Allan
Ssembuusi

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

"I chose to study a postgraduate degree because I wanted to gain advanced knowledge and skills for achieving my career aspirations. I aspire to become a global public health academic and researcher. Specifically, I aspire to become a lecturer in Uganda and one of the qualifications required is a postgraduate degree (Masters and PhD)."

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

"First, I was targeting the scholarship offered by the NTU – the Makerere University partnership for students aspiring to do the MA Public Health at NTU. Secondly, having visited NTU in 2023 as part of the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme for two months, I fell in love with NTU especially in terms of the support given to students, the large number of academic facilities available and the teaching methods. I specifically liked the support given to international students especially through the International Students office and the Global Lounge."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

"My experience has really been nice. First of all, I like the course structure and the assessment mode of essay writing, different from writing exams which is done back home. This has greatly improved my scientific writing skills that are essential for my career aspirations. Secondly, the course delivery mode is so special with class discussions and assignments with scenarios."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"I participated in one of the assignments that required us to visit the community and assess the public health issues in such communities, which we presented in class in groups. This gave me an opportunity of interacting with the community which has different structures from those in my country, which is a low income country."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"To me, it means assessing the needs in a particular society and coming up with solutions to address such needs."

On placement…

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"I attended placement at Healthwatch Derbyshire where I participated in many health advocacy and public health activities. The organisation collects feedback from users of health and social care services and comes up with recommendations to the service providers. I was engaged in ‘enter and view’ exercises where we visited hospitals to assess their services and client satisfaction. I also supported writing reports and recommendations as well as reviewing other documents such as NHS appointment letters, hospital websites, and analysing client feedback.

This gave me a credible experience working in a health organisation within a high-income country. I plan to start up similar health advocacy activities back home using the experience I gained. I plan to start up a health advocacy NGO in Uganda."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"One of the most memorable moments was when I attended the staff meeting where the staff discussed the progress of the organisation in the first quarter of the year. I was impressed with the many projects the organisation runs and was pleased to share my experience working with them. I shared my plans of starting a health advocacy NGO using the experience I gained, and they all promised to support me achieve my dream where needed."

Support…

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?  

"The support is awesome. I liked that we are assigned personal tutors who regularly discuss our progress and guide us whenever possible and needed. In fact, most of the tutors are approachable and willing to help."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"Since I was the course representative, it was easy for me to make friends. In fact, all my classmates are my friends. Through these, I was able to make more and more friends which also helped me to settle in properly."

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After NTU, I plan to go back to Makerere University, Uganda where I was volunteering as a Research Associate before coming to NTU, to continue with this role as I look for PhD opportunities. After my PhD, I will apply for a role as a lecturer at the same university."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"There have been several events especially from employability and career guidance team where they guided us in our future career prospects. I also attended several appointments with the employability team that helped improve my CV and cover letters."

As an International Student…

Why did you want to study in the UK?

"UK provides world class education. I was confident that the knowledge and skills I was going to gain were to be top notch to support me in my career aspirations.

My best experience has been making international friends."

What advice would you give to help new international students get settled in at university?

"First, they should plan to arrive early in the country.

Secondly, they should plan to attend orientation sessions and welcome events.

Thirdly, try as much as possible to attend lectures regularly.

Lastly, make friends as these will help them not to feel lonely in a foreign country."