Oliver is a third-year student at ASU London, where learning is built around practical projects and real-world challenges. For him, the project-based approach was one of the main reasons he chose ASU London. It offered a more hands-on way to learn, build transferable skills and apply ideas beyond the classroom.
Why did you choose ASU London?
The coursework and project-based learning were what stood out to me. As someone with autism, that style of learning works well for me because it feels more practical. I find it easier to understand something when I can work through it, apply it and see how it connects to a real project.
I didn’t want a course that was only based on lectures and theory. I wanted something where I could learn by doing, and ASU London felt like the right fit for that.
What’s your take on project-based learning?
I think project-based learning helps you develop practical and transferable skills.
Instead of only learning theory, you are applying what you know to real challenges. That makes it easier to understand how those skills could be used outside university and across different industries. This is what I like about the course as well. It gives you more than subject knowledge; it helps you build confidence in solving problems.
What’s the ASU London community like?
The community is very welcoming. As we are a smaller university, it is easier to get to know people properly. You can speak to tutors and other students on a more one-to-one basis, which makes the experience feel more personal. It does not feel like you are just one student in a large group. People know who you are, and that makes it easier to ask questions, have conversations and feel supported.
“ASU London has given me a way of learning that feels more practical and accessible. The project-based approach helps me build skills I can use in different industries, while the smaller community makes it easier to get support when I need it.”
Tell us about your third-year project
For my third-year project, I am working with Alive Lab on their living wall. My part of the project focuses on the watering system for the moss that has been integrated into the wall. It’s been interesting because it isn’t just a theoretical design task. There are real practical details to think about, especially when you’re working on something that needs to support a living material.
I’ve enjoyed working on a sustainability related and real-world design. It feels purposeful, and the work I am doing is part of a larger project.
What’s your advice for acing Year 3?
My advice would be to keep in regular communication with your supervisor. Year 3 can involve more independent work, especially if you are working with an industry partner. If communication becomes difficult, your supervisor can help chase things up and keep a record of the steps you have taken.
That support is important. It means you are not dealing with everything on your own, and it is better to ask for help early rather than waiting until something becomes a bigger issue.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
At the moment, I don’t have one fixed career plan, and I think that’s okay. I am currently looking at some postgraduate schemes, including opportunities with the MOD and airlines. I am still exploring what I might want to do after university, but ASU London has helped me build skills that could be useful in different areas.
I love that the course doesn’t limit you to one route and gives you more choice when thinking about the future.
What would you tell students thinking of applying to ASU London?
I would say it is definitely worth the commitment. You will be given the chance to build practical skills that can be applied across different industries. If you like learning through projects and want a course that feels more hands-on, it is a really good option.
It is also a supportive place to study. The smaller community makes it easier to speak to people and ask for help.
Learn more about studying at ASU London.