Graduate School News

Oxford Brookes University

Issue 10 Dec 2009

Postgraduate Scholarships 2009

Business School Scholarship winners, staff and the Williams family: (from left to right): Lynn Williams, David
Evans (Head of Graduate School), Mel Hackney and Kirsty Jones, Laura Cox (Postgraduate Admissions
Tutor), Erika Regina Nobre Alecrim, Howard Brown (Associate Dean), Jing Liao, Tony Gibbs (Head of
International Partnership Development), Lizzy Solomon Jatula, Nicholas Boaz

At a presentation on Thursday 5 November Scholarships either directly from Brookes or

2009, David Evans, Head of the Graduate
School was pleased to congratulate and
recognise the achievements of a number of
new postgraduate students who had been
awarded scholarships to study Masters
programmes starting in September 2009.
This year the event included a wide variety of
Scholarships offered at Master’s level.
Scholarships were awarded to applicants
based on academic excellence and were
available through the John Henry Brookes
Scholarship Schemes, the Abbey Santander
Scholarship Scheme and a number of
individually named School Scholarship
Schemes. Students who received
from external organisations and funding bodies
were invited to the event.
Abbey Santander supported Oxford Brookes for
the second year by offering up to £30,000 in
scholarships to students who had attended or
graduated from named institutions in Latin
America, Spain and Portugal. Representatives
from Abbey Santander attended the event and
were pleased to meet the students who had
benefited from the company’s support.
It was an enjoyable informal event and a chance
for these students to meet and chat to Deans
and representatives from their Schools, and

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for staff to meet these talented students.
Those students who attended were all
extremely appreciative and clearly delighted to
have received these awards. David Evans,
Head of the Graduate School, welcomed the
students to Brookes and congratulated them
on their achievements.
Lynn Williams and her daughters Kirsty and
Mel, wife and daughters of the late Simon
Williams, Dean of the Business School
1999-2005, again attended the event to
present the Simon Williams Memorial
Scholarships. They clearly enjoyed meeting
those students who had received these
special awards.
Brooke Storm Attwood-Smith
MA Mind, Brain and Learning
I am most grateful for the award as without it I
would not have been able to study the MA Mind,
Brain and Learning and pursue my academic
aspirations which I hope will lead onto a
doctorate in a related interdisciplinary context.
The John Henry Brookes Scholarship is the
reason I am able to be here engaging with
intellectual people on similar academic pursuits
and grappling with the fundamental problems of
philosophy, psychology and biology.

Having enrolled on their courses, some of the

scholarship recipients have spoken to the
Graduate School about what receiving the
award means to them and how they are
settling into life at Brookes. Their feedback,
together with photographs of the event, will be
used to promote these Schemes to future
students.

They were asked:

• What made you decide to come to
Oxford Brookes University? Westminster Institute Scholarship winners and staff
• What does this Scholarship mean to (from left to right): Brooke Attwood-Smith, Brian
you? Did this award enable you to study at Marshall (Associate Dean), David Evans (Head of
Graduate School), and Stephen Eade.
Oxford Brookes?
• How have you found your experiences
Denis Samuel Tweve - MSc Finance
of the University so far?
I decided to study at Oxford Brookes for the
following reasons:
A selection of their responses are included
• Reputation and the outstanding quality
below.
of education provided.
• The outstanding service and care of
John Henry Brookes Scholarships
staff during enquiries and application process.
• Scholarships and fees structure.
Ashley Richardson
• Geographical/location.
MA International Studies
I applied to many schools, but eventually
The scholarship paved the way and encouraged
decided on Oxford Brookes because of the
me to focus on Oxford Brookes.
warm, welcoming attitude of all the staff at a
Postgraduate Fair. I was impressed with the
Duncan Hamilton - MSc eBusiness
staff, and after talking with a few of them, it
I studied at Brookes as an undergraduate and
was clear that Oxford Brookes was a
knew that it was the right place for me. I knew
university that encourages thinking beyond the
what I would get from my course: quality, trust
textbooks. I liked the way the MA was set up –
and freedom of thought. The teaching quality is
the modules all seemed balanced, relevant,
outstanding from the mix of academics, industry
and very open for students to learn and
professionals and guest speakers. Through
develop our own path in the discipline. The
thought-provoking lectures we are expected,
academic staff also told me that most of the
and trusted to broaden our own horizons. I
MA was composed of international students,
consider Brookes a place for people who want to
and that was the final decision point for me.
be mentored rather than taught, it’s maybe not
Not only did I have the chance to learn
for everyone, but it is perfect for me. The award
International Studies in the UK, but also work
means a great deal to me. The financial benefits
with students from countries around the world.
are obviously very welcomed, but I also had a
Talk about gaining different perspectives.
confidence boost from winning the award.

