‘Strong links with Industry Ensure good Placement’

Prof Weeratunge Malalasekera, Lecturer, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University (UK)
Prof Weeratunge Malalasekera,
Lecturer, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University (UK)

Prof Weeratunge Malalasekera, Lecturer, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University (UK), talks about unique initiatives taken up by the institute

Institutes across the world are coming up with new ways of imparting education. How are you bringing innovation in pedagogy at your institute? Please share some of the unique initiatives taken by your institute as well?
Some of the unique innovations implemented by Loughborough University include strong links with industry and the majority of mechanical engineering programmes are also supported by industrial partners. For example, third and fourth year projects are conducted with the support of companies such as JCB, Perkins, Ford and Rolls Royce. In addition to this, there are a number of distance learning courses available for postgraduate students including MSc Engineering Design and Manufacture and MSc Renewable Energy Systems Technology. There are also MOOC options available in Business and Mathematics. Loughborough University was the first institution to teach computational fluid dynamics at undergraduate level in Mechanical Engineering.

What are the undergraduate and postgraduate study options available at your institute?
Loughborough University offers programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level in engineering – automotive, chemical, civil, electronic, electrical, materials, mechanical and manufacturing and sport technology – business, design and sport management/science. The engineering courses allow students to opt for the bachelors in engineering or masters in engineering programmes. In  addition, Loughborough allows students across all subject areas to opt for a paid placement year in industry (for which they achieve a second qualification, the Diploma in Industrial or Professional Studies). The most popular programmes in the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering are Masters in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), Bachelors in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering), MSc Engineering Design and MSc Mechanical Engineering.

How has been your placement in the recent years?
More than 80 percent of mechanical engineering students opt for the placement year as part of their undergraduate degrees. Companies in which our students are placed include Aero Engine Controls, Aston Martin, British Sugar, Cummins (Delhi), Jaguar Land Rover, Perkins Engines, Mercedes AMG, Red Bull Technology, Rolls Royce, Siemens Triumph and Unilever. We place our students in approximately 75 companies.
Upon graduation, the starting salary for Loughborough graduate is £25,800. Loughborough’s employment rate is 91 percent. Companies, where our students have gone to work after graduation, include Dyson, JCB, Perkins, Pilkington, Porsche and Rolls Royce.

How does studying at Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering impact one’s future?
The Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is currently ranked number 5 in the UK. The school works very closely with industry and so, the students are exposed to employment opportunities very early on within their education. The one-year in industry option gives students the opportunity to find employment and to make networks with multinational and international companies.

What is the expenditure that a student has to bear to study at your college and what is the scope of securing a scholarship?
The current tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses are MBA (£19,250), lab-based engineering (£17,300), classroom-based sport management (£13,750), PGT Banking (£16,000), Business PGT (£17,600), etc. In addition, the university recommends that students budget for approximately £8,200 per annum for living expenses (accommodation, food, social life, etc.). The university also offers a number of scholarships, which range from 10 percent to 100 percent of the tuition fee.

"Exciting news! Elets Education is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!
Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.