Deciding to study an MSc in Energy and Sustainable Building Design at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has gone a long way in furthering Declan Alcock’s career.
Following 10 years in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, the former Mechanical Engineering graduate wanted a formal qualification to reflect his experience in the industry.
Declan said: “The credibility of having an MSc from a respected institution such as DMU’s Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD) has opened a lot of doors to me and provided new opportunities.”
Since graduating from DMU in 2013, Declan first worked as Senior Sustainability Engineer with Varming Consulting Engineers in Dublin, a registered firm of professionals specialising in the design and supervision of mechanical and electrical building services.
He is now Project Director, managing a portfolio of projects in the Sustainability sector.
He said: “The course at DMU has given me greater confidence in my work, more effective research, and helped me to communicate my designs and proposals more effectively.”
“My typical day, if I had one, could start with a SKYPE call to Kathmandu, followed by an Industry breakfast briefing, a day in the office working on projects and then delivering a lecture in the evening.”
After deciding to return to university and researching a number of courses, Declan was “won over by the IESD’s reputation as a centre of excellence”.
He said: “The course covered not only modules which were relevant to my job, but also areas I had an interest in outside of work. In that respect it was the perfect fit for me.”
Despite completing his DMU studies through distance learning, Declan found the lectures very helpful and was made to feel part of university life.
He said: “I liked the flexibility of studying through Blackboard as it allowed me to tailor my studying to fit around my work commitments.
“I would have no hesitation in recommending my MSc to others. It is very relevant to AEC professionals at a time of great change and provides the skills and knowledge to be at the forefront of the industry.”
RELATED NEWS
'Smart' Energy Lab inspires green thinking at DMU
Engineering students improve schools by fitting solar panels
Academics to trial green energy system that could revolutionise home heating
Declan also leads and lecturers on the Sustainable BIM Design and Construction module as part of the MSc in Construction Informatics at Dublin Institute of Technology, and is an external examiner for the MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering at Waterford Institute of Technology.
He is a member of the Engineers Ireland BIM Working Group, the Construction IT Alliance (CITA) organisational committee, the CITA Skillnets Steering Committee and an Executive Member of the Nepal Ireland Alliance, and a Director of Engineers Without Borders Ireland.
Since leaving DMU, Declan has also qualified as a Certified Passive House Designer and a BREEAM Accredited Professional.
Posted on Wednesday 4 May 2016