Students' views of postgraduate study

Will Morgan
Final Year PhD

I have always enjoyed mathematics because I have always found it challenging and rewarding in equal measure. I also like the idea that there is a correct answer, unlike many subjects which are more subjective!

I actually came to Loughborough University to study engineering, as I wanted to try something that would use my physics A-level. However, I struggled on the engineering course in the first year and decided to change. The University was very helpful in orchestrating this change from engineering to pure mathematics at the end of my first year.

During my degree I found the mathematics department at Loughborough to be very friendly and to maintain very high standards of teaching both in and out of lectures. Also, the mathematics learning support centre was an invaluable resource to me and I think would be of use to anybody coming to Loughborough. The friendly atmosphere in the Department was one of the main reasons I chose to stay at Loughborough to do a PhD.

Loughborough University is a great place to be based. It has a central location for access to all of the nearby cities (Nottingham, Derby and Leicester). Loughborough is a small town but has surprisingly many bars and shops in the centre and is geared towards student life (students make up a quarter of the population). The University itself is renowned for its sporting prowess and with this reputation comes many second to none sporting facilites which are open for use by all students. In the time I have been at Loughborough (5 years and a bit!) there has been a lot of development of the University. This development has helped Loughborough to become on of the leading Universities in the country.

I have enjoyed my time at Loughborough immensely and would recommend it as a University for anyone to come and get a mathematics degree.

Najida Begum
First Year PhD

I have always been a keen mathematics student. After visiting and researching many universities, I felt drawn and attached to Loughborough to persue a research degree. The people here are very pleasant, the staff are excellent and the teaching quality is brilliant. I have only been here for four months and have settled in very easily and comfortably. The University is very welcoming and accommodating for all students, irrespective of nationality, background or origin.

Mariapia Lampis
MSc Industrial Mathematical Modelling

After graduating in Italy at Cagliari University in Mathematics I decided to apply my theoretical knowledge by doing an MSc in Mathematical Modelling. I had spent one year in England previously as Erasmus student and I had enjoyed the experience so I started to look for interesting postgraduate programmes in a British universities. I applied for the MSc in Industrial Mathematical Modelling at Loughborough and the Department offered me a scholarship to cover the tuition fees.

I found the courses and the organization of the programme excellent. The year has been challenging and intense but I have enjoyed studying and learning new subjects. In particular there are two modules on the programme where one learns modelling by actually doing it in small group projects. There is a laboratory with computers that are provided only for MSc students and we had the keys to enter at any time, so I felt that the Department was like home. Plus, the atmosphere is very friendly and the staff always helpful. The fact that there were not many students on the course meant that students had a good relationship with lecturers. This gives students the confidence to ask questions and makes the most the learning experience. Moreover Loughborough offers a nice campus where it is enjoyable just to walk and ride around. There are also many facilities and services available. After the MSc I applied for a PhD in a related subject in the Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering department and I was offered further funding.

Jinxia Li
MSc Mathematical Processes in Finance

As an international student from China, I can honestly say that my choice of the MSc course Mathematical Processes in Finance is the best decision I have ever made. The course is based in the department of Mathematical Sciences and although it involves several pure mathematics modules, it is also suitable for the students just like me whose undergraduate major was other than mathematics ... actually nothing to be worried about if you are really determined but most of my other classmates have a first degree in mathematics.

The department at Loughborough is very considerate and to be honest, the friendly and brilliant teachers help not just with studying but also with settlement guidance and future career advice. The academic and scientific atmosphere here helps you focus on your studying and self-improvement.

The MSc computer laboratory is an excellent resource and available for exclusive use by students on the MSc courses, being often more quiet than the library, open 24 hours per day and close to staff offices in case of problems.

I think the MSc course is challenging and definitely can change your career path if you want to seek diversity for life experience just like me. The core modules here in stochastic probability and partial differential equations are very useful in financial areas and  highly suitable for those people  seeking opportunities in  investment banking, the securities assets market, risk management, the financial derivatives exchange market or other related areas.

It is also a good choice for those people who want to strengthen their background with mathematics and provides alternative career paths from pure mathematics to finance.