Brainda is a graduate from the MSc Diplomacy & International Security programme

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I completed my undergraduate degree in English and Spanish at the University of Stirling. Born in Congo and raised in Italy, with time spent in Spain as well, I grew up moving between diverse cultures. My love for languages and literature initially drew me to the humanities, but living in so many places made me increasingly curious about the political forces shaping international relations. I’d see the same global events reported completely differently depending on where I was, which fascinated me and gave me a lasting interest in how context shapes perception across borders.

What inspired you to study the MSc Diplomacy & International Security?

My undergraduate studies strengthened my communication and analytical skills, but I wanted to understand the mechanisms behind global challenges such as migration, conflict, and security. I was initially drawn to the MSc in Diplomacy and International Security by how clearly the programme was presented online, but what truly convinced me were the alumni testimonies describing its depth and sense of community. The MSc appealed to me because it combined rigorous academic training with practical engagement through guest speakers and real-world case studies. I was especially interested in its focus on contemporary security issues and the way it encourages students to question, rather than simply accept, established frameworks. After years of following international affairs from the sidelines, I wanted to move from interest to expertise and develop the tools to contribute meaningfully to this field.

What were the most enjoyable parts of your course?

The weekly Ambassador's Reports were incredibly valuable. Each student was assigned a country to represent, which pushed me to stay constantly updated on global political developments and understand different national perspectives. This exercise sharpened my analytical skills and taught me to think strategically about international relations from multiple viewpoints. Beyond the classroom, my cohort also created the MSc Diplomacy and International Security Society, which became a huge part of our experience. One of our biggest achievements was organising a trip to Paris where we visited the British Embassy and met with diplomats, which brought the theory we were learning to life. But we also made sure it wasn't all academics. Throughout the semester, we organised cinema visits, dinners, and casual meetups, which helped create a really close-knit group. Being able to discuss serious issues one day and just hang out the next made the experience feel balanced and genuinely enjoyable.

Tell us a little bit about engaging with diplomats and other practitioners...

Engaging with practitioners throughout the year brought the course material to life in ways textbooks never could. Joanna Goodburn's presentation on her firsthand experience working in Brussels at the EU Council of Ministers was particularly insightful, showing us the inner workings of EU institutions and highlighting how crucial linguistic skills are in international diplomacy. Another memorable session was meeting Ambassador Leigh Turner, who not only signed our books but also shared fascinating stories about his time in Ukraine and other countries he served in during his career. Beyond guest lectures, we also got out into the city for our visit to Glasgow City Chambers, which was eye opening in showing how local governments engage in international relations. These varied interactions, from Brussels insiders to local diplomats, made the diplomatic world feel much less distant and showed us that careers in this field were within reach. 

What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed whilst studying the course?

This programme fundamentally changed how I approach research and analysis. I learned to question assumptions, evaluate information critically, and examine complex problems from multiple theoretical perspectives. The coursework emphasised that truly understanding international security requires continuously re-evaluating what you think you know and digging deeper into each issue. This mindset was crucial when writing my dissertation, where I navigated extensive research, organised large volumes of information efficiently, and continually refined my arguments. My abilities to synthesise information and communicate clear insights improved dramatically through rigorous essay writing and analytical assignments, providing practical skills that are invaluable for any international relations career.

What do you think of the support available at Strathclyde?

The support from faculty was exceptional throughout the programme. Professors were consistently accessible, responding promptly to emails and offering generous office hours for discussing coursework or career advice. Dr Rogelia Pastor Castro, our Programme Director, was particularly supportive, always available to discuss academic concerns or provide guidance on navigating postgraduate studies. The teaching staff really cared about student success, providing detailed feedback on assignments that helped me improve my analytical and writing skills. Beyond academics, the university offered resources for career development and wellbeing support. Even with a decent sized cohort, professors still knew us individually and could provide personalised guidance tailored to our backgrounds and career goals. This supportive environment made tackling challenging material less daunting and created a proper learning community rather than just a transactional educational experience. It felt like everyone actually wanted you to succeed.

What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?

I’m passionate about working on European-level initiatives addressing mobility and displacement, particularly exploring how movement from the Global South is framed in political discourse. My dissertation on the securitisation of migration in Germany and Italy gave me a deep understanding of how political narratives shape decision making and governance. My time at Strathclyde strengthened my theoretical foundation and analytical abilities, while the connections I built with practitioners offered valuable insights into the realities of international work and helped me define a clear professional direction. The practical experience I gained in analysis, research, and communication has prepared me well for roles in international organisations, NGOs, or research institutions focused on human rights, migration governance, and international cooperation.

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

Don't be intimidated if you don't come from a traditional politics or international relations background. I initially felt daunted seeing classmates with political science degrees, wondering if I'd be able to keep up coming from English and Spanish studies. But my background proved incredibly valuable, and the programme is structured to support students from diverse academic paths. The faculty provide all the foundational knowledge you need, building up from basics so nobody feels lost. My language skills and literary analysis training helped enormously with research, critical reading, and writing clear policy briefs. The course really does value diverse perspectives, and students from different backgrounds bring insights that enrich discussions in ways a homogeneous group never could. If you're curious about international affairs and willing to engage deeply with the material, you'll do well here.