Xiang Mao

Xiang Mao chose to study Automotive Engineering MSc (Eng) at the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. The course covers all aspects of vehicle design and manufacturing. This included chassis and Drivetrain design as well as Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis, which gave him a very comprehensive understanding of the whole design process.

Xiang was attracted by the international reputation of the University of Leeds as well as the course offerings. He said “Before coming to Leeds, I compared the course offerings of a number of schools and I ended up choosing Leeds. I think the curriculum of the Automotive Engineering course at Leeds was more in line with my expectations and would help me in my future career.”

Overcoming fears

Starting university is daunting for anyone, and Xiang felt even more pressure as an international student. He commented “Fear always springs from ignorance. Before coming to the University of Leeds, I was worried that I would not be able to adapt well to the British teaching style and would not be able to complete my studies successfully and that I would not be able to make friends.”

The group work also gave me the opportunity to meet more people, and I made a lot of friends this way.

However, when Xiang arrived, he realised these were unnecessary worries. “Every lecture was recorded so that I could go over it, which helped me to adapt to studying in the UK much faster. Both the school staff and the teachers were very friendly and were happy to answer my questions. Once I couldn't find a book in the library, the staff told me to sit down and wait patiently and went and found the book for me personally. The group work also gave me the opportunity to meet more people, and I made a lot of friends this way. Now, whenever I am afraid of something, I tell myself to be bold and everything will be solved.”

Project work

Project work at the University is wide-ranging, Xiang said “In my second semester I made a short video with a friend about privacy issues, which was a great way for me to experience what it is like to be a director. There were a lot of problems with the five-minute video, but it was a lot of fun to work through. At the end of the video, we went for a Star Wars ending, which was very interesting.”

 

Life outside the classroom

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of societies as well as other activities for students. Xiang mentioned “At Leeds’s legendary student club night, I danced with my friends and although the sound was deafening, it made for a different experience. I also participated in a photo shoot at the School of Mechanical Engineering to help new students better understand how laboratory equipment is used. It was a very interesting experience and it was the first time I got to experience what it was like to be a model.”

After graduation

Since graduating, Xiang said “I hope to be involved in the development of Autonomous vehicles as a vehicle engineer, which is an exciting field. The Career Centre was a great help in my job search, showing me how to write a CV and cover letter, and also booking mock interviews.”

The Career Centre was a great help in my job search, showing me how to write a CV and cover letter, and also booking mock interviews.

He added “I think one of the most important things I learned at Leeds is the way I think about things. Education in the UK is very different from the education I received in China. This is something that has often confused me during this year of study. But it also allowed me to think about things from a wider perspective, and this way of thinking critically is very important.”

 

Words of wisdom

For prospective students thinking about studying Automotive Engineering, Xiang advised “If you want to study mechanical engineering but haven't decided if you want to come to Leeds, then I'd say it's a place worth coming to, both for the course offerings and the learning atmosphere, which is impeccable.

If you are going to study here, then congratulations, you are about to have an unforgettable learning experience. A year really does go by very quickly and hope you will cherish it.”

If you are going to study here, then congratulations, you are about to have an unforgettable learning experience. A year really does go by very quickly and hope you will cherish it.

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