Receiving student finance, the Birmingham Masters Scholarship and the UGS scholarship, significantly supported my postgraduate journey by easing the financial burden of tuition fees. This tuition fee discount allowed me to save money to invest in my vision of creating a youth policy forum which I am still in the process of completing! I imagine a space where students passionate about policy can write about issues and solutions that resonate with them. This forum will be essential for fostering discussions among students and professionals, allowing us to share key policy concepts, skills, and perspectives. Together, we can advocate for pressing issues and navigate the complexities of the policy landscape more effectively. The funding not only enhanced my educational experience but also empowered me to contribute meaningfully to the field of policy.

During my postgraduate study at Birmingham, I hope to transform the way public policy is written, as policy needs to be written in a manner that inspires action, combined with clear and persuasive storytelling, to effect real and lasting change. The diverse range of modules offered in my postgraduate study aligns perfectly with my interests and career aspirations, providing me with the tools to engage deeply with various policy challenges. My goal is to develop innovative strategies that make policy more accessible and impactful, ultimately contributing to a more effective and responsive public policy landscape.

Engaging with my course’s varied selection of modules is what I’m most excited about. Every module offers a chance to explore various policy dilemmas and gain a sophisticated grasp of the pertinent topics. Working together with teachers and other students to share ideas and viewpoints that will improve my education also makes me look forward to learning at the University of Birmingham.

So far, my impressions of Birmingham have been really positive. The city has a lively and diversified atmosphere, which is reflected in its thriving cultural scene and welcoming community. As I am originally from Wolverhampton, I enjoyed exploring the combination of ancient and modern architecture and the range of restaurants in the city centre. The university campus is also incredible, with excellent facilities and a strong sense of academic community. I’ve also discovered that everyone here is pleasant and willing to share their stories, making it easier to connect with others.

I chose to pursue my postgraduate study, specifically in global public policy, because I’m passionate about addressing complex societal challenges that require nuanced, interdisciplinary solutions. The issue of honour-based abuse, in particular, is a global problem that intersects with law, human rights, culture, and gender issues. I wanted to explore how policy can effectively intervene and create long-lasting change in communities affected by these forms of abuse.

Hello, my name is Aiyesha, and I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Public Policy at the University of Birmingham. My academic journey began with a First-Class bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations, where I developed a strong interest in how policy affects social and environmental issues. Throughout my studies, I’ve become increasingly passionate about involving young people in decision-making processes. I believe their voices are crucial for creating impactful change, and due to this, I have been working as a freelance writer for over two years, focusing on climate restoration, social policy and youth advocacy. Living in the West Midlands, I’ve had the opportunity to share my perspectives in various publications, including Uprising, SAARI Collective, and New Student magazine, among others. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to making a difference in public policy and empowering the next generation.