An interview with Beilei, who took an MSc in Engineering and Education

Hi Beilei. What did you study before your Masters at UCL, and why did you choose to study the MSc in Engineering and Education?

I majored in software engineering. I’ve enjoyed studying physics and mathematics since I was a child. During my undergraduate study, I found there to be a lot more boys than girls in my class and I wanted to explore how teachers can help girls become more successful in science and engineering. Therefore, when I saw the MSc Engineering and Education offered by UCL, I applied for it and was excited to study this and be in London.

 
What did a typical day or week look like for you during your MSc?

Because I signed up for the PGTA (Postgraduate Teaching Assistant) work with the IEP (Integrated Engineering Programme) and Elutec, during term time I was on campus each day of the week. My normal week-day consisted of four parts: individual study, attending classes, teaching preparation, and supporting undergraduate engineering students. 

What did you enjoy the most during your study? 

I liked all the teachers I met in UCL very much, they were very friendly and gave me a lot of encouragement. I really liked the setup of the whole programme. The teachers not only taught us the theoretical knowledge, which enabled us combine to combine theory and practice. I also audited a course on AI (Artificial Intelligence). The staff shared with us PGTA and PhD recruitment information as well as other job opportunities at UCL and other academic institutions. I was also impressed by a visit to the Markfield Beam Engine. The staff learned about the whole factory together with us and encouraged us to try the process ourselves. This not only allowed us to have a clearer understanding of the engineering process, but also enhanced the relationship between teachers and students. My dissertation supervisor gave me a lot of support and help. We even completed a research project together, and I had the honour to attend and present our research at the SEFI Conference 2022. 

 
Where do you see yourself 5 years?

I would like to apply for a PhD program and continue my research in the field of Engineering Education. If possible, I also want to promote Engineering Education Research (EER) in Chinese universities.

 
What is one piece of advice that you would offer students that are thinking of taking the MSc Engineering and Education?

First of all, I think it is very important to plan your time wisely. A year is a short but sufficient period of time. The ability to plan your time well is also an excellent skill for academics. Secondly, don't be afraid to ask questions and be brave enough to ask your own questions. If English is not your first language, be bold and speak your mind so that you can get more out of the course. Most importantly, take the tasks assigned by the teacher seriously and actively discuss them with your classmates and participate in the question and answer sessions in class. Take every opportunity to interact with the teacher and with other students so as to help yourself to improve.

 
What makes UCL a good place to study?

I think it's the teachers I had on the MSc and the other staff I met, in particular at the CEE (Centre for Engineering Education). During the time I spent with CEE staff, I felt a strong sense of inclusiveness and trust, and I really learned a lot from them. I really enjoyed the time I spent at UCL.

 
Lastly, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy travel. Outside of term time at UCL, my friends and I travelled to five countries, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. In my spare time, I will play the piano. When playing the piano, I can clear my mind and it relaxes me.
 

Find out more about the Engineering and Education MSc, offered by the Institute of Education, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society.