What were your reasons for taking on a postgraduate degree?

I chose to pursue this degree to deepen my understanding of statistical methods in health research, especially for application in public health and clinical trials. Having worked with large-scale datasets and research teams in India, I saw the need to enhance my technical and analytical skills to take on more advanced and impactful roles in health research and data analysis.

How did you decide to study at Strathclyde? 

Strathclyde stood out to me because of its focus on applied learning, the strong reputation of its Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and the course modules’ relevance to real-world health research.

The course’s balance between theory and practical skills, particularly with exposure to tools like R, SPSS, and SAS, aligned perfectly with my career trajectory. The University’s excellent reputation in research and its supportive academic environment made it an easy choice.

What do you like about your course and Strathclyde? 

The course is incredibly well structured and application-focused. I especially appreciate the way it integrates practical assignments with advanced statistical techniques relevant to public health and medical research. We’re not just learning statistical methods in abstract – we’re applying them to meaningful problems in health and medicine. The staff are approachable, supportive, and genuinely care about students’ development.

What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed whilst studying the course? 

I’ve strengthened my skills in biostatistics, epidemiology, and data analysis using R, SPSS, and SAS. I have learned how to interpret and critique health research using quantitative methods, built confidence in communicating statistical findings to different audiences, and gained hands-on experience through my industrial project. I’ve also gained experience working with different datasets, understanding issues around data quality, and applying statistical techniques to support the research questions and produce relevant output.

What are your ambitions for the future, and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?

My long-term goal is to work as a public health data analyst in the UK or internationally, contributing to evidence-based policy and health system improvement. The MSc at Strathclyde has provided me with the statistical grounding and practical experience needed to step confidently into these roles, particularly within the NHS or academic settings. It also lays the foundation for a future PhD, which I hope to pursue.

How have you found your time living in Glasgow, and what's your favourite thing about the city?

Glasgow has been incredibly welcoming. I’ve really enjoyed the rich cultural scene, green spaces, and the friendly atmosphere. It’s a city full of character, culture, and green spaces, but what stands out most is the friendly nature of the people. One of my favourite things is the city’s vibrant food scene, which offers a little taste of home and something new to try every day.

Has anything surprised you about living/studying here?

Yes – the genuine sense of community. Whether it’s professors, fellow students, or people in the city, there’s a strong culture of support and inclusivity. Also, I was surprised by how much support is available to international students, both academically and personally.

What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to study in Glasgow at Strathclyde?

Go for it! The academic experience is excellent, but what really makes it special is the sense of belonging. You’ll be supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow – both professionally and personally. Glasgow and Strathclyde together offer a great mix of learning, culture, and community.