What was your study and/or professional background prior to this programme?
Before joining the programme, I did a sociology undergraduate degree, as I was interested in how people and institutions interact. However, at that stage, I didn’t have any clear career goals.
I then started working for the House of Commons, where I supported a Member of Parliament in his duties. This gave me lots of insight into how policy decisions affect individuals in practice, as well as how organisations and public services operate under pressure.
During this time, the government was working on the Employment Rights Bill and I learnt a lot about employment regulation and workplace rights. This is where I realised I wanted to pursue a career in HR.
The MSc in Human Resources Management (HRM) provided a clear bridge between these career paths. I’ve been able to build on my previous knowledge through modules like ‘Managing Employment Relations’ and ‘Essential Employment Law’, which has felt like a full circle moment - connecting what I observed in practice with the theory behind it.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?
I was drawn to Edinburgh for both the academic reputation of the Business School and the experience of living in the city itself. The HRM programme’s CIPD accreditation was a major pull factor, as it’s highly valued by employers and would otherwise be time-consuming and costly to pursue independently. I was also drawn by the work of the Student Development Team and felt they would add real value to my time here.
Alongside this, Edinburgh felt like the ideal place to study. The city offers a balance between being vibrant and international, but also moments of peace and easy access to nature, which has been a huge part of my experience here.
Student experience
How many people are on your programme, and what does a typical day look like?
There are around 40–50 students on the programme, with a really diverse mix of nationalities and professional backgrounds. That diversity really adds to class discussions, as people bring different perspectives and ideas from their own countries or industries and we can learn from each other.
A typical day in term time usually involves a mix of lectures or seminars, followed by independent study or group work. There is a good balance of taught and self-directed learning, so I spend a lot of time reading, preparing for classes, or working in the Business School or nearby cafés. Our course set up a regular study group, which has been especially helpful in the run up to deadlines.
Have you joined any clubs or societies?
When I first arrived, I wanted to try something completely new, so I joined the University’s Hillwalking Club, and it’s been one of the highlights of my time here.
I’d never climbed a mountain before, so I was nervous at first, but I climbed The Cobbler in Arrochar in my first week and have since summitted around ten Munros (a Scottish mountain with a summit over 3,000 feet). The club caters to all abilities - they run fortnightly weekend trips to the Highlands where you stay overnight in hostels, as well as day trips in and around Edinburgh. It’s been a great way to explore Scotland while meeting people from across the university, and I’ve made some great memories.
During Welcome Week, I also signed up for taster sessions in activities like touch rugby, wakeboarding and rock climbing. There are so many options and I had a great time testing out what I like. My classmates are involved in everything from archery to sailing - there really is something for everyone.
What do you like to do outside of your studies? How do you spend your weekends?
I spend a lot of time outdoors. I live close to Arthur’s Seat, so I often go for walks there. I didn’t grow up around hills so the view never gets old and the sunsets over Edinburgh and the coastline are stunning.
At weekends, I like exploring beyond the city centre. The Pentland Hills, Granton beach and South Queensferry are all easy to get to by bus, and Leith has a great café scene where I often spend time with friends. A particular favourite is the board game café, where we can easily spend all day drinking consecutive hot chocolates. In the evenings, I enjoy going out in the New Town or attending the occasional ceilidh!
Have you done any travel to other parts of Scotland or the UK since arriving in Edinburgh?
I’ve been able to travel quite a lot across the Highlands, including trips to Glencoe, the Cairngorms, Arrochar, Crianlarich and Torridon. The landscapes are really striking - I’ll never forget the view of the three sisters of Glencoe.
It's surprisingly easy to reach these places - within a couple of hours on public transport, it’s possible to step out of the city and into something much quieter and more remote.
Being based in Edinburgh also makes it easy to travel within the UK, so I’ve been able to visit friends and family in cities like London, Newcastle and Manchester.
What kind of accommodation are you living in and why did you choose that option?
I chose to live in student accommodation, which has worked really well for me. As I’m only here for one year, it made things straightforward. My contract aligns with the length of the course, the shared spaces are cleaned weekly, and there’s always support available if needed.
It’s also been a great way to meet people, as there are regular social events and trips organised by the resident assistants. Living so centrally has made it easy to get around the city, so overall I’m really happy with my choice. That said, I know people who have equally enjoyed private rented flats - it depends on your priorities.
Advice for prospective students
Do you have any tips for people considering applying to the Business School?
Be open to new experiences and make the most of everything available to you. The academic side can be demanding, but there are also so many opportunities outside of the classroom that really shape your experience.
Stepping out of my comfort zone, whether that’s joining a society, a consulting project, or exploring somewhere new, has been the most rewarding parts of my time here and I know I will value that personal development for the rest of my career.