“Much more than an MSc” 

“Academic excellence combined with an inspiring collaborative environment.” That’s how Ercihan Kiraci described WMG after spending full-time studying for an MSc in Engineering Business Management.

A qualified mechanical engineer, Ercihan came to the UK in 2005 to broaden his skills and professional experience. Initially based in London, he began look around UK universities for a course that would reinforce his technical knowledge with an understanding of up-to-date business practices.

“I considered a number of courses before deciding on WMG,” explained Ercihan. “Quite simply, Warwick’s course is unique in the way of teaching.

“There was no doubting Warwick’s academic status, but what I found particularly attractive was the range of companies they collaborate with: technological pioneers like Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and BAe Systems for example.”

He began his full-time MSc course in Engineering Business Management in 2006. This comprises a series of core and specialist course modules in key subjects including Product Design Development Management; Project Planning Management Control Financial Analysis and Control Systems; Logistics and Operations Management; Organisations, People and Performance; Strategic Marketing; and Quality, Reliability and Maintenance.

There is also a project to complete (Ercihan’s was focused on knowledge-based engineering), geared towards supporting students to develop and refine their personal research skills. This is worth 50% of the final grade.

Asked to sum up one year in just a few words, Ercihan said: “I came to Warwick as a mechanical engineer, but I understood that having a great idea wasn’t enough. I quickly learned how R&D, marketing, finance and more work together to turn that idea into a commercial success.”

While keen to stress the excellence of education offered by WMG, Ercihan also placed great emphasis on just how much he enjoyed his time at WMG. The friendly, interactive and collaborative culture was, he believes, central to this.

“Being able to study and work with people from different countries across the world was a great experience,” he said. “There was a real diversity of backgrounds, skills and interests that added immeasurably to my time at Warwick. It made for a genuinely all-round education.”

The theme of an ‘all-round education’ arose again when Ercihan talked about the Warwick Skills Certificate. This comprises a range of areas that focus on students’ personal development, helping them to become more employable while boosting their competence, confidence and credibility. “This was a big benefit to me, supporting me to build valuable skills in a wide range of areas including time management, excellence in business communication and making effective presentations.”

Ercihan also described the support he received from Warwick Career Services during his time at Warwick. “They are always there,” he said, “Whether it’s a career-based question, a visa query or anything else, they will always take the time to help and get the information you need. You never feel like you’re alone when you’re at Warwick!”

After completing his MSc in 2008, Ercihan has gone on to secure a position as a Project Engineer under Product Evaluation Team lead by Dr. Mark Williams at the International Automotive Research Centre at the University of Warwick. This is one of the major academically based research groups in Europe. The team is internationally leading in the field of product evaluation through the research and development of advanced metrology technologies and methods focussing on business requirements and user experience.

So it seems for Ercihan, the WMG experience was as much about people, the environment and the culture as academic rigour. “While the standard of teaching was consistently outstanding, I would say that WMG gives you a whole lot more than the chance to earn a degree. It’s an opportunity to improve yourself at every level. WMG gives you the support to explore your own ideas and areas of interest – as well as helping you to reach your personal aspirations.”