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Erin McGirt - MA Urban Design
I chose to come to Oxford Brookes because of
the outstanding reputation of the School of the
Built Environment. In speaking with people
who were familiar with urban design in
England, many of them said they believed
Oxford Brookes was the best place to study
the subject in the country. Also, I felt like the
University appreciated me most for what I
could contribute to the program which only
made me want to join the community more.
award are offered further goes to show the
University’s commitment to student provision
and care.
Jelena Kucenko
MSc International Real Estate Management
I was advised that Real Estate programme here
is rated top nationally and internationally – this is
the main reason I chose Brookes. Furthermore
the university is well located with a very
favourable environment for a young person.

Isabel Barratt - MA Publishing I am getting to know so many people and new

The MA Publishing at Oxford Brookes is
internationally renowned, and the department
is closely linked with an Industry Advisory
Board, to ensure the course is up-to-date and
relevant to work in this dynamic field. There
are also strong ties with the Society of Young
Publisher’s Society and the Oxford Publishing
Society, with scheduled talks and discussions,
and frequent opportunities to meet people who
work in publishing.
The staff are friendly and supportive, and as
well as being entirely approachable, they take
a genuine interest in you and your concerns
and questions. I would fully recommend a
course at Brookes to anyone, and the fact that
scholarships like the John Henry Brookes
things each day. I just enjoy being here.
Jing Liao
MSc in International Business Economics
(Received John Henry Brookes and Simon
Williams Memorial Scholarship)
I was an undergraduate student at Brookes. I
like the teaching methods at Brookes as well as
the learning atmosphere. It has great facilities
and provides great support for international
students.
I am very excited and also very grateful for
receiving both the John Henry Brookes and
Simon Williams Scholarships. Being recognised
by the School makes me feel extremely happy. It
means a great deal to me. This is huge
encouragement to me and has been a powerful

Built Environment Scholarship winners and staff (from left to right) Madiina Nakibenga, Ruth Collins
(Senior Postgraduate Administrator), Nadia Tithi, John Johnson, Almaz Fiseha, Mars Street (Dean),
Catarina Bentes, Jamie Elwin (Senior Lecturer), Olivia Ablordeppey, Lamyea Ali, David Evans (Head of
Graduate School), Lucinda Lay and Ihiri Lilian Vitale Oyaha.

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motivating factor, encouraging me to put even
more efforts into my studies.
John Johnson
MSc Environmental Assessment and
Management
Having spoken to a professional in my chosen
career path, who recommended the course at
Oxford Brookes, and visiting the open day
where I had a chance to meet the lecturers, I
knew that this was the place for me!
I was absolutely delighted to achieve this
award, as I had no expectation of receiving it.
It definitely helped me to study at Oxford
Brookes for two reasons. Firstly, and most
importantly, it gave me the financial aid to
undertake full-time study. Secondly, learning
that I had received the award was a massive
confidence boost. It made me feel that I was
‘wanted’ on the course, and really gave me
the self-belief to go on and put my all into the
degree.
Omer Javed - MSc Software Engineering
The John Henry Brookes Scholarship means
a lot to me. It is the feeling of honour and the
feeling of achievement. This is the best thing
to motivate students to do their best in
studies.
Technology scholarship winners and staff (from
back to front, left to right): David Evans (Head of
Graduate School), Farina Salih (Administrator
Postgraduate Courses), Denise Morrey (Dean),
Rafael Licen Santos, Mario Martinez Mendez and
Omer Javed.
Lizzy Solomon Jatula
MSc Finance
I decided to study at Oxford Brookes
University because of the excellent reputation
it has as the best modern university in the UK.
The outstanding record of Brookes Business
courses is also one of the factors that
motivated me. I have also seen past students
of the School excelling in their careers. This
Scholarship meant a great deal to me.
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It has gone a long way to ease off some of the
financial burden from me. Through this
award, I am encouraged to put my best in to
my studies, devoting all my time to the
program without the distraction of a part time
job.
Solongo Tsogt- MSc Rehabilitation
After visiting a number of different
universities, I found that Oxford Brookes
University was the most welcoming, well
organised and internationally recognised for
high quality, innovative teaching methods.
Moreover, there is a lot of support for
International students.
The John Henry Brookes Scholarship has
been a great support to me in paying my
tuition fees, and eased the financial
circumstances of moving overseas. The
award has encouraged me a lot.
Thomas Jacob - LLM in International Trade
and Commercial Law
I decided to study at Oxford Brookes for the
following reasons:
• Good law department
• Many students in Oxford and it is
well-known across the world
• Brookes is one of the greenest
Universities in the UK
• The University has many international
students
• Oxford has many historic buildings
and is close to London
This scholarship recognises my previous
studies and work experience. It helped me to
study at Oxford Brookes, because without it I
could not afford to come here.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships
Wendy Osgerby - MA Creative Writing
I had completed the Diploma in Creative
Writing at Oxford University (Continuing
Education) and wished to continue my
studies. Locally my choice was between
Oxford University's Masters in Creative
Writing and the MA at Oxford Brookes. This
MA was far more attractive in terms of contact
hours and content. The ethos of the course is
entirely different. I knew from the way that I
was treated at the interview that this was the
course for me.
This award has enabled me to carry on
studying a subject that I am totally engaged
in, without committing myself to poverty,
which would otherwise have been the case,
as my only income is a small pension. Abbey Santander Scholarships

