School of Social and Political Science

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Why did you choose to study your programme? And why Edinburgh?

My background is in medicine. After working for a few years as a clinician, I made the decision to leave clinical medicine and move into public health, working with the World Health Organisation (WHO). After this, I studied an MSc in Public Health at the University of Aberdeen. 

Following this I began working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), an agency of the United Nations. Working as a migration health officer, I worked within the health programme across multiple countries and led the emergency health team in Mozambique where I am currently based. 

After a few years working in the humanitarian sector, I realized I wanted to become less of a specialist and more of a generalist and understand better how I could link my career and experience to development. This started the idea of having another masters degree, which looked more at International Development. 

Why Edinburgh? Well, I had experienced living in Scotland, my brother currently studies in Aberdeen, at Robert Gordon University, and my Dad studied at the University of Glasgow. Scotland is a place we keep returning to, so studying at the University of Edinburgh was a no brainer. And, the cost of studying at Edinburgh was exactly what I was looking for. 

How did you get to where you are?

I've been working in Mozambique since 2021, mainly in emergency health response. However, more recently I've been working in the generalist aspects of emergency response and recovery, and particularly I've been supporting the implementation of area-based projects. There is a shift to an area-based approach of implementation, working closely with crisis-affected communities to develop solutions for them and with them. Alongside this, I continue to support the emergency health programme.

My work in emergency response and recovery enables me to contribute more into long term durable solutions, whilst supporting the emergency health programme. I can work and support in key areas across multiple sectors and projects, including Camp Coordination and Camp Management units (CCCM), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Displacement Tracking Matrix, Shelter, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). 

A highlight for me is just one thing – impact. In my current career, I see the lasting impact of every activity we do. Every action has a lasting impact on the ground, particularly when you are addressing the needs of people who are vulnerable. My work allows me to contribute to humanitarian emergency response, development, offer solutions and support recovery.

How have you used the knowledge and skills gained from your time at Edinburgh in your career journey? What did you gain from your time at the University?

I gained many things, from research and analysis skills, engaging with partners and colleagues, and critical thinking. The course enabled me to think in a very critical manner and have a broad perspective. I approach every project with a multi-dimensional mindset, asking how I can view it from different perspectives to reach the desired goal, drawing on lessons from past experiences, and ensuring I have both positive outcomes and clear actionable learnings.

International Development was incredibly useful as I have been moving to a more generalist career. I was able to study a range of courses that are still useful to me now. I can look back on my learnings and apply these to my current role. I chose to study online because I was working full-time and needed a learning option that could fit around my professional responsibilities. An in-person program would have been very difficult to manage, so the flexibility of online study allowed me to continue growing academically while still advancing in my career, and looking back, this was a good decision.

What 3 words describe your time studying at the School of Social and Political Science?

Challenging, transformative, empowering

What is your favourite memory from your time studying at the University of Edinburgh (or SPS)?

My online community is a highlight for me; I loved collaborating with them. It was super helpful to have this community. I also enjoyed working on my thesis, my supervisor Prof. Smith was incredibly supportive. I was quite busy, working and balancing my studies, and he was able to help me navigate this.

What advice would you give yourself if you were just starting your academic journey?

Be as flexible as possible. Trust yourself and do not be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.

Engage with academics and your classmates.

And take time to enjoy the programme and the city! If I was studying on-campus, I would make friends, get to know the local community and explore the city, not just the classroom.  

Written 2025