Stuart Crane

5th year

Stuart, from Nantwich in Cheshire, is studying Physics, MPhys in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

What appealed to you most about Heriot-Watt University?

It’s campus-based, so it was quick and easy to meet like-minded people but it’s close enough to Edinburgh that you don’t feel isolated. Also the diversity and flexibility of the Physics programme: I could experience different subject areas and find the parts of physics I was most interested in, and there were opportunities to switch between some of the courses in the early years.

Has your degree programme helped you to develop links with industry?

Yes! There are fantastic links with industry. In particular, during my fourth year I worked in a small group on a project set by an external company: Selex ES. Other groups worked with companies including Holoxica, Adrok, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and ST Microelectronics.

What would you highlight to prospective students considering studying at Heriot-Watt?

The staff-student ratio in the department here is fantastic, so you get to know the staff, and they are all willing to help when you are struggling with complex concepts! You also gain great lab experience with plenty of practical experimentation and data analysis opportunities which industry really values.