Liyana Iqbal: DICE student

As one of the most, if not the most, unique courses Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has to offer, I would highly recommend pursuing a degree in Design, Innovation and Creative Engineering (DICE).

Being a DICE student enables you to develop versatile skills: from coding to materials science, product design and prototyping, workshop skills and conventional engineering skills. We have our own exclusive design studio, only accessible to DICE students, where we have weekly tutorials and can create mockups or prototypes at any time. We also have access to a number of different facilities such as the Makerspace where students can practise their workshop skills and use machines.

The DICE cohort is a stronger network than other courses: you can always find an older student or even an ex-student who is willing to help you and provide advice.

I chose my course because it is one of the very few courses in London which bridges the world of STEM, specifically engineering, with the world of product design and creativity. The DICE programme provides a less conventional, more futuristic approach to engineering, by encouraging students to push boundaries.

There is a great balance of coursework and exams, allowing students to approach modules and challenges as they would in industry, rather than taking a purely academic approach.

DICE students attain an incredibly diverse and widely applicable set of skills, which can then steer your future into a number of different industries and provoke a passion for various careers.

The teaching staff at Queen Mary are extremely supportive and approachable. Each lecturer holds drop-in sessions where students can gain one-on-one help if necessary and ask questions. Not only do the teaching staff encourage students to engage in their academic work, but they also promote ideas and methodologies which are used in industry to familiarise ourselves with professional conduct.

At QMUL, each student is provided a personal advisor which makes it extremely easy for someone to communicate their concerns comfortably.