Bridging Borders and Health: My Master of Public Health Story
Salam, Hello! My name is Sajjad Amin, and I’ve just completed my Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Huddersfield- Hurray!!
I’m originally from Afghanistan, I’ve always been driven by a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others due to my background and upbringing. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what to pursue next. That’s when a friend introduced me to the MPH program, and from the moment I heard about it, I knew it was the right path for me. Public health felt like the perfect way to blend my desire to help people with my interest in solving global health challenges
What is Master of Public Health?
Public health is about much more than just treating illness—it’s about preventing disease, promoting well-being, and addressing the root causes of health disparities. Born in Afghanistan and Growing up in deprived areas of West Yorkshire, I witnessed firsthand how health inequalities, disparities and health issues can affect communities on a larger scale. Whether it’s through access to healthcare, environmental conditions, or social factors, I realised that public health is a powerful tool to improve lives not only a global level but also on a closer to home local level.
Why I chose the University of Huddersfield to Study MPH?
The MPH program at Huddersfield offered a comprehensive curriculum that allowed me to explore public health from many angles. Although the course covered many different aspects of the field, my personal favourites were epidemiology, Humanitarian Disasters and Emergencies, Communicable disease and infection prevention and control. The Epidemiology module was one of my favourites because it taught me how to analyse health data, identify risk factors, and assess interventions, all of which are crucial for developing effective public health strategies. Coming from a war-torn country I was also deeply interested in the Humanitarian Disasters and Emergencies module, which showed how public health systems respond to crises like natural disasters, conflicts, and refugee situations. It emphasized the importance of preparedness and the role of international organizations in disaster response. Finally, the Communicable Disease and Infection Prevention and Control module covered the biology of infectious diseases and practical strategies for controlling their spread, this was interesting as we recently had a global COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the reasons I chose to study at the University of Huddersfield was the exceptional support I received from both the staff and administration. From day one, I felt welcomed into a supportive environment. The faculty members were more than just instructors they were mentors who genuinely wanted to help me succeed. They took the time to clarify any questions I had, offer career advice, and guide me through my academic journey. One of the most helpful resources was the “Skills for Success sessions”. These were designed to help MPH students improve their academic writing, critical thinking, and referencing skills. I found these sessions to be incredibly valuable they helped me refine my academic abilities and set me up for to achieve good results.
Being a class representative also gave me a unique opportunity to collaborate with my peers and engage with faculty on a deeper level. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to grow both academically and personally. This leadership role further emphasized the importance of teamwork and effective communication in public health.
Another standout feature of the University of Huddersfield is its vibrant multicultural environment. Studying alongside classmates from all over the world helped me develop a more global perspective on public health. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of my peers enriched our class discussions, allowing me to gain insights into public health issues from a variety of cultural and geographic perspectives. It became clear that effective public health solutions must be culturally sensitive and adaptable to the needs of different communities.
What’s Next for Me?
Having had such an enriching experience at Huddersfield, I’m excited to continue my academic journey. After completing my MPH, I’ve decided to pursue a PhD in Public Health. The knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained during my time at the University of Huddersfield have given me a solid foundation for this next step, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the field of public health. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned and the people I’ve met along the way, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me next.
If you’re passionate about improving health and well-being of others, I highly recommend the MPH program at Huddersfield. The combination of excellent academic support, a diverse and inclusive learning environment, and hands-on practical experience makes it an ideal place to develop the skills you need to make a real impact in the world of public health.
Find out whether our Master of Public Health courses are right for you…
Master of Public Health (Advanced Practitioner)
Master of Public Health (Global)