Can you tell us a bit about your background and why you
are returning to study?
After completing high school in Qatar, I began exploring options for my
bachelor’s degree and found that biomedical sciences piqued my
interest. In 2018, at 18, I travelled to Malaysia as it would offer me an
opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and cuisines, complementing
my undergraduate experience. Upon returning home after graduation, I
found myself at a crossroads as I wanted to pursue something that
transcends research and the laboratory setting – to contribute to global
health and wellness. This led me to study Master of Public Health (MPH)
online at the University of Sheffield.
How do you feel at the start of studying at postgraduate
level online?
At the beginning of my MPH course, I felt both excited and nervous.
Delving into a course that is different from that of my bachelor’s was
intriguing but at the same time, I was uncertain about how the transition
to postgraduate studies, particularly in an online format, would unfold.
Fortunately, the university’s comprehensive information resource and
constant support quelled my concerns. Chatting with final-year students
further offered me a clearer perspective on what to expect. To me, the
best part about an online master’s degree is being able to study at your
own pace from the comfort of home.
How did you research and decide on the course?
Initially, I was torn between choosing biomedical science-related courses
and public health for my master’s degree. So, I considered the
curriculum, course accreditation and reputation of several universities for
those fields. I also read reviews from students who had taken similar
courses. In the end, I decided that studying MPH at the University of
Sheffield would be a great fit for me, given that the course aligned with
my interests and the university has a strong reputation for academic
excellence and an expert faculty.
Is this your first experience with online learning? How are you managing your time and fitting study in?
Yes, this is my first time studying online. Having been accustomed to
traditional classroom settings during my undergraduate years, it’s
refreshing to experience the flexibility that online learning offers. This
flexibility has allowed me to tailor my study schedule to fit my personal
rhythm, accommodating other commitments. I was initially a bit lost while
navigating the online platform, Blackboard, that my university uses but
quickly got a hang of it. Course modules are well organised, with
supplementary resources and discussion boards to interact with the
module leaders and peers. It’s easier to keep track of deadlines and
updates with announcements on Blackboard. I manage my time by
setting aside dedicated study hours each week to focus on coursework
and participate in online discussions. I try to stick to my study schedule
as much as possible.
From your experience so far of researching, selecting and
starting online study, what advice would you give to
someone at the start of the process?
My advice to someone at the start of the process would be to first take
your time and do your research. Consider factors such as accreditation,
faculty credentials, and the support services offered by the university.
Make sure that you choose a course that is a good fit for your needs and
interests, plus contact the university for the prospectus and further
enquiries, and read student reviews regarding your course. Next, after
enrolling, create a study schedule that will allow you to balance your
work, personal life, and studies. Establish dedicated study hours and set
realistic goals and reminders to stay on track with coursework. Also,
discipline is key in online learning. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for
help if you encounter challenges. Whether it’s technical issues,
academic concerns, or the need for clarification on course content,
universities offer support services to assist online learners, such as
discussion boards and online workshops.
