Why I chose to study PhD Applied Health Sciences at Birmingham

From a very young age, I was known for being curious and inquisitive. I would play with the toys my parents bought me for a few days, then dismantle them just to see what was inside and how they worked. This natural curiosity stayed with me as I grew older. During my high school years, I often found myself spending time in the library, reading widely and exploring different subjects.

One area that captured my attention more than any other was Health Sciences, particularly medical and public health topics. I enjoyed reading scientific and medical articles online, driven by a genuine interest in understanding how health systems work and how health can be improved at both individual and population levels. When the time came to choose my post-secondary education, I knew I wanted to pursue a field that aligned my passion with a meaningful and impactful career.

I therefore completed my Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences, majoring in Public Health, in my home country. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I undertook coursework and internships in Epidemiology and Infection Control, Health Nutrition, Quality Assurance, and Food Hygiene and Safety. Group projects and academic assignments helped me develop strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills, alongside valuable practical experience. I graduated with strong academic standing, and due to my academic performance and active participation in departmental activities, I was offered a position as a faculty member in the Public Health department, which further strengthened my commitment to academic and research careers.

Choosing the right university for my PhD was not an easy decision. I spent a considerable amount of time researching institutions, with a strong focus on academic reputation, research excellence, and alignment with my research interests. One of the key factors that attracted me to the University of Birmingham was its outstanding global reputation in medical and health-related research.

The University of Birmingham is consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions, for example:

• In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 - Life Sciences & Medicine is ranked 59th globally, Medicine 67th, Dentistry 23rd, and Anatomy & Physiology 36th.
• In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 - Clinical and Health subjects are ranked 66th worldwide.
• In the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 - Birmingham’s research strength was particularly evident, with Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care ranked in the top five in the UK, and Clinical Medicine ranked joint 11th for research quality.

Beyond rankings, what truly distinguished the University of Birmingham for me was its global outlook and regional relevance. The presence of the University of Birmingham Dubai campus was especially important, as my PhD research focuses on promoting physical activity among populations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Having a university that operates both in the UK and the Middle East creates a unique academic environment that bridges global research excellence with regional impact.

Another decisive factor was my supervisor, who is not only an expert in public health but also the Director of the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai. His expertise, leadership, and understanding of public health challenges in the GCC region strongly aligned with my research interests. After several meetings and discussions, I felt confident that Birmingham was the institution where my research could truly develop and make a meaningful contribution.

Although I received other PhD offers, including from universities in Australia and the UK, I strongly felt that the University of Birmingham was the right place for me academically and personally. I believed and still believe that I could bring a unique combination of academic background, professional experience, and passion for public health research to Birmingham’s postgraduate community.

Beginning my PhD journey at the University of Birmingham has been an exciting and fulfilling step, and I am proud to be part of an institution that values research excellence, global engagement, and real world impact.

In my next blog, I will share how to make the most of your PhD journey. For now, my advice is simple: be confident in your decisions, take responsibility for your path, and commit to giving your very best in everything you do.