Construction Management BSc(Hons): What our students say

Why did you decide to study at Kingston University?

"I initially looked at Kingston as I was looking at potentially commuting and therefore needed somewhere that was not too far away. I looked around a number of universities but was immediately impressed with Kingston due to its facilities and labs. I felt very comfortable within the building and amongst the students and lecturers. We were told about the type of teaching and the field trips and I was particularly impressed at the way the course was not taught purely from the classroom. "

Apart from receiving your award were there any defining moments whilst studying your course?

"There were a few defining moments whilst studying for my degree. The first and probably the most memorable for me was receiving the grades for first semester. I sat in a room with others from my course and we individually went to receive our grades and feedback from Bill Evans. I remember Bill pointing to one module and saying to me 'shame about that one' and I was terrified I had done bad. I received three A*s and an A which gave me the confidence boost I needed to continue with the rest of the course and keep up the very high standard.

During the surveying field trip I remember being very intimidated being one of the few girls on the course. Due to numbers I ended up working with a group of all males. I worked really hard and earned a lot of respect from those on my course, I remember feeling very accepted and respected within my team.

I applied to many positions for my gap year placement and at first there were very few responses. Eventually I got a few interviews and the offers started coming in. I think this was one of the best moments at uni as it made all of the hard work and effort feel worthwhile. I received a place at United House after an interview. I was very pleased when they offered me a place and put me on site on my second day with the company. During this year I received two visits from my placement tutor and I was very proud showing her what I had achieved."

Future plans and aspirations?

"Following my gap placement with United House I was offered sponsorship through my final year at uni. During this time I chose to also work a day a week where I could. On completing at Kingston I had two days off before coming back to work full time. United House gave me a promotion from Management Trainee to Assistant Site Manager with a pay rise and car allowance.

I am currently working on one of their most prestige jobs 'Central St Giles' at the intersection between Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street in Central London. The job consists of a fit out of a shell and core by famous architect Renzo Piano. I oversee levels six to 11 which includes the £5-million penthouse.

As part of the degree I have received incorporated membership to the CIOB and have applied to upgrade this. Looking into the future I would eventually like to be running my own site as a site manager.

"Kingston offers a very good course and a great student life. I chose to come here because it was close to London. Kingston is a good place to live, because even though you're close to the centre, you are still a bit outside and in a friendly environment.

"I looked the University up in the newspaper league tables (The Guardian and The Times) and it came up very well for its teaching reputation and the engineering courses. The Construction Management course appealed as it was very practical. Every aspect of study has something to do with the practical exercises that you do out in the field.

"We have just done some fieldwork in detailing, for example, which is basically detailing every major impact on the environment. This might be a road and where it stops, the pavement, trees and anything else you can see."