Queen's University Belfast

Muhammad Akmal

PhD student in the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Queen’s University

Why did you decide to study at Queen’s?

Queen’s School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has consistently been in the top 5 in the UK for many years. I was looking for the best options to pursue my PhD degree in a UK university. Queen’s was best suited to my areas of interest with funded opportunities. I wanted to be part of the renewable energy research group at Queen’s and applied for a funded PhD position. I was lucky to get Charles Parson’s Energy Award for my PhD. I am very happy on my decision and feel honoured to study here at Queen’s.

How did you settle in to life here?

I found it an instant culture shock coming to Belfast and it forced me to find some friends from my own country. I tried and luckily met a few students whom I never met before. They were also other new students so we decided to share our difficulties in settling here by helping each other.

We found private accommodation jointly and started to enjoy ourselves. That really eased a lot of pressure on all of us and we started to integrate in to the local community gradually. We took the membership of Physical Education Centre at Queen’s and started playing squash for fitness and as a hobby. That became a habit and then our journey towards an exciting career started to progress very well.

What do you do in your spare time?

The university not only provides excellent facilities for teaching and research but also they try their best to provide a better life to the students. Extra curricular activities include sports, fitness, health, accommodation and a platform in the form of the “Students Union” to interact and contribute towards each other. I worked for the South Asian Students Society in my university and convinced many students from my country to join and contribute towards this society. I am a member of this society and actively participate in their gatherings, discussions and arrangements.

I have also been the member of OIKOS Belfast chapter. I also like to volunteer in the planned activities for international students. Recently, I have participated in the diversity festival at Queen’s (during the welcome week) and represented my home country there.

Tell me about the academic experience at Queen’s and what are your plans for the future?

Queen’s has excellent research facilities in power and energy research. Queen’s has very strong linkage with the industry which helps to work on realistic issues. Here in my PhD, I have interacted with people from university and industry. The university has provided me many outstanding opportunities to learn by providing training courses ranging from personal to technical challenges during my studies. A well planned and organised supervision throughout the degree has prepared me for a bright future. I would like to be a part of excellent research contribution towards the future of sustainable energy.

Queen’s University has more than met my expectations; it has changed my vision and outlook, including personal and technical skills; I have learnt a lot more things having spent a few years in the UK. All this makes me proud to have chosen a UK university for my higher studies.