Student Profiles
Asil Sidahmed
Asil has been studying for an MPhil in Development Studies at Wolfson College. She was born in Sudan and has previously studied in the UK before enrolling at Oxford.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford to do your chosen course?
Having studied Anthropology, I wanted training in other disciplines such as economics and politics. Oxford’s graduate courses are often two years, unlike many other universities, and I wanted to have more time to get to grips with some new subjects. Oxford is also the top university for Development Studies in Europe, and the course is both competitive and comprehensive.
What is your favourite thing about Oxford?
The people and the libraries! As a social scientist, I can try a different library every day. Oxford is an amazing combination of tradition and modernity. One day you could go to a formal dinner at Christ Church and the next you’ll cycle past the Science Parks where cutting-edge research is taking place. Oxford is also ideologically diverse, more so than some other institutions.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree and how will a degree from Oxford help you achieve this?
I would like a career that mixes policy and academia through research. Oxford has provided me with rigorous research training and taught me to engage with sources and contextualise authors in a way I hadn’t done previously. I feel like I am a better researcher now than I was before.
What are the facilities and staff like within your department?
Wonderful! The staff are very supportive. The department is a hugely diverse, multidisciplinary department with economists, historians, statisticians etc.
What advice would you give to anyone considering graduate study at Oxford?
Know what you want to get out of the experience. The time goes by so quickly that you have to learn to prioritise. It is enticing to focus completely on your studies (they’re why you’re at Oxford after all!) but Oxford is also a great time to network, make friends and build relationships that will last long after your studies – it’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
I would also recommend that you choose your research topic before you arrive.
Can you tell us a bit about your extra-curricular activities?
Last year I was the Women’s Officer for the Africa Society (AfroSoc). Every year we host the Pan African Conference, as well as putting on food nights and the infamous AfroBop, characterised by contemporary African beats! During my time as Women’s Officer, I also began AfroSoc Ladies. Oxford was very supportive in helping me to set up my organisation, and there are lots of societies looking for new members at the Freshers’ Fair. I’ve never seen anything like it!
I was also involved with the Campaign for Racial Awareness and Equality and the Youth in Africa Development and Leadership Alliance. It was originally based in Harvard and we set up the first UK branch here in Oxford. We hope to run the first Model African Union next year, with the objective of increasing youth participation in the African Union.
Sishuwa Sishuwa
Sishuwa is currently studying for a DPhil in History at St Cross College. He is a Rhodes Scholar and previously studied at the University of Zambia.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford to study your chosen subject?
Oxford is a university that I have held in very high esteem ever since I came to know not just of its vigorous academic culture and excellence, but also the subtle, and sometimes not immediately visible, transformations it effects on its students and scholars. I saw it as a life-transforming platform for deepening my comprehension of my chosen subject, broadening the scope of my knowledge and affording me the fundamentals essential for anyone hoping to play a part in resolving the many challenges that presently beset humanity.
After you received your offer, how did you prepare to come to Oxford?
I read as much as I could on what to expect and what was expected of me as an Oxford student. I also got a lot of advice from Oxford alumni in my country which helped me a great deal in preparing myself mentally and academically.
What were your expectations of Oxford? How much is Oxford different/similar to what you expected?
I expected Oxford to be intense, engaging and involving. I wasn’t wrong. Oxford, as I expected, is intense, engaging and involving. But it’s also a lot more than just books and research. It is, for instance, a meeting place and celebration of diversity.
What is your favourite thing about Oxford?
The wealth of knowledge, the exchange of ideas and the diverse composition of students from the widest possible range, representing vast schools of thinking. I enjoy learning with some of the most exceptionally talented and outstanding young thinkers of our time.
What are the main differences between the education system in Oxford and in your home country?
The Oxford education system puts a strong emphasis on questions and answering them with precision. It frequently asks its students the questions ‘what do YOU think?’ and ‘WHY do you say that?’ rather than ‘who said this?’ or ‘what has been said on this subject?’, and thus promotes the liberty of thought and expression as a useful tool of learning, a feature that separates it from many universities at home. It is also very easy for a student in Oxford to acquaint themselves with the latest academic debates in their field, as the university is home to state-of-the-art libraries and all the latest publications and journals in many different fields, which is not the case in Zambia. Another staple of Oxford is the first-hand interaction and engagement between students and some of the world’s influential leaders in politics, academia and business on topical issues through special talks and lectures, a feature that is hardly found at universities back home.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
Oh Yes! There is more to Oxford beyond the books. For instance, I am involved with the Oxford University Africa Society, a platform that facilitates the discussion of some of Africa's challenges. Oxford is also a big and vibrant world of art, culture and sports. I enjoy the city’s history through its beautiful architecture, museums, food and breath-taking art galleries. It’s a vibrant city where ancient and modern traditions live side by side.
What’s the main piece of advice you would give to other students considering graduate study at Oxford?
Give it a go! If you enrol successfully, come with an open mind, stay focused, plan your weeks ahead and enjoy your time at Oxford because it goes really fast.
Nomsa Kachingwe
Nomsa was born in Zambia. She is a Rhodes Scholar studying an MPhil in Development Studies at Brasenose College and she previously studied at the University of Cape Town.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford to study your chosen subject?
I had heard about the Oxford Department for International Development, one of the most recognised departments focusing on development issues in the world. I had even read some research from academics at the department before I applied. Oxford is one of the best universities in the world so it is good training for my future.
What were your expectations of Oxford? How much is Oxford different/similar to what you expected?
It is similar in that it is rigorous and academically challenging, but I didn’t think it would be as diverse as it is. I also didn’t expect all the interesting and unique traditions.
