Oliver Robinson

Oliver Robinson is an undergraduate student at the University of Leeds student who studies Civil Engineering with Transport BEng at the School of Civil Engineering.

Choosing to study at Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant and lively city with plenty to discover and Oliver often visited the city of Leeds before starting his studies. Combined with its strong reputation in Civil Engineering and the success of its graduates in securing industry connections, the University of Leeds stood out to Oliver as the best place to study for his degree.

The Civil Engineering with Transport BEng focuses on transport infrastructure, offering opportunities to design roads and develop ways to make transport accessible for as many people as possible. This course emphasises group work and collaboration, mirroring industry and giving students the knowledge and skills to succeed in the workforce after graduation.

 

Teaching and facilities

Discussing his experience on the programme, Oliver said: "All my lecturers and tutors were consistently available for one-on-one meetings to discuss or clarify any topics from lectures. The school also has two clusters of high-end computers, which provide an excellent environment for working with other students."

"The integrated design project was my favourite module. Over two semesters we conducted a feasibility study for the construction of a new road, collaborated in groups to design it, and developed the preliminary design of a railway bridge using the structural design knowledge we had built up. It was fulfilling to see our solutions come together at the end of the project."

Hands-on experience

Our courses offer students opportunities to get hands-on experience in the field. Oliver explained: "Between my second and third years, I completed a site management internship in Leeds city centre, working on a refurbishment and new build for student accommodation. During this time, I collaborated closely with managers, contractors, and clients to ensure the project was completed safely, on time, and within budget."

Career support

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences has its own dedicated careers service. This allows students to get the support they need to secure placements and graduate careers. Speaking about the EPS Careers Service, Oliver said: "The Engineering and Physical Science careers team provided lots of support throughout all three years of my degree. Their advice prepared me for interviews and assessments and helped to develop a strong CV. I will begin a Graduate Civil Engineer role in September, improving the underground network of water pipes in County Durham and Tees Valley. The pipeline will cross the River Tees at two locations, including the construction of a tunnel. This project will have an integral role in providing resilience in the water supply in England."

The Engineering and Physical Science careers team provided lots of support throughout all three years of my degree. Their advice prepared me for interviews and assessments and helped to develop a strong CV.

 

Life in Leeds

From music to sports, Leeds University Union has hundreds of societies to suit everyone’s interests and hobbies. Oliver explained: "Outside of my studies, I enjoyed the popular student area Headingley, just 10 minutes from the university. I made the most of my gym membership and nearby parks, which were great for staying fit and enjoying the outdoors."

Advice to prospective students

Reflecting on his experience at Leeds, Oliver gave his advice to future students: "I'd recommend attending an open day and visiting Leeds to get a feel for the city and the university. If you have a passion for improving society through designing and implementing infrastructure projects – especially in transport, such as improving journey times and connecting people – this course will be incredibly rewarding."

If you have a passion for improving society through designing and implementing infrastructure projects...this course will be incredibly rewarding.

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