By Hanna, MSc Physician Associate Studies
In this blog, Hanna shares how receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship made postgraduate study possible and opened the door to training as a physician associate. She offers practical tips for scholarship applications and reflects on the skills, experiences and career ambitions she has developed along the way. Read more.
“Without this scholarship, doing a master’s simply wouldn’t have been possible. I’ve always loved learning and was proud to be the first in my family to finish university, but postgraduate study felt out of reach. As the eldest in an immigrant family, I’ve seen how education can open doors, but the financial reality was a huge barrier.”
One of my teachers once told me that only 8% of Black students go on to complete a master’s. That statistic stuck with me, but it still felt unrealistic. I didn’t even have a course in mind, and the cost alone put me off. During my undergraduate degree, several lecturers encouraged me to consider a master’s, and when I found out about this scholarship, it felt like a door opening.
I came across the scholarship while researching ways to help fund my tuition. Once I found it, I reached out to get more information and was sent the application form. The process from there was really straightforward.
My top 3 tips for scholarship applications
- Be authentic. I remember thinking I hadn’t done anything groundbreaking, but I focused on what I had done and why I was passionate about my subject. Your real experiences are enough.
- Start early. The word count was small, so every sentence had to work hard. I went through several drafts. Starting early gave me time to re-read and edit without feeling rushed.
- Stick to the brief. This scholarship is about how you align with the university’s values. I kept going back to the criteria and ticking them off to make sure I covered everything.
Life as a postgraduate student
I’m studying to become a physician associate. I love learning about different medical conditions and applying that knowledge in real-life settings. I enjoy the flexibility the role offers as it allows you to move between specialities and develop a broad base of medical knowledge.
“What I enjoy most is interacting with patients. Every conversation is unique, and knowing I’m making a difference is really motivating.”
Skills I’m developing
This course is intense and demands a lot of independent study. I’ve had to develop strong time management and resilience to keep up. Communication has also been a key skill. Explaining complex conditions in simple terms has made me think more carefully about how I speak. I’ve also grown in confidence working in teams, both with peers in simulated consultations and with professionals during placements. I’ve learned to be adaptable and contribute effectively.
Looking ahead
I hope this course leads to a fulfilling career where I can make a real difference. I want to deliver person-centred care and be someone patients trust. I’m currently interested in emergency medicine, though I’m open to exploring other specialities as I gain more experience. One day, I’d love to teach and support future Physician Associate students.
Find out more about the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and Physician Associate Studies.
