International Masters student — Maham Shabbir

After achieving a degree in accounting and finance, Maham decided to study a postgraduate course in the UK and enrolled on the MSc Public Policy at University College London (UCL)

Why did you decide to pursue Masters study?

After graduation, I went straight into a corporate role at a blue-chip firm. Although the experience was rewarding, I wanted to learn more about the bigger picture and how those numbers were connected to people, decisions, and policy. In meetings, I often found myself asking questions that went beyond the business case: Why is this regulation here? How does this incentive structure shape behaviour? That curiosity kept growing.

At the same time, I knew I wanted more than a technical career. I wanted to be in spaces where I could combine analysis with impact, and where the conversations were about shaping systems, not just outputs. Pursuing a Masters felt like a chance to take the analytical skills I had gained and explore how I could bring these different strands together, and reorient my career.

What attracted you to the Masters course at UCL?

When I was applying to Masters programmes, reputation was the number one factor on my mind. I had a spreadsheet of universities sorted by:

• global standing
• research strength
• student experience.

UCL was truly a dream university for me because it consistently ranked near the top in all the criteria I cared about the most.

Everything about UCL's online presence gave me the sense that they genuinely cared about the student experience holistically - especially the clarity of programme pages and the variety (and buzz) of the students' union initiatives. The A-Z programme list paired with the course trailer videos was a bonus because applications can be terrifying.

I also researched industry links. I wanted to study at a university that didn't just focus on academic rigour but also gave students exposure to the real-world policy space. From alumni working in international organisations to modules taught by practitioners with hands-on experience, there was a strong sense that I'd be learning with one foot in theory and one in practice.

What was the application process like?

It was surprisingly structured and straightforward, though still nerve-wracking. I started by preparing my personal statement, which was the most challenging part, as I had to condense my story into a single page. I wanted it to show not just what I had studied or done, but the path I have carved so far that has led me to apply to UCL and specifically for this programme.

The personal statement guidelines on UCL's website were a lifesaver, as they provided me with a clear understanding of what the admissions team was looking for in candidates. I also spent time securing strong references from my undergraduate professors who had seen my work firsthand and could add weight to what I wrote in my personal statement.

The application portal itself was user-friendly, and the AskUCL platform made the whole process less stressful. Any query I sent in was answered within days. After submitting my application, it became a waiting (and praying) game. I remember the moment I saw the update email land in my inbox a month later. The effort of pulling everything together had definitely paid off.

Tell us about the MSc Public Policy course and what it involves.

It's a one-year, full-time programme designed to give you both breadth and depth. The optional modules let you carve out your niche, while the core modules cover:

• policy economics and analysis
• political actors and theory
• quantitative and qualitative methods.

In my case, I chose options in public finance budgeting, causal inference, and public management because I wanted both a technical and a practical toolkit for my career.

Learning methods consisted of a combination of one to two-hour lectures and one-hour seminars for each course.

Assessment methods varied depending on the courses I took. For instance, I've given timed exams, worked on take-home exams spanning seven days, and even coursework that demands research rigour over months in advance of the deadline.

This variety kept the programme engaging and enabled me to apply my critical reasoning in different formats. The highlight is the dissertation, a 10,000-word independent research project that allows you to delve deeply into a research question of your choice. I chose to focus on green finance, which has been the perfect bridge between my quantitative background and my interest in sustainable development.

How does studying a Masters differ from your undergraduate studies?

The pace is the biggest difference. A Masters is condensed into a single year, so you're covering material much faster than in undergraduate study. There's also a bigger emphasis on independent learning. Professors set the direction, but it's up to you to take ownership of the readings, discussions, and assignments.

I've also noticed that at Masters level, the expectation isn't just to absorb knowledge but to challenge it, critique it, and apply it. That shift has been both exciting and demanding.

What do you enjoy the most about your course?

It's the interdisciplinarity. One day I'll be learning about statistical models of causality, the next I'll be debating theories of governance, and then I'll be in a seminar discussing ethics in qualitative research. That mix keeps me on my toes and helps me see policy issues from multiple angles.

I also really value the people; my classmates come from across the world, each with unique perspectives, and our seminar discussions are richer because of that.

What are the challenges?

The workload (including readings) can feel overwhelming at times, especially when deadlines bunch up. Balancing technical assignments with essay-based work has been tricky, since they require different strategies. However, my professors have been super helpful in helping me understand what is required for each.

Living in London also presents its own set of challenges, from the high cost of living to the fast-paced nature of life. However, I view these as part of the growth that comes with pursuing a Masters abroad.

How will the course aid your career?

This programme has been a turning point for me because it has given me a diverse skill set. On the technical side, I've learned how to run statistical models, design qualitative research, and write policy analysis that can be implemented outside the classroom. On the reflective side, the rich discussions in seminars and the mix of international perspectives have prompted me to refine my:

• defence of ideas
• thinking
• presentation.

The London location has been just as formative. One of my most memorable moments was attending the Climate Governance Forum at Herbert Smith Freehills during London Climate Action Week 2025. I had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with leaders from across the sustainable finance sector, meet inspiring CEOs, and exchange ideas with individuals at the forefront of this evolving field.

Through my department, I also attended the Cambridge Graduate Conference in Political Thought. It felt surreal to be in discussion with such brilliant minds, and even more surreal to realise that my programme had genuinely prepared me to contribute meaningfully in those spaces.

How are you funding your Masters?

I'm self-funding through a combination of family support and personal savings from my full-time role prior to joining UCL. I've had to budget carefully, from choosing student housing to managing day-to-day costs. The wide variety of student discounts available almost everywhere in London, along with the ability to work part time, definitely helps.

What are your career ambitions?

Before starting my Masters, my career goals were a bit of a Venn diagram (overlapping areas). Since joining UCL, I've had space to explore multiple options through UCL's Careers Service and beyond. I still remember an advisor telling me, 'Your background is a strength, not a detour,' and that completely changed how I approached my applications.

My direction is clearer now, and I feel far more confident about the kind of path I want to pursue after graduation. Ideally, I envision myself working at the intersection of policy, governance, and sustainability, whether in a:

• consultancy
• multilateral institution
• international non-governmental organisation (NGO).

What advice would you give to others considering a Masters?

• Be clear about your 'why' - a Masters is a big investment of time, money, and energy, so it helps to know what you want out of it. Don't be afraid if your goals feel broad or overlapping at first - the programme will help you refine them.
• Lean into the community - your peers, professors, and career advisers are incredible resources.
• Give yourself permission to enjoy the experience - it's not just about assignments and deadlines; it's also about living in a new city, meeting people from around the world, and discovering more about yourself along the way.

Find out more

• Explore social policy courses.
• Read more about living and studying in the UK.
• Meet more Masters students at UCL.