Tell us a bit about your background.

I graduated with my bachelor's degree from Pakistan in 2007 and began my professional journey in fire safety, before moving into occupational health and safety. After starting my career in Islamabad, I relocated to the Gulf and have since worked across Qatar, UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Over the years I have completed a wide range of professional courses, certifications and diplomas in health and safety, including a Level 6 diploma and memberships of several internationally recognised safety bodies. Despite all of this, one question followed me throughout my career as my original degree was not in my field of profession. It became clear that if I wanted my qualifications to fully reflect my experience, I needed a master's degree that matched the work I had been doing for well over a decade.

Why did you choose the University of Strathclyde MSc in Safety & Risk Management?

Online study was my first priority, as I needed a programme that would fit around a demanding job. While researching universities, Strathclyde stood out as one of very few institutions willing to consider my professional diploma and industry experience as a route to admission, rather than insisting on specific first degree.

My second consideration was reputation. Strathclyde's ranking was impressive compared with the other universities on my shortlist. My third was cost, and I found the fee structure very reasonable for the quality of the programme. Once all three boxes were ticked, I contacted the University and found the registration process straightforward from the very first enquiry.

How did you find balancing the commitments of work with those of the programme?

I was fortunate to have a rotational role, working 28 days on and 28 days off, which gave me blocks of time to dedicate to study. Even so, it was far from a walk in the park.

My greatest challenges were not academic but personal. I am the father of two children with special needs, and during my studies both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2025. I mention this only because it is the clearest way to explain the support I received. My course supervisor kept me motivated at a point when I had genuinely decided to withdraw from the final year, and the departmental team arranged several deferments so that I could step back when I needed to and return when I was ready. Without that flexibility and understanding, I would not have completed the degree.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying Safety and Risk Management at Strathclyde?

Think about your dissertation early, particularly the permissions you will need. Make sure your employer has given you a clear green light to carry out research within your own workplace, or that you have a formal permission letter from whichever organisation you intend to study.

How did you find the support available to you at the University (resources, tutors, teaching etc)?

I am honestly lost for words when it comes to the support I received from everyone at the University. As I described above, the department went well beyond what I could reasonably have expected during the most difficult period of my life.

What learnings have you taken with you, from the programme into your role?

The programme gave me far more than a qualification. Returning to formal study sharpened my discipline around time management and gave me the space to build new skills at a stage in my career when it is easy to stop learning.

Would you recommend the programme to other people…and why?

I would recommend this programme and the University of Strathclyde without hesitation, for three reasons.

First, the flexibility of online delivery and a manageable pace make it realistic for working professionals with genuine commitments. Second, the UK ranking and international reputation of the University, which carry real weight with employers in my industry. Third, a competitive fee structure for international students, which makes a Strathclyde degree genuinely accessible.

Any final points, or words of wisdom!

My experience with everyone at Strathclyde was outstanding, and the support I received was unprecedented in my educational journey. I am grateful to every member of staff who helped me along the way.

My special thanks go to my course supervisor, Dr Jonathan Backhouse, for his continuous support, his patience, and his encouragement to keep going during the hardest period of my life. To anyone hesitating over whether they can manage a master's alongside work and family: with the right university behind you, it is possible. I am proof of that.