Maryna Oleksiienko-Terentyeva

A day in my life

A typical day in my student life depends on whether I have classes on a weekday evening or during the weekend.

On weekdays, lectures are usually scheduled in the evening, which makes it much easier for students who work full-time to combine work and study. I usually try to arrive earlier to avoid Dubai’s evening traffic. I enjoy spending that time on campus in the library reading, preparing for lectures, or simply using the quiet space to focus. Sometimes I also like to grab a small snack between classes. I actually tried Oman Chips for the first time on campus, and now I sometimes take them during breaks. After classes, most students usually head home quickly since it is already quite late. I often like to take a short walk in the DIAC park near the University, especially because the Dubai heat becomes much softer in the evening, and it is a nice way to unwind after studying.

On weekends, lectures are usually in the morning. During lunch breaks, I often spend time with my classmates. We usually grab a coffee or karak, chat, or sometimes play pool before the next class starts. It creates a really nice balance between studying and socialising. After classes, it feels like the weekend properly begins.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

The main reason I chose the University of Birmingham Dubai was the programme itself. I’m studying Financial Data Science, and when I was comparing similar masters programmes, I noticed that most of them were either focused only on Data Science or mostly on traditional Finance. I was looking for something in between where I could apply data science and analytical thinking, specifically within finance, so this one stood out to me immediately.

Of course, the University’s reputation also played a big role. Being part of a top 100 university worldwide gave me confidence that I would be getting a strong academic experience and a degree that is well recognised internationally.

I also liked the idea of studying at a UK university while being based in Dubai. It felt like the best of both worlds: strong academic standards together with the professional opportunities and international environment of Dubai.

What made the final difference for me was visiting the campus during the Open Day. Seeing the University in person, getting a feel for the environment, and learning more about the professors who teach on the programme made it feel much more real. After that, I knew this was the place I wanted to apply to.

Why did you choose to live and study in Dubai?

I moved here from Ukraine because of the war, so when my husband and I were deciding where to relocate, safety was one of our biggest priorities. At the same time, we were also looking for a place where we could continue building our careers and create some stability for the future. Dubai felt like the right balance of both.

Of course, we were a little worried at first. The climate, the culture, and even the way the city works felt very different from what we were used to. But in reality, Dubai turned out to be much more comfortable and welcoming than we expected. It is a very international city, very clean, and well-organised, which made the transition much easier.

Dubai is a place where people from all over the world come to study and work, so it creates a very diverse and motivating atmosphere. For someone interested in finance, data, and international career opportunities, being here feels especially valuable because the city is growing quickly and has strong connections to global business and investment markets.

When I moved here, I also decided that I wanted to continue my academic journey and challenge myself with something new. That was when I started looking for universities in Dubai, and eventually found the University of Birmingham and the Financial Data Science programme, which felt like the right next step for me.

After living in Dubai for almost two years, I also came to appreciate how much the city encourages an active lifestyle. I really like how sport-oriented the community is here. I also love places like Alserkal Avenue, with its constantly changing exhibitions and creative atmosphere, which adds another side to life here beyond work and study.

What made Birmingham Dubai the right place to study Financial Data Science

I chose to study MSc Financial Data Science because it combines the two areas I have always been most interested in: analytical problem-solving and finance.

My academic background is in Physics, which taught me to think mathematically and approach complex problems in a structured way. After graduation, I worked as a Data Analyst in product-based IT companies, where I gained practical experience with data, decision-making, and business strategy.

Over time, I became more interested in how these analytical skills could be applied in finance, especially in areas like quantitative analysis, investment strategies, and financial modelling. I wanted a programme that would help me move in that direction and build a stronger bridge between my technical background and the financial industry.

Financial Data Science felt like the right choice because it is not only theoretical but also practical, and it opens opportunities in both data-driven and finance-focused careers.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

Since I study part-time, it allows me to combine education with work and professional development, which is very important for me. The programme is definitely challenging because it brings together finance, mathematics, and data science, and sometimes switching between these areas can be demanding. At the same time, that is exactly what makes it interesting, because it helps me build a broader skill set and see connections between different fields.

We are also the first cohort of this programme, so the learning experience feels quite personal. Our group is not very large, which means there is more direct communication with professors and a closer academic environment.

One thing I really appreciate is the diversity of people here. My classmates come from different countries and professional backgrounds, so even simple conversations during breaks can give you new perspectives and ideas.

One of the most memorable events for me was at the beginning of the semester, called “From Classroom to Capital Markets: Bridging Academia and Industry”. It was a panel discussion with professionals from finance and investment, and it was really inspiring to hear their different career paths and industry perspectives. It felt like a great way to start the semester and helped connect what we study in class with the real professional world. I also really enjoyed the Coffee & Conversations event for women, which focused on inspiration, confidence, and empowerment. We also had a professor visiting from the UK, which made the discussion even more interesting and valuable.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

The professors and academic staff have been approachable and helpful whenever I had questions, whether it was about coursework, assignments, or understanding more difficult topics. Since the programme is quite technical, having that support makes a big difference.

I also appreciate the flexibility of the part-time format, which makes it possible to balance studying with work and personal responsibilities. This was one of the key reasons I chose the programme, and it has helped me stay consistent with my studies.

The University also creates opportunities beyond lectures through networking events, guest speaker sessions, and communication with professionals from the industry. Even small things like having a comfortable library space and a good campus environment help make studying easier and more enjoyable.

I received a scholarship that covers part of my tuition fees, which has been a very important support for me during my studies. As an international student, financial planning is a big part of the decision-making process, so having partial tuition support made continuing my education much more manageable and gave me more confidence in pursuing the programme.

Advice for students

My advice to prospective students would be to make the most of your time both inside and outside the classroom.

If you have the opportunity to live close to the University, I would definitely recommend it. It makes student life much easier, gives you more time and energy, and helps you feel more connected to campus life.

Try to attend social events, join sports clubs, and be open to meeting new people. University is not only about lectures and assignments. A lot of valuable experiences come from the people you meet along the way.

I would also say it is important to build personal connections with your classmates and professors. Having good relationships with people around you makes studying much more enjoyable, and these connections can also be very valuable for your future career.

Time at university passes much faster than you expect, so it is important to appreciate it and try to get the most out of it. In general, don’t limit yourself to just classes; being part of the university community is what makes the experience much more memorable.