Aleksandr Cupachin

What motivated you to study for the Engineering Management course online?

In 2005, I completed my Bachelors degree I’m currently working as an Electrical Design Engineer; I came to the realisation that I needed to update my qualifications and my knowledge of the engineering environment and sector more broadly.

What has your experience of an online course with Leeds been like so far?

I really enjoy the course and I have found it much easier than traditional face-to-face learning. The course content can be challenging, online learning gives me more flexibility to fit it around my work and family commitments, allowing me to manage my time more easily to work when it suits me best.

What have you enjoyed most about the course so far?

I have enjoyed all the modules that I have studied so far as they all have their own nuances which make them interesting. If I had to choose, I would say that the Innovation, Design and Creative Engineering module has been my favourite so far as it is something I am interested in and is relevant to my job role.

Also, the Safety and Corporate Social Responsibility module enabled us to make decisions and try things out without causing any harm to anyone. The Business Planning and Business Strategy modules enabled me to understand how to make decisions to apply to my workplace. These business-focused modules are giving me a solid foundation to apply the frameworks and ways of thinking at work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic for example.

How has the course helped you in your day-to-day role?

Currently, I work as an Electrical Design Engineer, but it is a senior role involving managing a team. Now, I am working on the Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) in London which is a huge project. I lead a design team that many other teams rely on, so this course is helping me to make quick decisions. For example, if we are struggling with time management, it helps me to prioritise tasks, delegate tasks, or complete them myself.

Tell us about the support you are receiving for your studies?

My Student Success Advisor is always on hand to give me advice or help me with my questions. I can call, text or email them during working hours.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying an online Masters course with Leeds?

Although the module tutors on the course are great at giving you direction and guidance you are expected to undertake a lot of independent learning. My advice to any international students would be to stay on top of the weekly learning tasks and reading lists.