Shola was impressed by the block-teaching offered on the part time programme as it allowed her to fit the course in with her full-time work commitments.
Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?
I have always been interested in Health Economics. My boss at work suggested I undertake a post graduate course in Health Economics and highly recommended the University of Birmingham to me even though it is 4 hours away from where I reside!. I then researched the University and a few others and found that the one week block teaching at the University would be ideal for me as I work full time. This meant I could study part-time and only come down to Birmingham the weeks I needed to for lectures. Also, the fact that the University has a train station of its own meant I could easily commute between my hotel accommodation and the University whilst in Birmingham for lectures.
What did you think were the best points of the course and the University?
The department is well organised, lecturers are very welcoming, respectful and are fair to students, always ready to support students and at the same time remain professional. Lectures are well structured and very interactive; feedback is always requested in order to improve the ways lectures are delivered. There is an effective two-way communication channel between students and lecturers through the student representatives and also the very polite, friendly and hardworking administrative staff.
The best part of being a student at the University and the Health Economics department is having people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities come together. This has fostered friendship, learning about different cultures, sharing of ideas and learning from one another.
The course is also very interactive and having guest lecturers on the course adds tremendous value to the course.
The most challenging part of the course for me is organising my time to get all my assignments done and study for my exams. However, with forward planning and good time management I was able to hand in all my assignments in time, study for my exams and have been rewarded with very good grades.
What advice would you give to current students studying on the course?
You won’t regret studying on this course as it is a very interesting course however you’ve got to start giving it all from day 1. It may look very tough like anything else but I can assure you, you’ll be rewarded at the end of it as hard work does pay!
How did you grow as a person by studying at University? Did it change your life in any way?
I am currently in a full time employment however, the course will open up more opportunities for me and allow me to work in a variety of organisations both public and private. I feel very confident, more knowledgeable in the area of Health Economics and ready to take on new challenges as the course has equipped me with all the necessary tools/skills to do this.