School of Social and Political Science

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What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh? 

The University of Edinburgh is a world-renowned educational institution, especially for its research focus. However, what principally attracted me to this University was the esteem of the Centre of African Studies and its aim at decolonizing the study of Africa. It’s extremely difficult to find an established centre like CAS that is also actively pursuing ways to improve the epistemic nature of studying the continent. In the end, I think that was one of the determining factors for me.

In my extensive search for a seasoned program, I was intent on finding a program that provided a strong teaching structure and quality content. CAS provides an impressive number of professors and staff with knowledge and experience in working on diverse topics across the continent. For myself, it was important that I could learn from professors who could speak from their personal and research experiences in Africa, rather than just reading about it.

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I was also in search of an enjoyable master’s experience, and this meant finding a city that provided the right balance of leisurely activities as well as a student-centred atmosphere. My research on Edinburgh reflected that perfect balance that I needed to be able to focus on my studies while also exploring amazing sites across the city.

Overall, having completed my undergraduate education at the University of Waterloo, Canada, moving to Edinburgh was a huge shift. However, I feel very assured that I made the right choice coming to the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more about the Centre of African studies

How have you enjoyed the programme? 

This program has exceeded my expectation in several ways. Africa and International Development provides a variety of courses and delves deep into both the theoretical and practical aspects of international development practice in Africa. It attempts to contextualize the material provided through localized, country-specific cases and equips students with enough independence to drive their research in the direction they wish. The push to critically evaluate our understanding of existing structures and institutions is entrenched in every lecture, seminar and tutorial.

Most importantly, I’ve met amazing colleagues with extensive knowledge and experiences from across the continent. I feel as though I’ve learnt just as much in class settings as I have outside of the classroom, and to me, that is of intangible value.

Find out more about MSc Africa and International Development

Involved in any student societies? 

I’m a student representative for the MSc Africa and International Development program. It has allowed me to not only become a facilitator for student-staff communication but allowed me to voice the comments and concerns of fellow colleagues. The experience has been so valuable to building strong relationships with colleagues and understanding the general sentiments of the course material and the school at large.

Had a part-time job whilst studying?

I continue to work as a part-time researcher and have learned to balance my work-study life. The best thing you can do is to dedicate a space for your study and a separate space for your work. It will help you keep the two separate and provide a catered environment for the mindset you need to be in. I would also recommend scheduling your study dates at the beginning of the term, especially for mid-term assignments and finals. You’ll find yourself being more accountable for these dates once assignments begin to overlap.

Aims after University

As I embark on my research topic, I’ve thought a lot about my aims beyond my master's. I would hope to continue this intellectual journey in a practical space by travelling to Ethiopia to pursue fieldwork. Although I have plans to pursue a PhD, I would benefit from a deeper understanding of the country's context and build my academic and career network.

I know that research is a passion of mine, and although I’m not certain of the future I’m confident that I will discover a way to make my contribution to the study of Africa invaluable.

What would you say to your past self before starting the course?

For someone who identifies as Ethiopian, born in Sudan, and having spent the better part of my life in Canada, it can be difficult to understand my position in studying the continent of Africa. I was especially hesitant about how a diasporic background would impact my educational perspective and my career trajectory. 

However, I would assure my past self of the validity of having these hesitations because I would end up meeting many others who can understand and relate to my perspective. The colleagues I’ve met would provide the most exceptional spaces to have these conversations about awareness, positionality and reflexivity that would feed into my research and personal intellectual journey.

(Written in 2022)