Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control (MRes)

Working with businesses for almost 10 years I had noticed a shift towards environmental managementand legislation and it was an area that interested me but I wasn't sure that I wanted or indeed could achieve a complete career change. Having the opportunity to speak to someone at the University of Strathclyde who listened to what experience I had and explained how I may be able to integrate that with a Masters in Research really helped. This support and consideration gave me the impetus to return to study and also choose the University of Strathclyde as the place to study.

The fact that I had no environmental or science background did concern me but the support from each of the tutors was fantastic and I was always able to discuss any areas of concern I had. I still had to put in a substantial effort but anything worth while in life does take effort.

On completion of my studies, the combination of business experience and an MRes in Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control were seen as key factors in obtaining my post as Project Officer for a 3 year funded technology transfer project that aims to encourage the uptake of the latest technological developments by small and medium sized businesses within the Loch Lomond and National Park area. The project covers 5 sectors which include green tourism and sustainable construction which has utilised my knowledge in waste management, EIA and air pollution not to mention my previous business experience. Helping businesses and putting together projects is extremely rewarding as it has a direct effect on small companies which would not normally have had interaction with a university.

I am now at the stage that I want to extend my knowledge as I found that the MRes is a fantastic stage towards a PhD. The relationships built at Strathclyde University and the help I have received made the decision so much easier. I know it is going to be a long struggle especially as I'll be working full time too, but I sincerely believe that if the support is there, then I'll succeed.

My name is Arthit Sakultantimetha and I am from Bangkok in Thailand and two years ago I had no idea where Glasgow was! However my supervisor from Strathclyde was visiting Kasetsart University and gave a talk on postgraduate courses within the David Livingstone Centre for Sustainability at Strathclyde University.

I chose to study IPPC on the advice of my supervisor in Bangkok who has had links with Strathclyde for many years now. Also I feel that this is an area of environmental concern that is continuing to grow. The reputation of the department at Strathclyde is extremely good and more people from my country are choosing to come here. Indeed the university has a Thai Society which hosts events throughout the year.

My year of MRes in Pollution Control has given me an excellent background to the problem, not just through classwork but my project involved fieldwork with sampling and analysis. I came onto the course as a Chemist but left as a Microbiologist!

I was lucky enough to be awarded a Faculty Scholarship so I am staying another 3 years to complete a PhD. I am really happy about this as it means I get to continue at Strathclyde where I am guaranteed the excellent support of the academic staff and maybe another chance to sight the Loch Ness Monster!

From my experience, I would recommend this course and this Department, but why not apply and see for yourself!

The MRes IPPC trained me in how to deal with a real-life research issue, and gave me skills in a particular area of research, which will be valuable if I decide to go onto further research in academia, or pursue a career in industry.