The University’s Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme saw Ugandan Richard Magala join Liverpool Hope’s MSc Ecology and Environmental Management course. We caught up with Richard to find out how he’s settling in to life at Hope.
What appealed to you about Liverpool Hope University and why did you decide to study here?
I had always wanted to pursue my Masters in UK, not only because we share the same official language, but also because the UK is unique with its Masters programme of one year on a full-time basis. There was no doubt the UK was the best for me, and I was fascinated when I found out Liverpool Hope is ranked high as one of the top universities for student experience and academic teaching excellence in the UK.
I chose to study Master of Science in Ecology and Environmental Management, because it is structured to solve the knowledge and skills gap as identified in the two reports by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. The course is specifically tailored to produce graduates who are competent with ecological interactions to make appropriate policies or decisions for environmental management. In the face of looming environmental crisis and diminishing valuable ecosystems, understanding ecological interactions and environmental principles is critical to sustaining livelihoods and health of the people, which motivated me to pursue this course.
How have you found your experience so far?
My experience at Liverpool Hope has so far been amazing. The staff is highly supportive and friendly, with organised trips to various places really interesting and helping to widen students exposure to life in UK. I studied my undergraduate degree in Uganda at Makerere University, Kampala, and have found studying is highly computerised compared to Makerere University and there is a higher number of international students.
What advice would you give to other international students considering studying overseas?
You should always do a lot of research about overseas education. Adequate research will thrust you into a new position, with a leverage to make the right decisions as regards the University and the course. You should also always be at your best and be ready to compete favourably in the global world.
What are you hoping to do once you complete your degree?
I hope to go back to Uganda and contribute to sustainable environmental management. The skills I will have attained will help me run an environmental ecology and environmental consultancy company, which has already been registered - Eco-Sanitas. I hope to partner with environmental civil society organisations and environmental agencies, such as National Environmental management Authority and Uganda Wildlife Authority to provide appropriate policies for proper management of the environment.
During a trip to the University's Plas Caerdeon site, Richard shared insights into his time at Liverpool Hope. Watch the video here.
*The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and UK universities. It’s aim is to support scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers the full cost of postgraduate tuition fees, return flights to and from the UK, and a monthly allowance for living costs.