Questions

Did you receive any funding when applying for postgraduate study? How has it helped?

Yes, I received funding from the Aziz Foundation. The funding covers my tuition fees, thereby removing a substantial financial burden that allows me the opportunity to continue with my studies. Without the Aziz Foundation scholarship, I wouldn’t be doing a Masters.

Beyond the financial support, the Aziz Foundation has a vast network of scholars nationwide. When I started my Masters, I immediately got in contact with another Aziz Scholar studying at UoB. We’ve since become fast friends.

What do you hope to achieve during your postgraduate study at Birmingham?

During my postgraduate study, my primary goal is to refine my storytelling skills and develop a robust and distinct voice that can both empower and inspire. I aim to produce a portfolio of work that showcases my ability to write compelling, multifaceted narratives and reflects my commitment to authentic representation.

I hope to use this time to deepen my understanding of narrative techniques, experiment with new forms, and push the boundaries of my creativity. I want to fully engage with the rich learning environment, drawing from my professors’ expertise and my peers’ diverse perspectives. Through workshops and feedback, I intend to elevate the quality of my writing, ensuring that my stories resonate on a deeper level with a wider audience.

Additionally, I aim to use this opportunity to further develop my screenwriting abilities. I hope to turn some of my current projects into polished screenplays that I can eventually take into production. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the creative industries through stories that challenge existing narratives and provide a platform for underrepresented voices.

By the end of my studies, I aspire to grow as a writer and lay the foundation for a career where my work can create meaningful cultural impact, empowering others through the stories I tell.

What are you looking forward to most on your course?

What excites me most about the course is the opportunity to immerse myself in a community of like-minded writers and storytellers equally passionate about their craft. I am eager to learn from award-winning authors and gain new perspectives on the art of storytelling, especially when it comes to narrative structure, character development, and the exploration of complex themes. The chance to experiment with different forms and genres under expert guidance will be invaluable for my growth as a writer.

I’m particularly looking forward to the collaborative environment where I can exchange ideas with peers and faculty members who bring diverse experiences and viewpoints. I believe this will push me to refine my own storytelling, allowing me to develop more layered, nuanced narratives that reflect the richness of South Asian and Muslim experiences. Additionally, the course will provide the space and focus I need to work on my creative projects, from screenplays to prose, to produce work that challenges, heals, and inspires.

Ultimately, I am most excited about the transformative potential of this course to elevate my writing and storytelling to the next level, helping me realise my vision of creating narratives that empower and celebrate my community.

What have been your first impressions of Birmingham so far?

Having lived in Birmingham for three years, I have grown to love this city. Birmingham’s creative industries are on the rise, and its vibrant creative community is far more integrated and welcoming than London’s (where I’m from originally).

The past nine months have been particularly fruitful for my creativity. I’ve collaborated with and learned from many talented creatives, such as Omar Parvaz, a member of the BBC’s Comedy Room 2018, who guided me in writing my first original screenplay. I have also actively engaged with the Birmingham creative community by attending networking events, such as BYFN and Reel Brum, and working with organisations like Soul City Arts. The time is ripe for my creative career here in Birmingham, and I have a lot left to do in this city before I return to London.

What was your motivation for postgraduate study?

My motivation for pursuing postgraduate study stems from a desire to tell stories that not only entertain but also challenge, heal, and inspire. Over the years, I have developed a passion for creating authentic narratives that reflect my heritage as a British South Asian Muslim. However, while my undergraduate studies gave me a solid academic foundation, I often felt divided between my creative pursuits and more academic responsibilities. Now, I am ready to fully commit to my passion.

Through this Masters program, I aim to focus entirely on my craft under the guidance of award-winning storytellers. The University of Birmingham’s reputation as the top institution for Creative Writing aligns perfectly with my ambitions. My goal is to refine my storytelling skills and contribute to the UK’s cultural tapestry by creating narratives that empower and celebrate the richness of British South Asian and Muslim experiences. This next step in my education is critical to hone my voice as a writer and further develop the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to literature and film.

Tell us about yourself and your journey to postgraduate study.

I have always been passionate about storytelling, particularly exploring how narratives can uplift and empower underrepresented communities. My creative journey began alongside my undergraduate studies in Policy, Politics, and Economics, where I dedicated myself to writing and acting. Over the past four years, I have written over 50 blog posts and several short stories and screenplays that centre on South Asian and Muslim experiences, aiming to challenge stereotypes and broaden cultural representation within the media. My journey has also involved acting in various projects focusing on authentic portrayals of my community.

A pivotal moment in my journey occurred when I worked on Sounds of an Empire, a project exploring the legacy of Qawwali music. The project’s deep connection between storytelling and cultural heritage profoundly impacted me, reinforcing my commitment to creating stories that resonate with my community. This, combined with the mentorship from accomplished creatives, has motivated me to pursue a master’s in Creative Writing. I view my postgraduate studies as an opportunity to sharpen my craft, collaborate with other storytellers, and create narratives that reflect the diversity and richness of South Asian and Muslim communities.