Why I decided the MSc in Pollution and Environmental Control was right for me

We sat down with Frances Fowden to chat about her experience of studying a Masters here at The University of Manchester.

What career opportunities have become available to you since completing this course?

Since completing my MSc in Pollution and Environmental Control at The University of Manchester, I have worked for Jacobs as a Hydraulic Modeller / Hydrologist. I am also seconded into the Rivers, Reservoirs and Geomorphology team at United Utilities as a Hydraulic Engineer.

In what ways has the knowledge and skills gained from your degree supported you in your current role?

While completing my MSc at The University of Manchester I gained hands-on experience using Flood Modeller software to model potential flooding in a small town in the West Midlands. This involved building and running a 1D hydraulic model and experimenting with a range of parameters to understand how these changes influenced flood extents. Using Flood Modeller at university was instrumental in securing my first post-graduate role.

During interviews, I was able to draw on my practical experience with the software, which provided several strong talking points. Employers recognised that I already had a solid grounding in hydraulic modelling, which meant I could contribute effectively to projects from day one. This knowledge and experience ultimately led to me receiving several job offers.

What academic or professional services support did you receive from The University of Manchester, and how did this help you during your studies and career development?

The academic staff on the Pollution and Environmental Control MSc were exceptionally supportive and genuinely invested in my development. Lecturers provided additional guidance when needed, helping me build a deep understanding of complex theory.I also received support when producing my CV. Dr Andrew Lowe , in particular, went above and beyond by helping me refine my CV and sharing it with contacts across the industry. This personalised support played a key role in securing interviews for competitive and highly sought‑after roles.

What has been your favourite project you’ve worked on since starting your career, and how did your course help you develop the skills needed for it?

Since starting my career, I have contributed to a broad range of projects, from flood risk assessments to reservoir studies. Each project has required me to draw on the technical knowledge and skills developed during my MSc in Pollution and Environmental Control.

My degree helped me build confidence in approaching complex problems, adapting quickly to new challenges and knowing when to ask the right questions. These qualities have been essential during the early stages of my career. They have also helped me to build strong working relationships with colleagues and clients, and I have consistently received positive feedback for the quality of my work, my willingness to learn and my proactive approach.

Overall, the MSc provided a solid foundation that has supported my professional growth and equipped me with the tools needed to excel in a fast-paced and technically demanding field.