Applied Statistics in Health Sciences (MSc)Ivana Vujovic
Ivana Vujović is from Montenegro and studied our MSc Applied Statistics in Health Sciences course after being awarded a Chevening Scholarship. In her working life, Ivana's a civil rights activist in the field of social and health policies, an Executive Director at NGO Juventas in Montenegro and a member of different international election observation missions. She's also a Physicist, a mother to her two-year-old child, and is now studying Official Statistics at the University of Donja Gorica in Montenegro.
Why statistics at Strathclyde?
I've been fascinated with statistics for a long time. Having a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, but working in a different field, I wanted to return to the field of science and technology where I've always felt I belong. It was a challenging decision, but also the best one I've made in years.
I wanted to study medical statistics and Strathclyde offered exactly that. I had also read that Strathclyde is very sensitive to the individual needs of students and has received numerous awards for being inclusive, which was important to me.
I've become well acquainted with different statistical tools used in medical research, as well as other sciences - economics, political science and other social sciences - with programming in R, using different statistical software (such as Minitab or SPSS), academic writing and implementing independent research.
Studying during the Coronavirus pandemic
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, my whole course took place online. I was amazed at the way all the courses were organised so that everything was well prepared in advance and easy to follow, despite the unexpected circumstances. The level of support provided by lecturers and mentors exceeded all my expectations.
Thinking of coming to Strathclyde in Glasgow?
Strathclyde is the best learning experience I've had so far. The University is well organised, student-friendly, and the quality of teaching is great. The level of dedication from the teaching staff to the learning outcomes is extraordinary.
Glasgow is a cosy, safe place and Strathclyde has the best position in town! Both the University and the city offer everything you might need. I've been in love with Scotland since the first time I visited. I was surprised by how friendly Glasgow is. I was expecting people to be nice, but not that I would feel as welcomed as I did!
Plans for the future
I'd like to work as a Statistician in health science, possibly through a PhD. I’d also like to apply the knowledge I've gained to areas of statistically based civic observation of elections, as well as within independent research of social and health policies, with a goal to advocate for scaling up of their quality.
I've already got consultancy work as a Statistician on different projects, including one in health science.