Monica
MSc Social Sciences for Healthcare Research and PhD (Health Studies)
After leaving university early, Monica was determined to return and follow her passion for a career in public health.
She first completed her BSc (Hons) Public Health and Community Wellbeing at Bradford, which sparked a love for research and led her to pursue her Master’s in Social Sciences for Healthcare Research.
This is her story.
When I became a single mother, I faced many challenges. My resilience grew and I worked hard to return to university.
From Zimbabwe to Bradford
"I was born in Zimbabwe but I’ve lived in Bradford for 15 years, and in that time it’s become a very special place for me."
"I originally studied an undergraduate degree in Public Health, Wellbeing and Social Care (now called BSc (Hons) Public Health and Community Wellbeing) at the University of Bradford. However, I had to leave early due to personal reasons, including becoming a single mother.
"This of course presented multiple challenges, but it also made me extremely resilient and realise that I had to work even harder if I wanted to continue pursuing my dreams.
"After two years, I went back to Bradford where I completed the full undergraduate degree in Public Health and graduated with first class honours.
"I’m extremely proud of this achievement, especially while having to negotiate so many personal challenges."
A love of research
"When I started my undergraduate degree, I was convinced that I wanted to pursue a career in the public health industry."
"However, I showed a real aptitude for research and my interest grew over time. This led to my supervisor recommending that I apply for a research-based Master’s: the MSc Social Sciences for Healthcare Research course.
"My undergraduate degree didn’t have a dissertation aspect, which limited my development from a research perspective. I therefore chose the Master’s mainly for its focus on research. I knew it would give me the tools I need to hone in on topics I’m interested in, share people’s stories, and achieve my dreams."
My Master’s course taught me the fundamentals of research. This gave me a strong foundation to successfully apply for a PhD.
Next up, a PhD
"My love of research has only grown since my Master’s."
"I’m now studying a PhD that focuses on the challenges faced by forced migrant women as they transition to parenthood in the UK. This, of course, speaks to me on a personal level for many reasons and it’s a subject that I’m extremely passionate about.
"I hope to continue carrying out research at Bradford once I’ve finished my PhD. There are very few black women currently in research and I would like to be one of them.
"Research creates change, and I think it would be fantastic to be one of those people presenting my findings to the world and seeing the direct impact they have on people’s lives."
The tools I need to carry out research
"Both my Master’s and PhD have focused on different aspects of the lives of migrant women and their lived experiences."
"There is a real need for research in this area, with migrant women and their situations often overlooked. I want to be their advocate and give them the platform to tell their stories.
"My Master’s was fundamental in helping me narrow my focus and understand the topics that I wanted to explore further as I progressed through my education. Over my Master’s and PhD, I’ve interviewed people about their experiences, built codes and written up my research.
"Bradford has been fantastic in giving me the tools I’ve needed. From recording equipment for interviews to editing software and a transcribing service, the equipment has made my life a lot easier.
"My supervisors have also been key to my success. They are incredibly supportive and respectful, and give me the time and tools I need to succeed. I don’t think I would have graduated without their support."
I would love to stay at the University of Bradford. I encourage anyone who wants to study here to make the most of the support available to achieve their dreams.
Bradford's support services
"The support the University has given me over the years has been invaluable and I would love to do what I can to give back to the community that has helped me so much."
"It was my supervisors who encouraged me to take up the University’s testing which discovered that I’m dyslexic. I grew up and went to school in Zimbabwe where not much is known about dyslexia and testing isn’t something that’s common.
"Following my results, the University gave me all the equipment and study support I needed, and the University's Disability Service has been incredible. They've helped me to work a lot more efficiently."
My advice to others
"For anyone hoping to apply to go to university or get into research, I would say the most important thing is to pursue your dreams."
"Make the most of any support you’re given and remember that once you set your mind on something, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals."