The university’s academic service has been a great help, especially with queries related to referencing styles for my dissertation. The career service was instrumental in refining my CV, enhancing my understanding of its structure. Additionally, the academic English courses offered for international students were crucial in my transition to the academic environment here. The sports and fitness centre has been another highlight, providing not just excellent facilities but also opportunities to make new friends in the basketball hall.

I am planning to pursue a PhD candidate position in the next year, ideally at the University of Birmingham.

The faculty, including course tutors, personal academic tutor, and dissertation supervisors, has been incredibly supportive.

Despite the large cohort size, group discussions are always well-facilitated.

My personal academic tutor, Jonathan, is always ready to be a good listener, which means a lot to a student who has just moved to a foreign country.

As for my dissertation supervisors, I really enjoy their workflow. They always give me very clear and logical instructions, and I feel the improvement of academic thinking in a short period of time. They have also sparked my interest in further academic education as I delve deeper into my dissertation work.

The group works and presentations have been invaluable in honing my presentation skills. My research capabilities, particularly structured writing, have advanced through numerous writing assignments and my dissertation work. Additionally, practical statistical skills have been sharpened during computer sessions.

The programme offers considerable flexibility in selecting modules that pique my interest, which has been fantastic. The courses are well-structured, and the assignment feedback is consistently insightful, aiding significantly in my academic development.

As a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and an instructor trainer for emergency first response, I’ve developed a keen interest in public health through my travels and first-hand observations of health challenges worldwide. This programme seemed perfectly aligned to deepen my understanding and enhance my ability to contribute meaningfully in this field.

I chose the University of Birmingham largely because of the positive experiences shared by several friends who are alumni. Their stories and the strong academic reputation of the university influenced my decision. Additionally, a collaborative graduate programme between my alma mater, Southern Medical University, and the University of Birmingham offered early involvement in academic learning. This was particularly appealing as it provided numerous research and internship opportunities, bridging the gap created by the years since my undergraduate studies.