Thomas McKenzie

BSc Music, Multimedia and Electronics

I was originally looking at music technology courses, but wanted something with more of an academic edge - for better job prospects.  Music Multimedia and Electronics seemed a good blend of my Physics / Maths background and my musical background. I chose Leeds (over York!) because it's a bigger city, more welcoming, great music scene and nightlife. Leeds University is also a good place to study. The best aspect of the course is the hands on approach to learning - with the projects.

I am currently working for a company called DACS Ltd. I wanted to do a year in industry partly because I felt a year in work would be a good way of preparing myself for my final year, with the chance of inspiration / ideas for my final year project. It would also give me a great reference for when I finish my degree. It's a chance to put into practise the skills I have acquired during my first two years.

I work in the technical department of DACS. I do lots of different things - such as repairing equipment from local clubs / bars / studios etc. The most likely scenario is a 'broken' CD player from a club - that the DJ had spilt a drink in!

I also manufacture and test the products DACS sells. This involves populating printed circuit boards (PCBs) and harnessing. We also do lots of installations for bars / clubs / studios. I have been around a fair bit, including places in Sunderland, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Northumbria. The jobs vary a lot, from running cables to putting up speakers to connecting mixing desks and equipment.

Outside of my studies I am a keen performer and song writer - I played solo gigs and I was also in a band in my first two years. We played a range of venues around Leeds. I also play football and tennis with friends

My A levels were Music Technology, Physics and Maths. If you're interested in science and music, this could well be the right course.