Case Study

When I was first looking to study at university, I was searching for somewhere that was student friendly, had great quality lecturers who would be patient and help guide their students, especially someone like me from Africa. I was also looking for somewhere that had good facilities; somewhere peaceful and quiet as it helps me to engage my mind. The University of Sunderland met all my criteria and exceeded my expectations. The accommodation in Sunderland is also quite affordable and the University modules offered everything I wanted out of my degree.  

As a child I wanted to become a doctor, not only because I was interested in healthcare but also because I wanted to have an impact on the decision-making process within the health sector. I wanted to overturn some of the processes that were in place that I didn’t agree with such as refusing treatment without a deposit. I want to save lives and I could do so by being a higher figure in the administrative process.  

After seven years of trying, I finally was admitted a place at the University of Port-Harcourt in Nigeria where I graduated with a 2:1 in Human Anatomy. After university, I acquired skills in histopathology from my research project and did some part-time work reading and interpreting slides for BSc, MSc and PhD students. I then was appointed president of the Medical Health Community Development group where my interest in Public Health was awakened.  

My favourite part of the MSc Public Health course is the research. My dissertation was a qualitative study which enabled me to learn lots of different skills such as interview and analytical skills. The research allowed me to connect well with participants, gain a better understanding of the study objectives and become fully involved in the entire process and that’s why it was my favourite part.  

To anyone thinking of studying the course I would say be mentally ready; see the end from the beginning and start planning your graduation as soon as you get the offer of admission. Don’t see the course as a means, see it as you and give it your best shot. Be fully involved and engaged; ask lots of questions, no matter what the question is, how irrelevant it sounds, how inaccurate it appears, ask your lectures, your personal tutors and fellow students until you have been answered.  

I now hope to work for a while in a variety of public health roles including for the NHS, Public Health England and WHO to make the world a safer and healthier place. Eventually I want to study for my PhD in Psychology; I love teaching and helping others achieve something that seems difficult.” 

Published 18 November 2021