I was very surprised to receive the
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, and I feel
privileged and extremely grateful. It has been
an enormous boost to my confidence, and is
driving my determination to succeed.
Individual staff members on the MA Creative
Writing are all research active, highly
motivated, approachable and encouraging, as
I expected. I think that the standard of
teaching is as good as that in any other
institution, and considerately superior to
some. There is a good mix of students in
terms of ethnicity, age and social background.
We are quickly becoming a 'group' as we
grow more comfortable with each other. The
list of visiting speakers is impressive, and is a
valuable addition to the course programme. In
fact everything has lived up to, or exceeded,
my expectations.
Eva Johanna Rode - MSc Primate
Conservation
Without the scholarship it probably would not
have been possible for me to come here
because as well as the tuition fees, there is
also the high cost of living. I am very grateful
for this award because it allows me to
become an expert in conservation and do
something really meaningful for myself and
society in the future.
Catarina Bentes - MSc Spatial Planning
The main reason I chose Oxford Brookes was
the detailed description of the course and
each one of its modules, particularly the urban
design specialist route. From what I saw on
the web site, it struck me as a very good
course in terms of content and structure. I
also researched other schools and Oxford
Brookes was ranked as one of the best, apart
from being an RTPI accredited course.
Mario Alberto Martinez Mendez
MSc Advanced Engineering Design
(Received Abbey Santander and John
Henry Brookes Scholarships)
The possibility of developing my biggest
passion, design, made me decide to study the
MSc in Advanced Engineering Design at
Oxford Brookes. There is no better place to
study it than a university surrounded by some
of the most important automotive companies.
In addition, the facilities here allow the
students to put into practice all the knowledge
obtained during the lectures. The city was
also a factor in my decision, because Oxford
Brookes is situated in one of the most
important cities in the UK.
To me, this award was the key to open the
University’s door, without the help of the

Built Environment Scholarship winners and staff (from left to right) Susanna Simpson (Santander
Universities Retail Director), Matias Cristobal Pascuali Tello, David Evans (Head of Graduate School),
Erika Regina Nobre Alecrim, Robert Mottershead (Abbey Santander), Julia Helena Diaz, Edward
Trewhella (Oxford Brookes International Director), Catarina Bentes, Mario Alberto Martinez Mendez,
Claudia Sanhueza, Rafael Licen Santos, and Cristobal Sanchez Flores (Abbey Santander).