After you received your offer, how did you prepare to come to Oxford?
I was offered the Rhodes Scholarship so I had lots of support from them. I looked at the University website and my college website for information. The Rhodes Trust also gave me a connection to alumni, so I could go to them for more information.
Can you tell us more about the Rhodes Scholarship?
Rhodes is an international scholarship for graduate students to attend Oxford University. Its aim is to attract individuals with leadership potential and interest in public service. You apply a year before the Oxford application and it involves an online application which includes 6 references (3 academic and 3 character - so it’s a good idea to have a good relationship with your academic supervisors!).
What is your favourite thing about Oxford?
What I have enjoyed most is meeting people from different backgrounds. There are 30 people on my course from a range of countries, and with different academic and professional backgrounds. I’ve been able to take part in socials and get involved with the college community. At Oxford, I also learnt to row for the first time. I love the opportunities you can get here to learn new things.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree and how will a degree from Oxford help you achieve this?
In the future, I would like to work in development policy and international development. The Oxford badge has helped me develop connections and opened doors for me. It’s been a stepping stone to my chosen career.
What are the main differences between Oxford and your previous institution?
In Oxford the university is a lot more split up and my classes are smaller. The collegiate system means that everyone has slightly different experiences, whether socially or academically.
What are the facilities and staff like within your department?
Everyone is given both a course and a thesis supervisor so you have someone to go to when you are having difficulties. The graduate coordinator deals with the administrative side of things, and is very helpful.
Tell us a bit about your college
Brasenose College has a small graduate community so you get to know everyone quite well. It is in central Oxford, so you can take a break in the common room or go somewhere in the city. There are lots of sports including rowing, hockey and squash. The college has a chapel in which musicians within the college perform recitals, and there is a chapel choir that sings during services on Sundays. Also, a couple of nights a term there are evenings where graduates do a presentation to their peers on their thesis topic or areas of research.
Have you done any extra-curricular activities alongside studying at Oxford?
The Rhodes Scholarship has a whole community in Oxford based around Rhodes House, hosting its own annual ball and activities during the term and during holidays. I became involved in the Rhodes Scholars Southern African Forum, which raises money and allocates it to charitable projects in Southern Africa. I helped fundraise and review grant applications to decide which projects to allocate funding to. Last year I was also the treasurer for the Africa Society, and I also volunteered at St Aldate’s Church, within the children’s ministry.
Robert Kyeyagalire
Robert is currently studying an MSc in Global Health Science at Harris Manchester College. He is from Uganda and he previously studied at Makerere University in Kampala.
Why did you decide to come to Oxford?
After deciding that I was ready for graduate study, the decision on which school I attended depended on two points; firstly, I was interested in a programme that would cater to my prior experiences in addressing global public health challenges and also develop my competencies in the core public health disciplines of biostatistics and epidemiology. Secondly, I wanted to attend a top university. I believe if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing very well. Oxford ticked both boxes, and now I am so glad I decided to come here.
What was your first impression of Oxford?
When you first get to Oxford, you realise that the university is everything you have imagined it to be, and then some more. The centuries-old spires are real, the extremely brilliant students are real, the vast college lawns and libraries are real, and the traditions that have been passed on from generations past are proudly upheld to this day.
How would you describe Oxford to a prospective student?
Oxford is a melting pot! It is home to some of the world’s smartest and most driven, ambitious and competitive students. It is a great intellectually-stimulating environment, and some of the most interesting discussions will be with students you randomly meet in bars, bops and/or on the bus.
What do you want to do when you finish your graduate degree and how will a degree from Oxford help you achieve this?
I hope to work with those improving access to health care in Africa, especially on how we can improve the performance of the existing health systems and ensure the population health status improves, cost of health services is affordable and the quality satisfactory. The MSc in Global Health Science at Oxford has given me the required skills, and opened my thinking to a wider world of possibilities and opportunities. Being a graduate of Oxford would get me an audience, because the university enjoys a global reputation.
What are the facilities and staff like within your department?
Students have access to a well-stocked Health Care Library on the department premises, and the very large John Radcliffe medical sciences library that is open 24 hours a day. The department also provides access to desktops and free printing services. The staff are approachable, and all can be seen on appointment to discuss anything ranging from ideas about your dissertation to a follow-on discussion after a lecture.
Why did you choose your subject of study?
In addition to the core modules of epidemiology, biostatistics and health policy, I chose additional optional modules that covered health economics and international health and development. My choice of optional modules was determined by an interest in the economics of health care, and the need to consider and evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of interventions in relation to the costs incurred.
What’s the main piece of advice you would give to other students considering graduate study at Oxford?
Prepare well: identify a programme that best fits your career interests and start working on your application early. The admission teams are interested in people who are not only academically astute, but also those who will add value to the class because of their experiences. Once you get into Oxford, don’t succumb to the academic demands. Get out of the library and visit other colleges, take a walk in the university parks, visit the museums, join a students’ society and spare time for friends. Everyone is here for such a short time, so explore as much as you can.
Can you tell us a bit about your work as Liaison Officer for the Africa Society?
I was actively involved in the Oxford University Africa Society, which is an umbrella organization bringing together Oxford students from and affiliated with Africa. It is a great forum to meet and share ideas with those who identify with Africa. As a Liaison Officer, my role was to coordinate relations with other student societies in Oxford, and get to inform them about our events as well as get our members to learn about their events. I was also involved in the early stages of building an alumni network for Africans who had graduated from Oxford. Some of the most awesome people I have met were during Africa Society activities.
Main photograph by Hope Stockton, MSt History of Art and Visual Culture (Kellogg College)