Thomas Mawdsley (RPS Group)

Name: Thomas Mawdsley

Subject: BSc Physical Geography; MSc Sustainable Water Management

Year Graduated: 2015; 2016

College: Pendle

Where are you now and what are you doing?

I am a Graduate Modeller at RPS Group in Derby. I work for an environmental consultancy mostly dealing with hydraulic models for flood risk.

What would you like to do next?

Over the long-term I plan to build my experience in the water and environmental sector in order to become fully chartered with CIWEM. My main interests are around the issue of flooding, so I would look to continue working closely in that area.

Why did you choose to study at Lancaster?

I was initially attracted by Lancaster’s excellent reputation as a place to study Geography and Environmental Sciences. After visiting the university, I also liked the inclusive nature of the collegiate system and the general friendly atmosphere of the university as a whole.

What was your favourite part of your degree and why?

The field trips on offer at Lancaster provided some memorable experiences, and an excellent way to learn. The obvious example is Iceland, an unmissable opportunity to study glaciers and other processes. Another great experience was the Slapton field trip, an intensive but fascinating insight into hydrological fieldwork.

How do you think your time at Lancaster prepared you for what you’re currently doing?

My main areas of study at Lancaster were based around hydrology, and these experiences directly translate into the work I am undertaking now with RPS, along with a wide range of transferable skills developed at Lancaster. Some of the links with industry, such as modules taught by JBA Consulting, were an excellent insight into the industry and helped me to target a career after university.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Lancaster? (Including extra-curricular activities and beyond?)

It’s difficult to be specific. I had a course with topics I really enjoyed, and which has gone on to form the basis of my career. But Lancaster was as much about getting involved outside of study (mainly playing football for Pendle) and about all the friendships built along the way. I would say the best part is the amount of opportunities, both in terms of study and outside of study.