Robert MacDonald

Course : BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
Award : Wakemans Law Prize
Robert’s prizewinning dissertation showed what a fantastic grasp this experienced estimator has of his subject. “It gave me a good level of understanding to take and then put into practice in a number of different disciplines…”

Rob MacDonald, an estimator for Birse Rail, was sponsored through his degree by his employer. His hard work – and at times it was very hard work! - resulted in a prestigious prize for his far-reaching dissertation. Now he’s keen to increase his responsibility and possibly pursue a chartership in the future.

Rob’s insightful and topical consideration of framework agreement in civil construction projects argued that partnering could and should be the way forward – and it demonstrated perfectly Robert’s impressive vision.

“The course gives a good grounding in many aspects of construction,” explains Rob, who most enjoyed “the satisfaction that the hard work paid off – particularly in the final year”.

There were times when excelling as he did really called for all his resources. “The final year took over my life, and it was a relief when it was over!” admits Rob. So would he recommend it? “Five years is a long time, but day-release courses do have their advantages …. and you’ll be better off for doing it.”

“Look at it as a day out of the office!” is Rob’s tip.