A launchpad to further study 

I came to the MScR following an undergraduate degree in oil and gas management. My plan was to pursue a PhD, and I felt that a research-based programme like this would be good preparation. There are lots of similarities between the two in terms of time management and the extensive reading involved, so it’s been a really valuable grounding for my next step. If you’re thinking about doing a PhD, I’d really recommend this programme to get you in the swing of things. I am now studying a PhD at UCL. 

Looking further ahead, I hope to use the skills, learning and experience I’ve gained on the MScR, and subsequent PhD in a practical way, by launching a start-up in Africa. 

My research project

During my undergraduate degree I studied a module on decentralised energy, and it really piqued my interest, particularly in its applications in developing countries. My research project expands on this, and explores how we can ensure clean and affordable energy access to everyone in developing countries, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7. I’m using Nigeria as a case study – a country of 217 million where only around half of the population has access to energy, and that energy, much of it diesel-generated, creates a number of problems of its own around health and pollution.  

I hope that my research in this area will eventually help me launch a start-up that tackles this problem, in turn boosting economic development in local areas and creating a system that could be applied in other communities facing energy hardship. 

Practical advice for MScR life 

You’ll spend a lot of time on your own during this programme, although there are communities where you can engage with other students – and the supervisors are extremely supportive. But it’s important you have a life away from your screen! I’m very fortunate that I won a scholarship to undertake my research which eases a lot of financial pressures, but I still have a job just so I’m not constantly staring at my laptop. I also volunteer with the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol, which is a great addition to my experience.  

When it comes to the research itself, potential research topics on the MScR are basically limitless, but you do have to really hone in on your research statement – it can’t be vague. Identify the problem – or the need – and consider how it might be addressed. What do we need to do that? What are the impacts? What are the barriers? How can we overcome them? It’s a great opportunity for some entrepreneurial thinking!