Masters graduate — Antony Reuben

Antony completed the MSc Water and Wastewater Processes at Cranfield University, before securing a position as process design engineer for Severn Trent Water

Why did you choose to study this Masters course at Cranfield?

To strengthen my knowledge in the engineering fundamentals needed to navigate and innovate in water and waste treatment processes.

What was the application process like?

It was simple and straightforward. The access to scholarships and bursaries was convenient, and guidance on completing my application was always available.

How did you fund your Masters?

Through a combination of:

• Cranfield scholarship
• family support
• personal savings.

Tell us a bit about the course and how it was assessed.

The MSc programme was split into three sections:

• Taught module (40 credits) - attending classroom lectures delivered by various experts and faculty staff, plus quizzes and projects to assess our learning.
• Group project (20 credits) - this involved eight to 12 weeks of working together on solving a problem statement/topic.
• Individual thesis (40 credits) - I had to research a topic on my own before writing and submitting an academic paper. My thesis supervisors guided and supported me.

How did postgraduate life differ from that of an undergraduate?

It provided a more focused learning experience tailored to what we could expect when working within a relevant industry. The group project and individual thesis helped us prepare for the various scenarios and challenges we would face while tackling real-world work projects. This differs from the core academic learning carried out in undergraduate study.

What do you wish you'd known before embarking on postgraduate study?

I wish I'd known how different the academic expectations would be compared to undergraduate study. The pace is faster, and the emphasis on independent research and critical thinking is much greater.

Time management becomes even more crucial, and building strong relationships with peers and lecturers can make a big difference. Fortunately, I benefited from prior knowledge of how important it is to align your thesis or projects with real-world industry issues, as it helped make my work more impactful.

What have you been doing since graduation, and how does this fit in with your career plans?

I've joined Severn Trent as a process design engineer. I am currently contributing to the delivery of AMP8 (Asset Management Plan 8) schemes during the UK water industry's five-year regulatory period.

My role focuses on tackling emerging contaminants like PFAS (chemicals with potential health and environmental impacts) in drinking water. Having worked in this field prior to my Masters, I've been able to navigate the UK water sector with greater confidence and identify where my skills can make the most impact.

This job closely aligns with my long-term goal of advancing sustainable and innovative water treatment processes, and it's been rewarding to apply my knowledge and collaborate within the industry.

What qualities are most important for this role?

I would say the ability to work effectively with different teams and having a forward-thinking mindset are key qualities for this role.

Keeping the bigger picture in mind ensures your work aligns with project goals, while understanding the purpose behind each task helps you stay focused on discussing effective solutions, especially when working with a range of stakeholders.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

I really enjoy seeing how my work supports something essential to everyday life. It's rewarding to know that what I do helps ensure people have access to clean, reliable water - that sense of purpose makes the job fulfilling.

Finding ways to improve process integration and apply innovative solutions in the field keeps me motivated.

What tips would you give to others considering a Masters degree in this field?

• Prepare for a shift in pace and expectations. Masters-level study is much more self-directed, with a strong focus on independent research and critical thinking. Time management becomes essential, so developing a system that works for you early on will make a big difference.
• Get involved in projects or competitions that tackle real-world industry challenges. These experiences not only sharpen your critical thinking but also help you discover where your interests lie and build relevant skills.
• Don't underestimate the value of building relationships with your peers and lecturers. A strong support network can really enhance your learning and open up new opportunities. Keep learning and keep growing.

Find out more

• Consider the roles of a water and environmental engineer.
• Get the lowdown on Masters degrees.
• Explore the MSc Water and Wastewater Processes at Cranfield.