Chukwuma Emma-Ogbangwo

“

The masters degree is giving me a much broader knowledge and preparing me for life in the gaming industry.

”

Chukwuma Emma-Ogbangwo is 25 and from Nigeria. He's studying MSc Computer Graphics Production.

Why I chose this course

I have a BEng in Electrical/Electronics Enginnering from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I originally wanted a career in electronics, but when I was in my final year, I realised what I really wanted to do was to learn how to make games. This led to me choosing the postgraduate games programme at Derby.

I was convinced that it was worth trying out and I do not regret that decision! The masters degree is giving me a much broader knowledge and preparing me for life in the gaming industry, although I'm also considering other areas of the entertainment industry as well. The programme content means I can perform effectively in any aspect of the digital entertainment industry.

Starting out

I started my masters in January. Currently, I am taking four modules, two of which cover everything from 3D graphics and animation technologies through to the way an artist operates in the games industry. The other two are research skills, which not only prepare you for your final dissertation but also teaches you hoe to carry out research and how to be an effective independent learner. It also covers ethical, moral and social issues so you're aware of what's right and wrong in the computing department and life as a whole.

Friendly and supportive lecturers

No matter what problems you have, you can always drop by their office and they are always willing to help you out with a smile on their face. I remember telling Dr. Minhua Eunice Ma, the programme leader, that I hadn't done anything relating to the programme before and I was kind of nervous about the whole thing. She told me not to worry, that the idea is to teach students like they are new to the programme so it's easy to understand. She said this with a smile on her face and this helped me relax a lot! I must say, so far I have actually turned out better than I expected, and I owe my thanks to all of the lecturers.

Arriving in Derby

Life in Derby, generally, has been fun. My first day would have been hell if the University hadn't sent a couple of people to meet me and other international students at the airport and take us back to Derby. This was great and I made my first friends on the bus. Currently, I stay at the halls of residence and life here is fun. There are always people to talk to and also, the halls provide everything you need to survive.

Gain a masters degree...and more

I would urge anybody looking at studying for a masters degree to strongly consider the University of Derby, not only because they offer a wide variety of courses, but also because of the way the courses are taught. you are sure to graduate with satisfaction, knowing that you actually gained what you were looking for, and even more.