Deepu Prabhakaran - BEng (Hons) Construction Engineering Management

As a young boy, I used to accompany my father (who owns a contracting firm) to various civil engineering projects across India. I always wanted to be part of such projects and I realised that studying BEng (Hons) Construction Engineering Management would help me achieve my dream.  After graduation I hope to work and gain more experience. I also wish to do a Master's in Project Management at the University of Portsmouth. I believe that, with further learning and good experience, I will be ready for my Chartered review within a few years.

After surfing through the online information about the BEng (Hons) Construction Engineering Management and syllabus, I felt that this course best suited my needs.  The course was very appealing since I would have a chance to study the technical aspects, as well as the management side, of an engineering project. In addition, the course is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers and provides the students with the opportunity to do an industrial placement. Portsmouth being a seafront city influenced my decision even more.

Field trips have always been very useful. They allow us to get the real feel of the problem when we see it for ourselves. I have very much enjoyed the residential field trip to Bircham Newton in year one. It was very informative and a good opportunity to socialise with my classmates. I thoroughly enjoyed the industrial placement year in Colas Ltd., a road construction company. It helped me understand the needs of the industry even better.  My favourite unit in year three was Highway Engineering. Since I had done my industrial placement in a company specialised in this field, I found it easier to understand the unit and hence appreciate it more.

The help provided by the Academic Skills department (ASK) was very useful. I also attended the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course, which really helped me improve my essay writing skills. In addition, the maths class was very useful about brushing up my knowledge on the subject.  The laboratory, computing and Library facilities are very good. I often go to the Library with my friends to do group work and studies. The Students' Union has many societies, which are something to take advantage. For instance, I have been an active member of the Street Salsa society and a member of the Hindu Society.

The best thing about the city is the seafront. I love going to the beach on a nice summer day. There are also many green spaces within the city, good places to hang out with friends, play games, barbeques and so on. The city has a good transportation system and it is easy getting around to places. I also like the nightlife.  It's very vibrant and multicultural. I think you can get a wide variety of cuisines in Portsmouth and it probably has some of the best seafood restaurants in the south of England.'