Jinat Khan – Commonwealth Scholar

What motivated you to apply for the MSc programme in the Department of Economics at Warwick?

I am currently studying MSc Economics at the University of Warwick as a recipient of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2025-26. Warwick's strong reputation in economics, rigorous training, and emphasis on both theoretical and applied learning attracted me to the programme. I wanted to strengthen my analytical and quantitative skills in an academically challenging environment that would prepare me for a future career in research and policy.

Was the scholarship important in enabling your studies?

Yes, absolutely. Coming from a middle-class family in Bangladesh, pursuing a master's degree in the UK would not have been financially possible for me without this scholarship. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship has given me the opportunity to access world-class education and research training while allowing me to focus fully on my studies.

What sparked your interest in the themes and issues you’re exploring during your MSc?

My interest comes from my previous research experience in public health and development economics in Bangladesh. Working on issues related to poverty, healthcare, and social inequality showed me how research can inform better policies. Through the MSc, I hope to further develop my quantitative skills and apply them to contribute to evidence-based development initiatives in my country.

Which core or optional modules have had the biggest impact on your academic or professional development?

Health Economics and Applications of Data Science have had the biggest impact on my academic and professional development. Before joining Warwick, I worked at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, where most of my research focused on health economics and public health. These modules have helped me deepen my understanding of these areas while also strengthening my analytical and data-related skills.

How has the MSc helped you build analytical skills relevant to your future career?

The MSc has strengthened my econometric, quantitative, and critical thinking skills. It has also improved my ability to work with large datasets and apply advanced analytical methods to real-world research questions. While I previously worked mainly with Stata, the programme has also given me exposure to tools such as Python and R, and helped me understand how they can be used for impactful research. I believe these skills will be highly valuable for my future work in health economics and public health research in Bangladesh.

What are your favourite modules and why?

My favourite modules are Health Economics and Applications of Data Science. They closely align with my academic interests and professional experience, while also providing practical skills that I can apply in future research and policy work in the health and development sectors.

What topic are you planning for your dissertation, and why is it important for you (or your country)?

My dissertation focuses on quantifying the impact of GP-patient relationships on antibacterial prescribing efficiency in the West Midlands. I am particularly interested in how healthcare interactions influence prescribing practices and patient outcomes. I believe this topic has important implications for improving healthcare quality, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and informing evidence-based health policy.

Have you attended any specific events or conferences during your time at Warwick? What insights did you gain?

While I have not attended any major academic conferences yet, I have participated in scholarship-related events, including Warwick's Welcome Event for Scholarship Holders and the Commonwealth Scholarship Welcome Event. These events gave me the opportunity to connect with students from different countries and academic backgrounds, broaden my perspectives, and build valuable professional networks. I was also selected to attend the Commonwealth Scholarship Residential Programme at Cumberland Lodge, in which some of the scholarship holders were selected based on their applications. It was a particularly memorable experience focused on leadership, collaboration, and development impact.

How has being a Commonwealth scholar expanded your professional networks?

Being a Commonwealth Scholar has allowed me to connect with talented individuals from across the Commonwealth who are working in diverse academic and professional fields. Through scholarship events and networking opportunities, I have built meaningful connections with scholars from different countries, learned from their experiences, and gained new perspectives on global development challenges. These interactions have been one of the most rewarding aspects of my scholarship journey so far.

What has it meant to you to be part of a diverse and inclusive cohort at Warwick?

One of the most rewarding aspects of Warwick has been learning alongside people from very different cultural, professional, and academic backgrounds. It has challenged me to look at familiar economic and social issues from new perspectives and helped me appreciate how the same problem can be approached differently across countries and disciplines.

Have you connected with other scholars from your region or across the Commonwealth?

Yes. Through Commonwealth events and activities, I have had the opportunity to connect with scholars from different regions and disciplines. These interactions have allowed me to learn about their research, career journeys, and the challenges faced in their own countries, making my experience at Warwick much richer and more meaningful.

What has been the most inspiring moment of your scholarship/student journey so far?

One of the most inspiring aspects of my journey has been engaging with scholars and researchers working on a wide range of development challenges around the world. Listening to their experiences has helped me understand that many countries face similar issues in different forms, while also exposing me to innovative solutions and ideas. These conversations have encouraged me to think more broadly about how I can contribute to research and development initiatives when I return to Bangladesh.

How do you plan to apply your MSc training after you graduate?

After graduation, I hope to continue working in the research sector, particularly in health economics and public health. Building on my previous experience at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, I would like to apply the analytical and quantitative skills I have gained at Warwick to contribute to evidence-based research and policymaking in Bangladesh.

What long-term goals do you have for your career or research?

My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and continue conducting policy-relevant research in health economics and public health. I am particularly interested in research that can contribute to improving health and socioeconomic outcomes in developing countries, while helping inform more effective public policies.

How has the scholarship shaped your vision for your future?

The scholarship has broadened my perspective on the role of research in addressing global development challenges. Through the academic training, international exposure, and networks I have gained, it has strengthened my commitment to using research to contribute to meaningful policy and development outcomes in Bangladesh and beyond.

How did you navigate the application process, and what would you recommend others do?

I focused on clearly communicating my academic interests, research experience, and long-term goals. My advice would be to start early, take time to reflect on your motivations, and be genuine in explaining why the programme aligns with your future aspirations.