Anta is a graduate from the Masters in Education Studies programme and is a current PhD in Education student at the University of Strathclyde

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I grew up in a small South Asian village in what neighbours used to call an “education household.” Nearly every relative on both sides of my family is involved in teaching. Conversations at home usually revolved around students, classrooms, and exam results. Ironically, I spent my youth certain that I would never follow in those footsteps. However, at twenty-four, I found myself appointed as a lecturer at a leading private university in Bangladesh. Over the next five years, I taught Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching at undergraduate level. During that period, my perspective changed. I began to see education not just as my job, but as something that redefine a person’s journey in life.

On a particular autumn evening, I reached a turning point. I realized that if education was destined to remain the center of my world, I owed it to myself to master its foundations. That clarity led me to Glasgow in January 2023 to pursue an MSc in Education Studies at the University of Strathclyde. Although the Scottish winter days were short and grey compared to the tropical warmth of my home, but the classrooms were full of light and energy.

What inspired you to study your course?

Teaching made me curious in a way I hadn't expected. I started wondering why some lessons stay with a student for a lifetime while others are forgotten by the next morning. It wasn't enough for me to just know how to teach anymore. I wanted to get into the theory and the philosophy behind it all to understand the research that actually shapes a learning experience.

My time in the MSc program gave me the chance to finally step back. It gave me the mental space to reflect and really look at education from a few different angles, rather than just from the front of a lecture hall.

Why did you choose the University of Strathclyde for your Masters?

I chose Strathclyde because it has a solid reputation in Education Studies and a reputation for being a welcoming place for people from all over. The January intake was perfect for my timing, but the real reason I decided to stay and build a life here was the atmosphere. Moving to a new country alone is a huge step, and the balance I found at the university really mattered. It is a place where your ideas actually carry weight. Instead of just following a syllabus, I felt encouraged to figure out my own perspective and find my own academic voice.

What were the main challenges of studying your Masters?

At first, everything felt like a lot to take in. I was adapting to a completely different academic system and a new culture while living on my own for the first time outside my home country. It was a steep learning curve, but getting through those initial challenges is exactly what helped me build my confidence and independence. I had to learn how to stay on top of deadlines and how to really find my voice during seminars where critical thinking is so important. I also learned that it is okay to ask for help. Whether it was getting guidance from the library or reaching out to student services, the university departments were always there for me. Having that kind of support allowed me to grow as a person, not just as a student.

What was the best part of studying your programme?

The intellectual freedom was definitely the best part of the program. After years of teaching, it was refreshing to explore education through so many different lenses. I could dive into philosophy and research methodology while building the practical tools I needed to conduct my own independent studies. The close interaction with my lecturers and classmates was just as important. It felt like a real academic community where ideas actually carried weight. We weren't just following a syllabus, we were debating contemporary issues thoughtfully and challenging each other to think deeper.

What specialist knowledge/professional skills did you develop whilst studying the course?

This program gave me the kind of intellectual freedom I had been looking for. After years of teaching, I finally had the chance to look at education through different lenses. I wasn't just learning how to teach anymore; I was learning how to think for myself. The best part was that I was not doing it alone. The lecturers and my classmates created a real community where your ideas actually carried weight. We spent hours debating contemporary issues, and those conversations were where I really found my own academic voice.

On a practical level, the course polished my writing and gave me the confidence to present my work at conferences, which felt like a massive milestone. As an international student, it taught me how to step into global academic conversations without feeling like an outsider. I learned how to tackle educational challenges with a balance of deep theory and real-world practicality. It changed me from being just a lecturer into someone who can actually help influence the future of the field.

What have you been doing since graduating?

Since graduating with a Distinction, I have stayed at Strathclyde to start a university funded PhD in Education. I am now in my second year, and my research focuses on Sufi mentorship models. It is a project that allows me to combine my background with the research skills I built during my Masters. Alongside my own research, I work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. It is a full circle moment for me because I am back in the classroom, but this time with a much deeper understanding of how education works. I also stay active in the wider academic community by presenting at conferences and contributing to scholarly work. The transition from being an international Masters student to a PhD researcher has been the most rewarding part of this entire journey.

What would be your advice for people considering applying for this course?

My biggest piece of advice is to be completely open to growth, both as a student and as a person. Moving to a new country or coming back to university after working can feel intimidating at first, but that is exactly where the transformation happens. Don't be afraid of the initial struggle, it is part of the process. When you get here, really lean into the experience. Take advantage of every seminar, find your voice early on, and never hesitate to ask for feedback. Most importantly, connect with the people around you. This program is at its best when you are curious and committed to the community. You are not just earning a degree, you are building a new perspective on the world.

What do you think of the support available at the university?

The support system here is easily one of the best things about the university. Whether I was struggling with academic writing or just trying to navigate life as an international student, there was always someone to turn to. I never felt like just another number in a system. The university definitely challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and grow, but the most important thing to know is that you are never expected to do it alone. There is a real sense that the staff and the different departments are invested in your success. Having that kind of safety net made it much easier for me to take risks with my studies and really push myself.

What are your career hopes for the future?

I plan to stay in higher education, balancing my time between research, teaching, and active scholarly engagement. My goal is to be part of the global conversation about how we learn, but I want to do it by building bridges between different cultures and intellectual traditions.

After my experience at Strathclyde, I see myself as more than just a teacher. I want to use what I have learned here to help others navigate their own academic journeys, much like my mentors helped me. Ultimately, I want my work to reflect the depth of my roots while contributing to the future of international education.