Q&A with Joanna Donegan-Edwards
Joanna studied Engineering and Education MSc part time (2018-2020), while working as a teacher at Dartford Science and Technology College.
What was your route to an MSc at UCL?
I spent the past 15 years in education and working for a variety of organisations both in school and in my spare time.
What are your motivations for pursuing the MSc in Engineering and Education?
Engineering and Education mixes two of my favourite subjects. This seemed like the next logical step, combining my desire for learning and furthering my education but also allowing me to discover more about the engineering world. When I heard UCL was offering this I knew I had to jump at the chance.
What do you find interesting about your field of study and what inspires you?
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is a real passion of mine and I am a STEM ambassador in my own time. Since studying Physics at university I have been involved in STEM, teaching science and Technology mathematics to people.
I thrive to instil this knowledge and passion of science to other girls and women, to try and get more women excited about a career in science based fields."
What are your career plans once you’ve completed your MSc?
It is my goal to make my school the STEM hub for the area, implementing an inter-school STEM network and I know that this course will give me the knowledge and skills to be able to do that effectively.
Joanna talks about her MSc:
Why did you choose UCL?
I recently worked with Dr Anne Northcliffe, the new Director of Engineering at Canterbury Christ Church University and Dr Zoe Laughlin, founder of the Institute of Making at UCL and they inspired me greatly and encouraged me to follow my passion which led me to the application. I knew that UCL has an outstanding reputation and it is a very exciting prospect to be taught by both the IOE and the Faculty of Engineering in a course that is the first of its kind.
What was the best thing about your course?
I really enjoy the modules on apprenticeships and engineering learning and teaching. I am hoping to use the dissertation to undertake my own research to encourage more females into engineering careers and the impact of secondary school teaching on this uptake.
Has there been an element of your degree programme that has impressed you or been particularly valuable?
Half my time I was in IOE learning about education from the top institution in the world and the other half I was working alongside cutting edge technological developments at UCL’s world renowned engineering department. This mix ensured I was always kept on my toes and I was always inspired and excited to see what the next day may bring.
"It is my goal to make my school the STEM hub for the area, implementing an inter-school STEM network and I know that this course will give me the knowledge and skills to be able to do that effectively."
More information about the Engineering and Education MSc
Last updated 20 January 2021.