Mustafa Abdulrahman

I had an interest in computer networks and also teaching, so being a Lecturer at a university is the best job I could have undertake! Also computer networks are generally an up and coming field that people and society need more and more with the advances in technology.

What are you doing now?

I teach many subjects but mainly computer networks at Mosul University and also in some local institutions. I also have taught some English courses as I speak good English due to doing my Masters degree in the UK.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Mainly I read a lot about it and liked the reviews and the look of the University. Most importantly I found the course that suited me in the Engineering Department, which it was exactly what I was meant to study. Also the city of Newcastle upon Tyne encourages students to come and live and it is a very nice city with friendly people.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Lectures were the main way that the course was delivered, but I also had many assignments with some of these being group assignments which helped my understanding of team working better. Also there were many quizzes and practical exams. Generally I think the feedback from my lecturers and professors was helpful and it helped me a lot in researching in depth, further details on subject areas and motivating us to do this - this helped a lot when it came to the dissertation.

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

The humble, down to earth staff - they were friendly and always there when I needed them. At certain times I felt that one of the lecturers was a little bit tough but then I realised that the subject was not easy to understand, especially the practical part, so I knew that this toughness came to make us focus on thinking faster and connecting ideas together to solve a certain problem.

How connected was your course with industry?

I wanted to be an academic, however when I did my dissertation I did some interviews with some industrial companies that deal with computers and networks. They had some problems which I set about solving and got 'distinction' for this in my dissertation. So I agree that the study was related to the industry.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Northumbria University helped me a lot in sharpening my knowledge and made me an academic person, nothing can serve me more than getting a higher degree from Northumbria University then going on to being a Lecturer at a university.

What was the best thing about your course?

Practical assignments, labs, and lecturers supervising your experiments - nothing is better than this in computer networks.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you must use now throughout your career?

The way to write an assignment and research, it helped me in terms of both teaching and creating lectures.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I enjoyed the international environment the most, having friends all around the world, different cultures and languages - I really had fun with my friends there.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

Join the gym, Northumbria University gym is lovely and you can not get a better break from your studies than there.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in three words?

Fantastic, a dream and want it back.