Building on Success: Mehak Bhalla’s Civil Engineering Journey at LSBU
From graduating with First Class Honours in her BEng, to exploring the role of artificial intelligence in civil engineering, Mehak Bhalla has made the most of her time at LSBU. Now studying for an MSc in Advanced Civil Engineering and representing LSBU as an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Student Ambassador, she’s building on her achievements, developing her professional skills and preparing for a future in the industry.
What inspired you to take your civil engineering studies further and pursue an MSc?
My decision to progress to postgraduate studies came from my desire to build on the strong academic foundation I developed during my BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering at London South Bank University, where I graduated with First Class Honours. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I developed a particular interest in understanding how engineering principles can be applied to solve complex real-world problems. Studying subjects across civil engineering helped me appreciate the relationship between structural behaviour, geotechnical engineering, materials, and infrastructure performance.
My dissertation, titled “Prediction of Hydropower Station Operation on Downstream Flow using Artificial Neural Network Technique,” was a particularly important part of my journey because it allowed me to explore the application of artificial intelligence to engineering problems. Achieving 80% in my dissertation motivated me to continue exploring how technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and emerging technologies can contribute to the future of civil engineering. Receiving the ICE Student Award 2025 further encouraged me to develop professionally.
I saw postgraduate study as an opportunity to move beyond understanding engineering concepts and develop the advanced knowledge and confidence needed to apply them effectively in my future career.
Why did you choose to continue your journey at LSBU?
Choosing LSBU for my MSc in Advanced Civil Engineering was meaningful because it is the university where I established my academic foundation and developed my identity as a civil engineer. My undergraduate experience gave me opportunities to strengthen my technical understanding, work collaboratively on engineering projects, and appreciate the importance of connecting classroom learning with professional practice.
One of my memorable achievements was receiving a prize certificate for a group design project, alongside a WSP certificate associated with the project experience. These experiences helped me understand the value of teamwork, technical communication, and considering different perspectives when solving engineering challenges.
Graduating with First Class Honours and receiving the ICE Student Award 2025 made me even more determined to continue progressing within the profession. I wanted to remain in an environment where I could build on these achievements while developing more advanced engineering knowledge. LSBU's practical approach to learning, supportive academic environment, and location in London made it a strong choice for my next step. Receiving a scholarship for my postgraduate studies also made this opportunity especially valuable, and I am proud to continue my journey at the university that has contributed so much to my development.
How is your MSc helping you prepare for a career in civil engineering?
My MSc in Advanced Civil Engineering is helping me work towards my ambition of becoming a technically capable civil engineer who can contribute to complex infrastructure projects. My undergraduate studies developed my understanding of civil engineering fundamentals, while my postgraduate programme gives me the opportunity to explore advanced concepts and approach engineering challenges with greater depth and critical thinking.
My previous academic experiences, particularly my dissertation on predicting hydropower station operation and downstream flow using Artificial Neural Network techniques, introduced me to the potential of combining engineering knowledge with data-driven methods. This experience strengthened my interest in innovative approaches to infrastructure planning and performance.
Alongside my academic development, receiving the ICE Student Award 2025 and becoming an ICE Student Ambassador representing LSBU for 2026/27 have encouraged me to engage more actively with the profession. I am also building on my experience of collaborative design projects and my exposure to professional engineering practice through my WSP-related project experience. Together, these opportunities are helping me develop a balance of technical knowledge, analytical ability, teamwork, and professional confidence as I prepare for graduate opportunities in civil engineering.
What are the benefits of studying a postgraduate programme in London, and particularly in Elephant and Castle?
Studying in London offers a valuable opportunity to learn civil engineering in a city where infrastructure, urban development, transport systems, and construction projects are part of everyday life. For me, this creates a connection between the engineering concepts I study and the built environment I experience around me.
My undergraduate education taught me the importance of understanding how engineering decisions affect structural performance, ground conditions, materials, and the long-term reliability of infrastructure. Living in London allows me to observe these principles in a wider urban context and appreciate the challenges involved in developing and maintaining a major city.
Elephant and Castle is a particularly beneficial location because it offers a diverse student community, excellent transport links, and access to professional events and career opportunities across London. Studying here also allows me to engage with the wider civil engineering community through opportunities such as my ICE Student Ambassador role. I believe this combination of academic learning, exposure to a dynamic city, and professional engagement helps me develop a broader understanding of engineering beyond the classroom and prepares me for opportunities in the UK and internationally.
Which experiences have shaped your journey and made you proudest?
One of the biggest highlights of my postgraduate journey is the opportunity to continue developing at LSBU after graduating with First Class Honours in Civil Engineering. Looking back at my undergraduate experience, I am particularly proud of receiving the ICE Student Award 2025, achieving 80% in my dissertation on hydropower station operation and downstream flow prediction using Artificial Neural Networks, and receiving a prize certificate for a group design project, alongside a WSP certificate associated with the project.
Each achievement represents a different aspect of my development, from independent research and analytical thinking to teamwork and professional engagement. My dissertation was especially memorable because it allowed me to explore how artificial intelligence could be applied to a civil and water engineering problem, encouraging me to think beyond traditional engineering approaches.
Beginning my MSc in Advanced Civil Engineering feels like a continuation of that journey rather than simply another qualification. I am also proud to represent LSBU as an ICE Student Ambassador for 2026/27, as it gives me an opportunity to encourage other students to pursue their interests in engineering. These experiences have made my postgraduate journey particularly rewarding and continue to motivate me to aim higher.
What support and professional opportunities have helped you grow at LSBU?
One of the aspects I value about studying at LSBU is the opportunity to learn within an academic environment where I can seek guidance, ask questions, and continue developing my skills. Having completed my undergraduate degree at the university, I understand the importance of communicating with lecturers, seeking feedback, and taking responsibility for my own learning.
Postgraduate study requires a more independent approach, particularly when analysing complex engineering problems, completing technical assignments, and developing critical thinking. Academic guidance and access to learning resources are therefore important in helping students adapt to these expectations.
I also value the opportunities to develop professionally through careers support, employability activities, and engagement with organisations such as the Institution of Civil Engineers. My experience of receiving the ICE Student Award 2025 and becoming an ICE Student Ambassador has shown me how valuable professional involvement can be alongside academic study.
I would encourage postgraduate students to make use of the support available, participate in university activities, and build relationships with both academic staff and fellow students. These connections can help students gain confidence, explore career pathways, and make the most of their university experience.
What advice would you give undergraduates considering postgraduate study at LSBU?
My advice to undergraduates considering postgraduate study at LSBU is to approach their degree with curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. During my BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, I learned that academic success is important, but so is the ability to apply knowledge, collaborate with others, and communicate technical ideas effectively.
Graduating with First Class Honours, receiving the ICE Student Award 2025, achieving 80% in my dissertation, and earning recognition through a group design project and WSP-related project experience have all contributed to my development in different ways. My dissertation also taught me that civil engineering offers opportunities to explore emerging areas, such as artificial intelligence and data-driven prediction, alongside traditional engineering principles.
I would encourage students to become involved with professional organisations such as the ICE, seek practical experience, attend events, and make connections with people working in the industry. Most importantly, do not feel that you need to have your entire career planned from the beginning. Be willing to learn, ask for guidance, and take opportunities that challenge you. My journey from undergraduate study to postgraduate education and becoming an ICE Student Ambassador has shown me that consistent effort and a willingness to grow can open doors you may not have initially imagined.