Sahar Makkiyah

MSc Public Health


I chose to study at the University of Sunderland in London because of its location. London offers a multicultural environment, not only does the city enhance my academic experience but it also provides valuable insights into global public health challenges.

My advice to students would be to fully embrace the opportunities that the University of Sunderland in London offers. The university is not just a place to gain academic knowledge; it’s a diverse community where you can grow personally and professionally. Engage in extracurricular activities, join student groups, and take advantage of the diverse environment to build your network and confidence. The support and encouragement from the faculty and staff will help you overcome challenges and make your academic journey a truly enriching experience.  

Published 27 August 2024

I chose to study at the University of Sunderland in London because of its location. London offers a multicultural environment, not only does the city enhance my academic experience but it also provides valuable insights into global public health challenges. Additionally, the university is renowned for its supportive and personalised approach to student learning, which aligns perfectly with my goal of deepening my understanding of populations health in a nurturing academic setting. 

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Sunderland in London. As a medical doctor, my primary focus has always been on treating individual patients, but I realised that to make a more significant impact, I needed to understand health from a broader perspective. The course allowed me to explore the health of entire populations and contribute to preventive healthcare campaigns. My aim is to combine my clinical knowledge with public health expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that improve community health outcomes. 

My journey at the University of Sunderland in London has been an incredibly transformative experience. Initially, I was quite timid, when adjusting to a new environment with academic challenges. However, this changed when I joined the Student Union and later became a Digital Coach, these were pivotal experiences that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Through these roles, I had the opportunity to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and gain confidence in myself. The university provides a very comfortable and encouraging environment, as I participated in more activities, my self-confidence grew, making my experience here not only memorable but also highly enjoyable. 

What I have enjoyed the most is the diverse and inclusive community at the University of Sunderland in London. The ability to interact with students from various cultural backgrounds has enriched my learning experience and broadened my perspective on global health issues. The supportive environment has also allowed me to take on leadership roles, which has been incredibly rewarding. On the other hand, balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities has been challenging at times, but it has also taught me valuable time management skills and resilience. 

After graduating, I aspire to combine my medical background with my public health education to work on large-scale health initiatives that address both treatment and prevention. I am particularly interested in working with international organisations or governmental agencies to design and implement health programs that target vulnerable populations. My ultimate goal is to contribute to reducing health disparities and improving overall population health on a global scale. 

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