Prior to undertaking the MSc in Policy research, I had practiced as a social worker in health and development settings for many years, and since graduating I moved to Canada to pursue my PhD Social Work degree at McGill University. I currently serve as Research Associate for a partnership research project which is documenting the barriers facing indigenous children and their families in Canada when accessing basic social services.

I always wanted to understand how policy and governance systems help (or hinder) the achievement of actual measurable social justice outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and women. The MSc in Policy Research was the perfect program, equipping me with the quantitative and qualitative research knowledge and skills to systematically gather evidence that can be used to strengthen social welfare policies and facilitate better change. One of the best things about the MSc Policy Research degree program was that, apart from the mandatory lectures, it allowed me to choose optional units which fit my personal interests and career plans.

I am also grateful to the personalised guidance and supportive supervision I received from members of the School of Policy Studies faculty. The academic team within the School of Policy Studies are experts in various policy research fields covering social welfare, health, education and legal justice, among others. Consulting with any one of them is the best way to receive the most appropriate guidance as regards the relevance of this degree to one’s career interests. Besides all faculty being open to address any of my questions, I also had my own assigned tutor who walked with me every step of the way and ensured I was firmly grounded to succeed. They helped me develop my personal development plan which enabled me to always be conscious of and focus all my efforts on what I wanted to achieve from the programme. Studying at this School turned out to be one of the most highly enjoyable learning experiences I have ever had.