Universities have faced an enormous challenge to deliver first-class tuition during the pandemic, especially for courses that have a lot of practical elements.
But even though the experience has been very different, our students have still found it enjoyable.
Second-year student María Lupi Jiménez chose an Engineering Design & Innovation degree in part because of the practical side of the course. Yet, despite the disruptions, she has found plenty of positives from the move to online and blending learning.
"My favourite thing about the course is the practical aspect of it," says María.
"We use labs to experiment with the properties of metals. Our group projects might include the development of a Telepresence Robot, or the financial analysis of Volkswagen.
"But my online learning experience has been enjoyable," she explains. "The adjustments made by the university have helped me to be efficient and to stay on track with all my modules - something I actually found difficult in previous years.
"I have also been supported by my lecturers throughout my assignments."
The perfect course for me
The BEng Engineering Design & Innovation aims to develop creative engineers who can solve business needs by designing innovative products.
The blend of disciplines somehow managed to cover everything on María’s expansive wish list when she was searching for university courses.
"I thought I would have to compromise," she admits. "I enjoyed science and maths at school, but I also wanted to do something creative. I also wanted to do something related to business or innovation.
"Once I found this course, I knew it was the one for me. It gives you the tools to create the products of the future though technology. Now that modern organisations are beginning to understand the importance of innovation, it meets a lot of needs."
Engineering students at Greenwich get to apply their learning to real-world scenarios. This has allowed María to set her sights on what she wants to achieve in the future.
"Working towards a goal that could easily be a real-world example has been eye-opening," she says. "It prepares you for the future.
"Since I'm interested in the creative side and opportunities of this degree, I compare myself to other designers and focus on practicing and developing my skills to get the job I strive for."
The adjustments made by the university have helped me to be efficient and to stay on track with all my modules
Greenwich creates unique opportunities
With such a broad degree, the opportunities are wide open for graduates. The business side of the course equips students to begin their own start-ups in addition to project management and design.
María plans to keep learning from others when she graduates before taking the plunge to her own business in the future.
"I want to work in a young and innovative environment with designers and creative minds I can learn from," she says.
"Eventually, I hope to create my own design firm or work as a freelance designer."
But success requires more than just learning. Equally important are attributes such as confidence and self-belief. In this regard, María believes the University of Greenwich has been the perfect choice for her development.
"Greenwich creates opportunities and encourages its students in a way I have not seen elsewhere," she says.
"I find myself supported and confident to do and aim for things I would have never thought myself capable of achieving two years ago.
"I have grown sure of myself and gained many social and professional abilities beyond my degree. This has been in great measure thanks to the support of my university."
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