wide variety of people from outside my course as well as being a source of exercise which creates a good work-life balance amongst assignments and lectures.

I greatly enjoy being in Leeds. The University campus is just a walk from the centre so there are lots of things to do right on the university’s doorstep. There are lots of nice cafes and places to eat and loads of student deals and affordable options for students.  As well as the city centre, the campus is also a walk from Headingley High Street which has lots of shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants all with great student deals and discounts.”

Looking to the future

To prepare for life after Leeds, Megan looking to explore as many opportunities as possible, she explained: “I am still unsure exactly what I want to do when I graduate. I am still in my second year so I am hoping to explore as many areas as possible over the next few years, through both studying my modules at uni and summer placements, to see what specialism most interests and drives me.

To students thinking about studying Civil Engineering at Leeds, I would say go for it! You will be taught by some of the top experts in the industry, have access to high-tech equipment, and be inspired and challenged every day. You will never be bored and your brain will never be unstimulated.”

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