MSc students graduate at Cranfield University

MSc students graduate at Cranfield University

By Laurence Gale MSc

This year's graduation ceremony at Cranfield University saw six students receiving their Master Degrees from the Chancellor of the University. The students, together with three other students unable to attend, had undertaken a Masters Degree (MSc) in Sports surface Technology.

The MSc in Sports Surface Technology is the only postgraduate programme currently offered in the UK and Europe, and focuses on providing the understanding to apply advanced principles of soil, water and vegetation management with mechanisation, irrigation, construction and business management skills to the successful management of sports surfaces and facilities.

The programme offers both full time and part time studying, which lends itself to the industry professionals who are working/managing sports turf facilities. Full time students are able to complete the course in a year, whereas part time students can take up to five years to complete the course, resulting in a wide range of industry experienced students who can exchange skills and experiences whilst attending the course.

Nearly all the students who graduated this year have secured new career opportunities within the industry (left to right in picture)

• Barry Dore is now working at the Hurlingham Club, Putney, London.

• John Lockyer is lecturing at Cannington College.

• Kim Toyne is working for Tarmac.

• Laurence Gale is Editor at Pitchcare.

• Peter Jones continues to manage his consultancy company (Peter Jones Associates).

• Andy McLeod is continuing his studying at Cranfield, doing a Engineering Doctorate in Artificial Surfaces.

Not in picture

• David Warner is working at Ascot racecourse.

• Darrah McGowan is continuing his education in the USA, working on golf courses.

• Eoghan Buckley, currently on an overseas working tour in the USA, working at several golf courses.

The MSc course is getting world wide recognition with a number of overseas students currently completing this year's programme. If successful, they will graduate next year.

My own perspective of the course, was that it draws upon all your experiences and skills, to face the challenges of each module taught. But the most rewarding experience was the opportunity to work alongside so many industry professionals, making new friends. Coupled with the fact that Cranfield University provided a stable, friendly working environment, where constant support was always readily available from both teaching and campus staff.

To date a total of eleven people have been awarded the MSc in Sports Surface Technology at Cranfield University.

Details about the course can be obtained from Alex Vickers, Course Director, Tel +44(0)1525 863381 or Email at a.w.vickers@cranfield.ac.uk or visit the web site on www.silsoe.cranfield.ac.uk/ccss/