meet our students

Chua Ping Yong
Malaysia, PhD Robotics

“I came to Salford because of the University, it has a high reputation for research – my Robotics research group is known throughout Europe. After arriving, my advice is – don’t just sit in your room and study. Manchester is a vibrant city and there are lots of things to see and experience. Saturday is a wonderful time to be in town as lots of things are happening, and Chinatown is always great too.”

John Richard Hyde
MSc Computer Science, Senior Consultant Engineer at Aperture Ltd.

“I originally visited 10 universities to evaluate their courses offered. After evaluating courses, facilities and most importantly the value content of the course offered, I felt that Salford University has a great reputation and the content of the course was right up to date with the skills required today.

Additionally the University provides excellent student support, both educationally and recreationally, this led to a mentally stimulating and enjoyable environment where I studied and lived.

In short, I learnt much about myself at and around Salford, just as much as I learnt about my chosen subject. This has been especially helpful with my career.

My course was a very intensive study and demanded more of me than I knew I had, however as the course progressed I learned much more of my personal strengths. Additionally after hours, Salford provided many opportunities for social meetings through clubs and societies meaning my two years passed too fast.”

Samuel Kofi Agbetsiafa
MSc Gas Engineering and Management

A graduate of the University of Science and Technology in Ghana, Samuel was awarded the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Environment International Scholarship Award by Salford in 2005.

“I chose to study in the UK to have a good quality education and learn from the experiences for students from different countries. I got Salford’s brochure from a friend and got fascinated with the course I’m studying. Salford is the only university which offers my course and I was attracted by the profile of the lecturers. In addition I was impressed with the teaching and learning facilities and the fact that the school is home to a large number of foreign students.

I’ll always have fond memories about the university. For me, I would say the best things about studying at the University of Salford are the excellent tuition by experienced lecturers, the well stocked library with the latest collection of books and journals and ICT facilities, and the free internet access at both school and student accommodation. In the local area, there is a very efficient transport system and a large number of shops at both the city centre and the Trafford Centre where goods sell at relatively good prices.

After graduation I would like to either teach at a university or look for a job in a gas company. My ideal job is to be a research and development manager in a gas company. With the training I’ve had at the University of Salford, I think the sky is my limit. I think I’ve understood the concepts better now and I can easily settle into any job and work confidently with minimum supervision.”

Bahram Khoshnevisan
PhD Physics,
Institute for Materials Research

“I picked the University of Salford because of the friendly atmosphere. I came to the UK to look at two universities, one being the University of Salford, but I didn’t even look at the other University after coming here. The course here was very attractive and the supervisor was very friendly so I decided to stay and I have no doubts that I made the right choice. The course is the specific branch of Physics I was looking for and it is great as it mixes theory and experimentation.

The University has a good, friendly atmosphere and is not as strictly bureaucratic as some back home. It is tolerant of student problems as the staff are very helpful and ready to assist with any situation. One of the highest officials at the University
graduated from here, which gives you a feeling of confidence and that it is well known and has a good background.”

Sugeng Joko Sarwono
Indonesia
PhD Acoustics, graduated 2005
Now Head of the Building Physics and Acoustics Laboratory, Institute of Technology Bandung.

I firstly knew about the Acoustics Postgraduate program at Salford from a recommendation by a university in Germany. Then, I get a bit more information about it from Salford University’s Website. After several email correspondences, I then came
to the University of Salford as a PhD student under Prof Yiu W Lam. I did my research on the design of acoustics parameters for a Javanese Gamelan Performance Hall. Javanese gamelan is one of many famous Indonesian traditional music types. I did my PhD under the postgraduate (PG) research program of the University, in their Acoustics Research Centre (ARC).

During my stay in the ARC (PG program) until I completed my PhD in 2005, as well as attending National and International Conferences in Acoustics. I found that the ARC
has an excellent reputation in the Acoustics Community, in the UK and in the World. Run by excellent acoustics experts, including several world wide respected persons in
their field. The ARC also has some excellent facilities (hardware and software) for teaching, research and community services, these all made my work more comfortable.

The valuable experience I have during my stay in the ARC benefits me much in my career as a lecturer (and a researcher) in one of leading Universities in my country, Indonesia, namely the Institute of Technology Bandung. I’m currently Head of the
Building Physics and Acoustics Laboratory in the University. One of my responsibilities is to make the Laboratory (as well as the PG program) to be a World Class institution, and of course, I take the ARC (and the Acoustics PG program) as one of our benchmarking Institutions.

Javid Kakuji
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Information Systems

“The programme helped me by developing my software engineering and problem-solving skills. I currently work as a VB COM Developer for the Virgin Cars Project at Logica. Most of my work is technical so the practical software development exercises were extremely helpful... the Software Maintenance course was highly typical of a maintenance project in the real world. The course is an invaluable reference to use at an interview as it also displays team working and documentation skills, essential in a software project.”

Michael Hitchinson
BEng Civil Engineering

“I have been working for Costain Ltd for 18 months, since my graduation from the University of Salford in 2003 where I achieved a 2:1 BEng (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering with Industrial Training. My third year at university was spent with Costain Ltd working as a Site Engineer on the M62 New Junction 8 and Junction 8 to 9 Widening project. Following this, Costain Ltd. sponsored me during my final year.”

Imran M Khawaja
BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering

“After the customary university visits and some background research, I chose to study for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Salford. Salford is renowned for its strong industrial links and has an outstanding graduate employment rate. These factors, combined with the support and diligence of the industrial tutor, helped me obtain a year out with subsequent sponsorship from a well known aerospace company. The placement was an invaluable opportunity to experience at first hand the challenges faced in the dynamic aerospace industry.

The degree programme was well structured and helped me develop all the essential skills, competencies and knowledge needed to start my career. I graduated with an excellent degree that made me very marketable to recruiters. I am now employed by
Airbus as an aircraft structures engineer working on some of the latest and groundbreaking technologies. I am grateful for my time at Salford and to all the experienced academic and technical staff who have contributed to my success in the
aerospace industry to date.”