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Meet Wesley
Hydrology and Water Management MSc
Hello. I’m Wesley. Before studying at Newcastle University, I was working in water policy and practice in the US. I was very familiar with how things were done and wanted to study abroad to learn new techniques, approach problems from a different angle and bring home new ideas.
The application was fairly straightforward. I had some apprehension about whether I would be accepted and nerves regarding applying for such a large move and ambitious goal. Fortunately, the paperwork process was clear and simple. I also received a scholarship from Newcastle University.
I love the city. Newcastle welcomed us all. I found the students very accepting and have made many lifelong friends.
From museums to football matches
We enjoyed a lot of activities in the local area as a family, from watching Newcastle United football games to visiting the coast. We also visited places locally like the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Great North Museum: Hancock, the quayside, Tynemouth Market and South Gosforth Park.
Of course, my kids loved going to Greggs, the famous North East bakery. We also went to the local pub frequently. I think my favourite moments were just exploring, walking and riding the metro.
It was nice to slow down a bit while living in Newcastle, as the US is much more fast-paced. In the US, we're all in cars zooming around, so being at the more intimate level of travel with the family was really special. It’s not something we get to experience where we live, so having a walkable city full of things to do was amazing.
A unique programme
I chose Newcastle University as the Hydrology and Water Management MSc stood out to me. Most other programmes I had looked at in this area were highly technical, so having the technical depth combined with the larger framework of management and policy made this course really stand out.
I enjoyed the classes and having a variety of lecturers for a single module. It was great to have each topic presented by experts in the field. Dr Hewett and Dr Blenkinsop have an excellent ability to present complex concepts in an understandable way
Taking home new ideas
Water is a diverse subject that covers everything from politics and climate change to flooding and environmental issues. Students who pick this subject and study at Newcastle will be able to find a career in any sub-discipline while having an educational background on the “big picture” and how the different areas link together.
Since graduating, I secured a role as a water resource project manager working on projects such as dredging reservoirs. I believe my education at Newcastle prepared me for this role and gave me the opportunity to bring new methodologies to the US
While studying at Newcastle University, I also discovered my interest in system dynamics and statistical analysis. I want to get more into risk assessment and human behaviours too. Although these were areas I had been interested in before, Newcastle gave me a strong foundation to pursue these further.
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