Haya Alotaibi

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

I chose the University of Birmingham because of its excellent academic reputation, particularly in research and healthcare education. I wanted to study somewhere that would challenge me academically and help me grow both professionally and personally. The beautiful campus was also one of the things that attracted me to the University. As an international student, I was also excited by the diverse community and the opportunity to meet and learn from people from different countries and healthcare backgrounds. Overall, the University of Birmingham felt like the right place for me to grow, challenge myself, and make the most of my postgraduate experience.

What made you choose your course, and what interested you most about the subject?

As a pharmacist, I wanted to extend my knowledge beyond my undergraduate degree and build the confidence to apply evidence more effectively in practice. The MSc Clinical Pharmacy (International) particularly appealed to me because it brings together clinical knowledge, evidence-based practice, research, and patient-centred care. I was especially interested in understanding how pharmacists can contribute more actively to clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

What I enjoy the most is how much the course encourages us to think rather than simply memorise information. We are often presented with clinical cases and asked to evaluate the evidence, consider the individual patient, and justify our decisions, which really tests my abilities. I also really enjoy learning with pharmacists from different countries. Hearing about different healthcare systems and pharmacy practices has made discussions much more interesting and has broadened my perspective.

How would you describe the teaching, learning environment, and support from your lecturers?

The learning environment is interactive, supportive, and academically stimulating, encouraging me to develop and push myself further in a positive way. The lecturers encourage discussion and critical thinking, and I particularly enjoy that the cases discussed in class often reflect situations I have encountered in real practice. This makes the learning more relevant and helps me connect my previous experience with new knowledge. I have also learned a lot from the teaching team’s expertise and feedback, and I appreciate being encouraged to ask questions, articulate my own clinical reasoning, and become a more confident and independent learner.

How has your course helped you develop the knowledge and skills you'll need for your future career?

The course has significantly developed my clinical reasoning, research, communication, and evidence-based practice skills. I am now more confident in evaluating clinical evidence, using guidelines such as NICE, and applying my knowledge to complex patient cases. My research project in pharmacovigilance and causality assessment has also given me valuable experience in conducting qualitative research, interviewing participants, and critically analysing data. These are skills that I believe will be extremely valuable in my future career.

What are your career goals after graduation, and how has your course prepared you to achieve them?

My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and build a career that combines research, academia, and pharmacy practice. I have a particular interest in cardiovascular diseases, medication safety, and improving patient outcomes. This course has strengthened my interest in research and given me the confidence to consider an academic career. Conducting my own research project has been one of the most valuable parts of my MSc experience, as it’s shown me how research can identify gaps in practice and contribute to meaningful improvements in healthcare.

Recently you were selected for the Vice-Chancellor’s Lunch, can you share your experience of this.

I was very excited and honoured to be selected for the Vice-Chancellor’s Lunch, especially as it felt like a special reward and recognition for my hard work and high academic achievements. As an international student, it meant a lot to me and made me feel truly appreciated and valued as part of the University community. The lunch also helped me connect with other postgraduate and international students. During lunch, we had interesting conversations about our experiences of studying at Birmingham, life in the city, and the many activities and opportunities available both at the University and around Birmingham. It was exciting to share our different experiences and talk about what makes studying and living in Birmingham so unique. It was a memorable experience that made me even prouder to be part of the University of Birmingham.