Yvette joined our Master's in Public Health following work as a doctor in Rwanda. Her previous experience includes working both in areas of clinical work and in public health. She has worked at Kirehe and Rwamagana district hospitals, and has been involved with the Rwanda Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (RNCDA) in areas of women’s cancer screening. Here, she tells us why she chose to study Public Health at Warwick and shares some tips for other international applicants.

Why did you decide to apply to the Master’s in Public Health at Warwick Medical School?

The first time I heard about the University of Warwick was from a friend of mine who is an alumna from another program. She recommended the university, and told me it is the best one I can find. By that time, I was considering doing a Master's in Public Health. I then visited the course website, there was a video and notes explaining all the modules. I saw that epidemiology and statistics were core modules and this attracted my attention. I was also attracted by the nature of their studies where learning also includes debates, many group discussions and assignments. I saw that Warwick’s MPH was also ranked second in the UK and 10^th worldwide by Eduversal ranking. All these has attracted my attention and I said, I must come!

 

Was there anything in particular that drew you to studying in the UK and at this university?

The UK has the best renowned education worldwide. So, coming to the UK for studies has always been my dream. Warwick is among the top ones as well, and their MPH program is great. When I scroll on LinkedIn to see alumni, you find that they are in good places, given their degrees.

 

How did you find the transition to life and study in the UK?

The UK is quite different from my country of course. It was hard at the beginning getting to know places, but people here are very friendly and more polite than I expected. They are happy to always support you. For the study part, I can say it was hard. We have the best module lead who always offers support, always communicates before time and guides us on everything - including taking a video of the roads we'd be using to get into class and sharing it in the group....wow, I can say that I felt very much welcomed.

 

How have you found the course?

Things are very serious here. Even assignments - they make sure you understand each and every single thing that you have studied in the class. However, the teachers give enough time for preparations. I have enjoyed the practical public health programs which are being given as examples and hearing from high-profile visiting lecturers who teach drawing from their experiences, not just books, I really liked the course and my expectations were met. I also want to mention professors who are very welcoming to answering any question, such as Prof Saran Shantikumar, the course lead. Students like me feel like he is very approachable because of how he treats his students. The best!

 

What tips do you have for other international applicants to the Master's in Public Health?

First, they must be ready since studies are very serious here, especially assignments. Second, they must be prepared that public health is so different here when you look at the examples being provided, since it is a developed country. For students from the global south like me, sometimes the examples might be of ideas you don't know anything about. For example they mentioned how in the case of a chemical explosion, helicopters must be deployed... something we can never think about where I am from. However all students are given time to explain their scenarios, their ideas will be welcomed even though they are in a completely different public health context.

Finally, I'd say they must come to the University of Warwick! It is the best one that I can recommend to everyone I know who wants a Master's in Public Health.