Valini Samaroo, a postgraduate student studying an MSc in Transport Planning and Intelligent Transport Systems, writes about the decision making process of choosing a university, how she reviewed similar programmes and what attracted her to finally choose to study at Newcastle University.

Before discovering Newcastle University, my road to choosing a postgraduate programme of study was quite challenging. I’d already been working for seven years within the field of Transportation Engineering; I loved it so much, and decided that this was the career path to continue along.

I sought an MSc program that would challenge me academically, have a good mix of theory and its practical applications, cover a range of topics and offer the opportunity for innovative and exciting research. I was expecting a lot, to say the least.

My months of searching narrowed me down to three Universities in the UK: Newcastle University (Newcastle), Imperial College (London) and the University of Southampton (Southampton). Each of these Universities offered postgraduate programs in Transport Planning/Engineering, with subtle differences among them, but there was one that stood out to me: Newcastle University.

The program content of the Newcastle University MSc, in my opinion, is a lot more balanced. The ‘Road Safety’ and ‘Intelligent Transport Systems’ modules are most interesting, as these are two areas I am very keen on. The program offers a great mix of theory and real-life applications, supplemented by weekly seminars from industry leaders and even a trip to Germany!

The Transport Operations Research Group (TORG), based at the University and encompassing staff involved in the Transport Planning course, is at the forefront of transport research with many industry-leading projects. It offers great connections between the University and industry, which is useful for job-seekers later on.

A quick search online returned one common result: Newcastle is THE city for students. Information on the University’s website and student forums such as ‘thestudentroom.com’ speak of the city’s charm, friendliness and most of all, affordability.

I am glad that I chose Newcastle University to pursue my postgraduate studies, as it has surpassed all of my expectations. The support from staff within my programme and across the campus is phenomenal. It is so easy to get almost anything done, with assistance available at every point. The campus itself is beautiful with its historical buildings and effortless grace.

The friendliness of the City is not a myth and Newcastle offers something for everyone: from a quiet bookshop to have ‘cuppa’ to a booming club to dance the night away. I’ve seen many more blue skies since I’ve been here than bad weather, and the view at Whitley Bay early on a Saturday morning, just brings it all together!