Master's qualification ensures Deborah is a safe pair of hands

8 December 2017

UCLan student celebrates second master's degree

A dedicated health and safety advisor from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has completed her second master's degree to make sure she is at the forefront of industry developments.

Deborah Bamber, a Safety, Health and Environment Advisor at the University, celebrated gaining a distinction in MSc Fire Safety Engineering at her UCLan graduation this week following three years of study while working full-time.

The 48-year-old has worked at UCLan for over 10 years, first as a building surveyor before taking her career in another direction and working in health and safety for UCLan within the professional services.

Deborah said: “When I took the job I did several industry qualifications but I wanted more.  We used to bring consultants in for fire risk assessments so that’s when I decided to build on my existing qualifications and complete the master's so I could also take on this role.  I actually completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) a few years ago so this it was a big decision to jump back in but I’m glad I did.  What I’ve learned has been invaluable and the skills I’ve gained have really helped me to progress in my career.”

"When I took the job I did several industry qualifications but I wanted more."

Despite having so many qualifications, it’s the first time Deborah, who lives in Ashton with her partner Mehmet, has been to a graduation ceremony.  She is very much “UCLan through and through”, having completed a HND, a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying and her two master's courses at the University.

“This is the one I’m most proud of” she said.  “It’s been a big challenge and during the times when I thought I was mad to take it on I received so much support from my tutors, particularly Dr Tony Graham, Dr Kathryn Woolham O’Brien and Dr Jianqiang Mai.  The work I did during the course is already being fed into my role at UCLan so it was certainly worth the hard work.”