Our postgraduate research programmes

I studied for both my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Engineering at Tsinghua University in China. My major for my Bachelors degree was ‘Hydraulic and Hydropower Engineering’ in the School of Civil Engineering. After graduation, I transferred to the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering and met my supervisor Dr. Shuming Liu, who is a former research fellow in the Centre for Water Systems at the University of Exeter. During the three years of my masters degree, I focused on the study of emergency scheduling on a raw water supply system with multiple sources which derived from the State High-Tech Development Plan (namely 863 Project) conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

I was very lucky to get an opportunity to visit the Centre for Water Systems for support on the 863 project in February and I was attracted by the research atmosphere in this Centre. Hence, I submitted my PhD application to the University of Exeter the moment that I returned to China. In addition to the prestige of the Centre, I like the beautiful campus of Exeter and also feel excited about the University’s high ranking in The Times Good University Guide.

I am currently undertaking a research project under the supervision of Professor Dragan Savić entitled 'Hybridisation of optimisation techniques in solving computationally hard problems of water distribution systems'. This research project will investigate the ways and means by which several prevailing optimisation techniques can be implemented in a combinatorial fashion in order to improve the computational efficiency in solving computationally hard examples both from the literature and real world.

The project will also involve the algorithm design and software development based on the GANetXL, which is a spreadsheet-based general-purpose decision support system generator. It provides easy access to evolutionary multiobjective optimisation algorithms to non-specialists by incorporating an intuitive interactive graphical user interface that allows easy creation of specific decision support application.

I‘m unsure as to my future plans as I am funded by China Scholarship Council, so I need to work in mainland of China for at least two years after graduation. However, if possible I personally hope to resume a postdoctoral research post in a relevant area after my PhD.

Qi Wang
PhD Engineering

'Hybridisation of optimisation techniques in solving computationally hard problems of water distribution systems'

Before coming to Exeter, I was balancing two careers in Iran - one academic and the other industrial. Having specialised in supply chain management, I served as a faculty member of the Islamic Azad University, teaching for ten years prior to becoming the Head of the Industrial Engineering Department. While serving at the University, I worked in varied roles as a System Analyst in System Groups, a Logistic Manager in Legrand and a Project Controls Manager in Roshd Sanat Co. My last stint was with Azin Khodro Co and I was responsible for running their supply chain network. I then realised I needed a change for a better future and this is exactly what I got from the University of Exeter; the right platform to pursue my PhD for a successful academic career.

The profile of the research faculty in Exeter is of the highest standard and it definitely influenced my decision. The city is very beautiful and not too far from London. The quality of life is excellent and it’s a really safe place to live as the crime rates are low. I’ve got nice accommodation and it’s ideal for me and my family.

I have only been here for three months but have experienced a lot of good things already. The INTO University of Exeter Office is very good in helping international students settle in. The online resources are good and a lot of support, such as the Effective Researcher Development Programme, is given to post graduate researchers. I have made close to a hundred friends during such a short period and Exeter feels like my second home now. I’m part of the staff-student liaison programme and it’s been a great way to meet fellow researchers.

There are over 2700 students studying in my University in Iran and I recommend the University of Exeter to all of them and to other international students for postgraduate study and research.

Alireza Pakgohar
PhD Engineering

I am pursuing my PhD in Industrial Engineering and should say I am here at Exeter because of a coincidence. There was an International Conference held in Shanghai last year and I was a participant. The University of Exeter was represented and I was attracted to the research activities. The participants from Exeter presented well and that fuelled my interest to find out more about the University.

The website has a lot of information and it helped me find out about the University. My Masters degree was in Mechanical Engineering but after learning about the prospects of Industrial Engineering, research support in the University, opportunities and the reputation of the College, I shifted to Industrial Engineering.

My experiences here so far have been very interesting.  The teaching here is different to what I am used to in China. There is a lot more freedom and the students are allowed to interrupt lectures to make their points which is strange but really good. There is more involvement in lectures and I love the group discussions. I learn more in these discussions and often there are good ideas.

Exeter is good for shopping and the landscape is wonderful. The people are very friendly and nice. Lecturers are very helpful and acknowledge the fact that I need some support in settling in.  I am really busy at the moment and liking it. There are plenty of opportunities in the University. I am confident I will have lot to gain from my stay in Exeter. 

Zheng Ren
PhD Industrial Engineering