Tom Preston in lab building robot for robot wars module

From classroom to corporate jet: an engineering student’s placement journey at BAE Systems

“The university provides a lot of support when it comes to securing placements, from helping write CVs and finding positions for students.”

Thinking about studying engineering at the University of Brighton? One of the biggest advantages of our courses is the opportunity to take a placement year, gaining real-world experience that sets you apart in the job market.

We recently caught up with Tom Preston, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng student who is currently on placement at BAE Systems to share their journey, highlights, and advice for future engineers.

Continue reading “From classroom to corporate jet: an engineering student’s placement journey at BAE Systems”
Oscar Sampson standing next to dissertation poster project on display

Engineering dissertation poster projects: Oscar Sampson, Automotive Engineering MEng

“This project strengthened my capabilities in sustainability analysis, systems modelling, and technical reporting, all essential in modern automotive, energy, and engineering roles. It’s given me confidence working with real-world data, new software, and engineering trade-offs.”

At the University of Brighton, final-year projects give engineering students the chance to tackle real-world challenges and make an impact. These projects combine technical knowledge, research skills, and creativity, often addressing some of the most pressing issues in energy, transport, and sustainability.

In this blog, we speak with Oscar Sampson, an Automotive Engineering MEng student about their project, which focused on developing a standardised Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the true environmental impact of energy technologies.

Continue reading “Engineering dissertation poster projects: Oscar Sampson, Automotive Engineering MEng”
James Allan with dissertation poster on display

Engineering dissertation poster projects: James Allan, Automotive Engineering MEng

“The most surreal and rewarding moment was when the work led to a published paper in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Achieving that as an undergraduate was something I never imagined.”

At the University of Brighton, final-year projects are more than just an academic requirement, they’re an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. These projects often tackle real-world challenges, from sustainable energy solutions to advanced manufacturing techniques, giving students a taste of what it’s like to work as professional engineers.

In this blog post, we catch up with Automotive Engineering MEng student, James Allan to learn more about their dissertation poster project and how it has helped to shape his future career.

Continue reading “Engineering dissertation poster projects: James Allan, Automotive Engineering MEng”
A building structure in which people in high-vis jackets make straw bales.

Trading tech for tradition: architecture students and staff learn centuries-old construction skills to build inclusive learning space

“I enjoyed being in a room with professionals with years of experience. While we all learned more about the concept and practicality of straw bale techniques, I was exposed to different ways of thinking about design and materiality; it felt like I was learning how to learn. Architecture student, Orla Anekwe

If you’re looking to study architecture in Brighton and want a degree that combines creativity, sustainability, and real-world impact, the University of Brighton offers an experience like no other.

Our Architecture BA(Hons) students recently stepped out of the studio and onto the construction site to help build The Bradbury Den at Chailey Heritage Foundation’s Patchwork Farm in East Sussex. This pioneering learning space will bring together children and young people with complex disabilities, local schools, and community groups in a therapeutic farm setting, where interaction with animals and nature fosters communication, physical development, and wellbeing.

Continue reading “Trading tech for tradition: architecture students and staff learn centuries-old construction skills to build inclusive learning space”
Student Harrison Hall standing on a ladder on roof of building

My placement experience: Working full-time as a trainee surveyor

Taking a placement whilst studying at university has its many advantages as it gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations, build confidence, and gain clarity about your future career, all while making valuable industry connections.

We recently caught up with Harrison Hall, an Building Surveying BSC(Hons) student who has just completed a placement year with Price Lilford Building Surveying in Canterbury, working as a Trainee Surveyor.

Continue reading “My placement experience: Working full-time as a trainee surveyor”
Graphic design for end of year show - blue background with orange swirl with the logo

Sustainable Design MA end of year show 2025

Save the date…

Students studying our Sustainable Design MA will be showcasing their work at the end of year show – UNMAKE // REMAKE this September which will be hosted at Broadworks by Hive Curates in London.

Continue reading “Sustainable Design MA end of year show 2025”
Engineering students Franco, Kat, Tasha, and Keith,

Friends, clearing and studying engineering at the University of Brighton

What’s it really like to study engineering at the University of Brighton?

Meet Franco, Kat, Tasha, and Keith, a group of friends who started their journey at Brighton together through Clearing.

In the video below, we hear about their experience of clearing, hands-on learning, supportive friendships, and real-world impact.

Continue reading “Friends, clearing and studying engineering at the University of Brighton”
Brighton Space Agency team photo with procket

University of Brighton engineering students fly high in national rocketry competition

If you’re considering studying engineering and want hands-on experience that launches your career (literally) then the University of Brighton might just be your launchpad (pun totally intended).

In their first-ever entry into the prestigious UKSEDS National Rocketry Championship, a team of 14 engineering students rocketed to success, finishing 7th out of more than 50 teams from across the UK.

Their high-performance carbon fibre rocket, designed and built entirely by students, soared to an altitude of 1,819 feet and returned safely—an impressive feat for a debut team.

Alexander Gooch, one of the team members, said:

“For our first-year competing, finishing 7th out of over 50 teams is an incredible achievement. We’ve learned so much from building and testing our designs, and it’s been amazing to see all our hard work come to life on launch day. We’re really proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for the support we’ve had.”

Continue reading “University of Brighton engineering students fly high in national rocketry competition”
Sophie turner recieving award at Architecture and Design show private view

Celebrating Innovation and Excellence: Prize Winners of the Architecture and Design Summer Show 2025

The School of Architecture and Design came alive recently with creativity, celebration, and community spirit at the annual Architecture and Design Summer Show 2025. This vibrant event marked the culmination of months of hard work, innovation, and exploration by our talented students and offered a glimpse into the future of architecture and design.

The private view brought together students, families, alumni, and industry professionals to admire the diverse and inspiring final projects on display. It was also a moment to honour outstanding achievements through a series of prestigious awards, recognising excellence in design, innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

Here’s a comprehensive look at this year’s award winners and the reasons they were honoured…

Continue reading “Celebrating Innovation and Excellence: Prize Winners of the Architecture and Design Summer Show 2025”
Morgan's Epi-Assist

Designing for a better world: How Brighton architecture and design students are building the future

From domestic safety for all to making emergency medicine more accessible, University of Brighton students are responding to everyday problems with bold and inclusive solutions.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the fantastic projects recently on display at the Architecture and Design summer show.

Whether it’s improving emergency medical tools, designing healthier buildings, or making everyday products more inclusive, our students are proving that architecture and design are about more than just aesthetics—they’re about impact.

Continue reading “Designing for a better world: How Brighton architecture and design students are building the future”