Siblings Aishwarya and Ashish, who built the early stages of their fire engineering careers in Dubai, chose to press pause on professional life to pursue Ulster University’s MSc in Fire Safety Engineering together – a decision they say transformed both their technical expertise and their confidence.
Graduating today from Ulster University at ICC Belfast with an MSc in Fire Safety Engineering, the Ashok siblings reflect on a year of intensive learning, professional growth and shared ambition.
Arriving in Northern Ireland, they were looking for a programme that combined scientific rigour with practical relevance. At Ulster University, they found modules and teaching that helped them deepen their understanding of fire behaviour, human safety and building performance – connecting their industry experience in Dubai with the specialist knowledge needed for advancement.
Aishwarya Ashok said:
“The quality of teaching and the global perspective at Ulster were major factors in our decision. We wanted a place where we could step back from industry, strengthen our foundations, and return to the field with a higher level of confidence and capability. Belfast offered exactly that.”
They also found a city that was easy to settle into. Friendly classmates, approachable and supportive lecturers and the positive campus learning environment helped them adapt quickly, while the pace and character of Belfast offered a welcome contrast to their busy professional lives in Dubai.
Throughout the year, they immersed themselves in opportunities that broadened their understanding of the field – from volunteering at the annual Fire Safety Engineering Symposium to engaging with researchers and industry specialists visiting the campus. A visit to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service provided invaluable insight into how engineering decisions translate into real-world emergency response.
One of the most significant achievements came when Ashish received the Best Dissertation Award for his research, Experimental and Computational Investigation of LED-Based Façade Fires in Mixed-Use Buildings: Implications for Codes and Standards. His work explores an emerging area of global concern and adds meaningful evidence to ongoing discussions about façade safety in modern construction.
Both siblings will graduate with distinction on 10 December 2025.
Professor Neale Blair, Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, said:
“Aishwarya and Ashish exemplify the global mindset and commitment that define today’s fire engineering profession. Their achievements reflect both their hard work and the strength of the programme in preparing graduates to address emerging safety challenges worldwide.”
As they prepare to return to Dubai, Aishwarya and Ashish say the programme has strengthened not only their technical capability but also their ambition.
They said:
“Choosing Belfast and Ulster University was a strategic step for us. The programme has expanded our perspective, refined our skills, and given us the confidence to take on more complex work as fire engineers. It has shaped the direction of our careers in a way we couldn’t have achieved without stepping away to study.”
They plan to celebrate their graduation with family in Belfast before returning to the Gulf, ready to contribute to safer and more resilient building design in one of the world’s fastest-growing urban regions.
Their message to future students considering the programme reflects their own experience:
“If you’re serious about advancing in fire safety engineering, Ulster University offers the right level of challenge, support and industry relevance. It’s a place where your career can genuinely move forward.”
