My First Semester at Cranfield
10/01/2022

Friends had warned me how hard postgraduate is in comparison to undergraduate. I had previously studied Physical Geography, so I was just excited for the opportunity to focus solely on hydrology. After the first semester, I can confirm they were right. It is hard. It requires far more of your time, energy, and dedication. However, I’d argue that it is all worth it
I chose Advanced Water Management MSc, as I have an interest in water resources and management. This has been confirmed throughout the semester. I’ve enjoyed learning about groundwater abstraction, pharmaceutical elements found within waterbodies, and even fun facts about dragonflies (they die within 56 days in their adult stage). Each week we are developing different and new skills, from using ArcGIS software to kick sampling techniques within the field. In addition, there is a field trip or practical every other week, which highlights the resources and facilities available at Cranfield, alongside the care and consideration the course leaders have towards the students’ academic development.
Our course cohort is relatively small, which is lovely as it has allowed everyone to bond, and it feels like a small community. And with the University being so diverse with international students, it has been really interesting listening to other backgrounds and stories, alongside finding out some British traditions. My favourite so far is avid bird watching and the love of tea. Which I can’t dispute, I do enjoy watching the robins in the garden with my morning brew.
Reflecting on my favourite activity across the semester, it has to be the water quality analysis practical. We spent a day in the field at the Ouse Valley Park, Milton Keynes, where we collected a litre of water from the Great River Ouse. In addition, we also learnt invertebrate sampling methods (more dragonflies) and toured the park location. The following lab practical, we sampled the collected river water for its phosphorus, nitrate and ammonia concentrations using a spectrophotometer, and took a measuring weight of the suspended solids. These techniques were all new to me, and it was super interesting having the opportunity to test water chemistry. In the end, the results did show the river water to be of good quality.
Overall, the first semester has been tough but completely worth it. I personally feel like I’ve made the right decision in the course and university, and excited to begin the next semester. There is just so much to the course, and whilst it has been hard, it’s been incredibly rewarding so far. All the extra time and energy required feels minimal.
Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
Three ways to keep up to date with new papers in your favourite journals, and save time!
For as long as I can remember (and that is a long time!) Zetoc has been a tried and trusted source used by researchers to help them stay current with new papers in their favourite ...
Protected: Can you dig it at Glastonbury 2022
This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password:
Are you being disturbed by noise in the Library?
We want you to be able to study comfortably in all our libraries. At the Kings Norton Library we have been working hard to reduce ongoing problems with noise. Please work in the zone that ...
The efficacy of 3rd generation photovoltaics for Application Targeted Integrated PV applications (ATIP)
My name is Dr. Sagar M. Jain, Senior lecturer and lead in photovoltaics and optoelectronics, Centre for Renewable Energy Systems (CRES), Cranfield University, UK Photovoltaics need to be integrated on various infrastructures and for ...
Digitising the Cranfield University Photo Archive
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a scoping grant to help us digitise more of our Photographic Archive and make the images available online. The grant has been provided by Archives ...
Too much to do? Can’t get your thoughts down on paper?
Our Study Skills Hub has two sections that may be able to help you! In Time Management we have some great tips on how to manage your time, to prioritise, and de-stress. First of all, ...