What was your study and/or professional background prior to this programme?
My undergraduate degree was in Economics and Finance. After graduating, I was unsure about my career direction and whether I should apply for finance roles like many of my classmates.
Instead, I joined a consulting company specialising in risk management. Working with clients across different sectors helped me realise that business resilience is very important, especially in today’s uncertain and fast-changing environment. This was quite different from my undergraduate studies, where we mainly focused on financial performance, markets, and profit calculations.
This experience made me more interested in risk management, and I wanted to learn more about how risk analytics can be applied in a wider business context, especially as new technologies continue to change the industry.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?
After deciding that I wanted to focus on risk management and analytics, I researched different MSc programmes and found that the MSc Banking Innovation and Risk Analytics offered by the University of Edinburgh Business School aligned closely with my interests.
I was particularly attracted by the fact that the programme does not limit risk analytics to traditional finance, but also explores how risk, data, and technology can be applied across wider business contexts. The Business School’s strong reputation, international environment, and practical approach to learning also made it stand out to me.
In addition, Edinburgh is a historic and student-friendly city, and I felt it would offer both a supportive learning environment and an inspiring living experience.
About the programme
How many people are on your programme and what is the diversity mix like?
There are around 40 students on the programme, so it is a relatively small cohort. I see this as a strength, because it gives us more opportunities to interact with lecturers during classes and ask questions more easily.
The cohort is also very diverse in terms of nationalities, academic backgrounds, and professional experience. This diversity really enriches class discussions, as people often bring different examples from their own countries or industries. It creates a very open learning environment where we can learn not only from the lecturers, but also from each other.
What course(s) have you enjoyed the most so far and why?
The courses I have enjoyed the most are the quantitative ones, which all include working in Python in the computer labs. I like them because they combine theory with practical application. Instead of only learning statistical concepts or risk models in lectures, we also get the chance to apply them directly through coding, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
I think this is very important for both job applications and future career development, as employers increasingly value candidates who can work with data and explain what the results mean in a business context.
Student experience
Have you travelled to other parts of Scotland or the UK since arriving in Edinburgh?
I have travelled to a few places in Scotland whilst in Edinburgh. One of my favourite experiences was visiting the Scottish Highlands where I visited Glencoe, the Glenfinnan Viaduct - famous for the Harry Potter train scenes - and the Isle of Skye.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful, especially the mountains, lochs, and wide-open landscapes. It felt very different from city life in Edinburgh and gave me a better sense of Scotland’s natural beauty.
The most memorable part of the trip was visiting Blair Athol Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. It was interesting to learn about whisky-making as part of Scottish culture. I also tried a small glass of whisky there, and it was phenomenal.
What kind of accommodation are you living in and why did you choose that option?
I am currently living in private student accommodation near Holyrood. I chose this option mainly because of the location. For me, I prefer to live somewhere convenient but also close to green spaces.
The area around Holyrood is very nice because it is near Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat, so I can easily go for a walk when I want to relax or take a break from studying. At the same time, it is still quite convenient for going to the university, the city centre, and other places in Edinburgh. I also liked the idea of living in student accommodation because it feels safe and well-managed.
Have you been involved with any industry engagement activities so far?
The Business School has provided opportunities to attend guest speaker sessions, career-related workshops, and student development activities, which have helped me better understand how the knowledge we learn in class can be applied in real business contexts.
I am also currently working on a client-sourced dissertation project, which gives me the chance to engage with an external organisation. This has been a valuable experience because it allows me to apply risk analytics to a real-world business problem, while also developing my communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Looking ahead
Do you have any tips for people considering applying to the Business School?
My main advice would be to research the programme carefully and think about how it connects with your own interests and career goals. The Business School offers a very international and supportive learning environment, but it is also important to be proactive. Make use of academic resources, career support, and networking opportunities, and do not be afraid to ask questions or reach out to people.