Radhu Patel

A day in my life

I had classes on the weekends, and sessions were rarely just lectures. They were highly participative, with case discussions, group activities, and problem-solving exercises that made learning genuinely engaging.

We explored how businesses can grow while also creating positive social and environmental impact. Many of my assignments helped me connect theory with real-world issues like circular economy, responsible innovation, sustainable business models, and climate challenges. Most importantly, I was always aware of the planet side of sustainability, but the course taught me how equally important the people side is.

A lot of my day involved working with classmates, discussing ideas, preparing assignments, or just learning from different perspectives in the classroom.

Overall, my student life felt like a good mix of learning, teamwork, creativity, and meaningful conversations. It made the course feel enjoyable and helped me become more confident in sharing my ideas.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

I chose the University of Birmingham Dubai because it gave me the chance to study a globally recognised UK degree in Dubai, with financial support through a 40% scholarship.

The Dubai campus also stood out to me because of how beautifully it is built, with lots of greenery and open spaces, which really aligned with the sustainability focus of the course. I also liked that I could study with people from different backgrounds while still feeling welcomed and supported as part of a respected UK university.

I chose to live and study in Dubai because it offers a truly global environment while still feeling safe and welcoming. The city is very diverse, so I got to meet people from many different cultures, which made my experience richer both personally and academically. I also felt a strong sense of acceptance; people are warm and open, which made it easy to feel at home. Another big advantage was how convenient it is to travel to and from Surat in India, where I am from.

I attended an Online Open Day for the same course at the UK campus, as I had initially applied there and received an offer, but eventually chose Dubai because it offered me a significantly higher scholarship. The session was really helpful because I got to hear directly from the professor about the course, and the meaningful work they go on to build after graduation. It gave me a clearer idea of how the course could support someone like me wanting to move towards sustainability and entrepreneurship.

What made Birmingham Dubai the right place to study Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship?

I originally come from a Computer Engineering background, but sustainability was always something I was very curious about. Over time, especially with the growing rise of sustainability-focused ventures, I realised this is an area I genuinely wanted to explore and eventually build something of my own in.

The MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship course felt like the perfect bridge for me. It allowed me to move from a technical background into the world of business, innovation, and sustainability. It aligned really well with my long-term goal of starting a small sustainability-focused venture.

What stood out to me was how the course combined sustainability with entrepreneurship across different contexts. It helped me understand how to identify gaps, develop viable ideas, and think about solutions that have strong potential but have not yet been fully explored or implemented.

I would say learning under Dr Fiona Oster and Dr Abdullah Al Mamun has been inspiring. They really encourage you to think critically, share your ideas, and look at problems from different perspectives.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

My student experience has been really positive. I have made some really close friends from different cultural backgrounds, which made everyday campus life more fun and meaningful. I also enjoyed spending time in the campus open spaces during breaks, discussing ideas, having conversations, or just unwinding after classes.

The on-campus events and festival celebrations also made student life feel more lively, inclusive, and memorable.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

Coming from an Indian education background, I was initially quite nervous about academic writing and the assignment style, but I felt guided and supported every step of the way. The professors were always approachable and genuinely helpful, especially when it came to research-based assignments and feedback. We also had access to useful academic resources and support services that made it easier to manage coursework.

I received a 40% scholarship, which was a significant support in making my studies more accessible.

Advice for students

My advice would be to stay open, ask questions, and make full use of the support around you. The MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship course is very practical and interactive, so the more you participate, discuss ideas, and take guidance from professors, the more you will gain from it.

The professors are genuinely open and respectful of different perspectives. They believe that no one knows it all and that we are all here to learn from each other’s experiences. So participate, take feedback positively, and make the most of the supportive learning environment at Birmingham Dubai.