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scholarship I would not have been able to
cover the fees. It opened up the possibility for
me to study a master’s degree that will
change my life.
I do not have words to describe the
experience that I’m having being part of the
Oxford Brookes community. Starting from the
lectures, the facilities, and environment, and
ending with my classmates, everything has
been better than I could have thought.
School Scholarships
Arts and Humanities
Liam Smyth - MA Creative Writing
De Rohan Scholarship
Being situated directly between Birmingham
and London, Oxford Brookes University is in a
great location, plus Oxford is a great city in its
own right, with a distinctly bohemian edge
mingling with a rich academic tradition that I
felt would prove an inspirational place to
study. All of the tutors on my course are
published in their specialist fields and I was
excited at the prospect of being taught by
authors I have long admired.
Simply put, I would not have been able to
continue studying without this award. The fact
I have been given this opportunity has made
me determined to work hard and do my best
to excel both personally and academically.
Arts and Humananities Scholarship winners and
staff (From left to right): Julia Diaz, Craig
Richardson (Director of Postgraduate Taught) Cara
Acred, David Evans (Head of Graduate School)
and Isabel Barratt.
Polly Silk - MA in Publishing
Hachette Livre UK Publishing Scholarship
I would urge anyone considering the Brookes
Postgraduate Publishing course to apply and
to find out about the excellent funding
opportunities that are available early on.
6.
Built Environment
Almaz Fiseha Demissie
MA Development and Emergency
Brookes Africa Scholarship Scheme
(BASS)
Oxford Brookes is one of the few academic
institutions I have learnt of who value relevant
field experience. I was accepted to the
program based on my 34 years of relevant
development and emergency work and not on
prior qualification (degree).
The scholarship means a great deal. It gave
me the lifetime’s opportunity to get the
qualification I have dreamt of all my life. It will
also open up opportunities for me to
contribute more to the field. If it had not been
for this scholarship, I would not have been
able to afford to come to Oxford Brookes.
My experience of the University so far has
been amazing. Coming to live in another
country is a huge step. Becoming a student at
an advanced age is also a challenge.
However, the support system at the University
is so good that I did not feel lost or
overwhelmed by any of it.
Madiina Nakibenga
MA Development and Emergency Practice
Martin Wilkinson Scholarship
Why Oxford Brookes? First was the unique
course of Development and Emergency
practice which is not in any other university in
United Kingdom. Secondly was the
scholarship from the Martin Wilkinson Fund
which inspired me the most because I did not
have enough money to enrol at the beginning.
The scholarship is a great opportunity to me,
being from a third world country where people
strive to meet basic needs, with hardship due
to illiteracy and poverty. It will be great to pass
on my knowledge thus empowering them to
engage in sustainable community-based
development work.
Rebecca Burrows
MSc Historic Conservation
School of the Built Environment Part-time
Scholarship
Brookes was actually the only university that
did this course. There are similar ones but
most of them are much more expensive and
not approved by the Institute of Historic
Building Conservation. I work for English
Heritage and two of my colleagues have
previously completed the course, and only
had good things to say about it. It seems a
very hands-on course with lots of site visits,
support from staff and a high rate of
employment.
This scholarship is very important to me; I
would not have been able to attend university
without it. I have not been with English
Heritage long enough for them to subsidise
my course and I currently have two jobs to
maintain myself. I feel very privileged to have
been given the opportunity to study here and
improve my career options.
Trang Cong
MSc International Real Estate Management
Jones Lang LaSalle Educational Trust
International Award
After working with Savills Vietnam for 3 years,
when I decided to pursue a Master degree in
the UK, I was careful to compare the options
and choose a university that met my criteria
for teaching quality and ranking, as well as
the environment of the city. Brookes was at
the top of my list. My managers and
colleagues who used to study and work in the
UK also gave Brookes strong
recommendations. This is one of the leading
modern Universities with a very up to date
curriculum.

The Oxford city itself is a beautiful city to live

with amazing heritage and architecture. I was
completely convinced that I could have the
best opportunities in my choice of real estate
in this university and in this city. And it has
been proved that I made a good choice.

A number of generous scholarships will be offered for September 2010 entry on

to Brookes Masters programmes. For further details, please visit:
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/studying/finance/support/pg_home
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/studying/finance/support/pg_international

School of Arts and Humanities

Research Students' Winter Symposium - Saturday 12 December 2009
9.30 to 4.30pm, BG11

Research students from across the School of Arts and Humanities will be presenting papers at
our Winter Symposium on Saturday 12 December. If you would like to join us for what is
always a very interesting and enjoyable day, please contact Charmian Hearne, Research
Student Administrator at chearne@brookes.ac.uk

Launch of New MA in Film Studies

In September 2009 Brookes launched the
new MA in Film Studies: Popular Cinema,
with the help of Oscar-winning special
effects expert Ben Morris, a member of the
team that worked on The Golden Compass.
He gave a lavishly illustrated Master Class
on the film’s special effects. His presence
highlighted the course’s distinctive quality
for combining theoretical and historical, as
well as professional approaches to popular
cinema.
The MA in Film Studies accommodates local
needs as well as global demand. Plans are
underway to increase marketing to both local
teachers of film and media, as well as to
overseas students, building on Oxford’s
recognisability – and the teaching team’s
expertise:
Programme Manager Warren Buckland
(Reader in Film Studies) has published on a
wide range of topics ranging from Steven
Spielberg to the cognitive semiotics of film,

7.
he teaches the MA Research Seminar in
Film Studies and oversees the Dissertation
Projects;
Alberto Mira (Reader in Film Studies), an
expert in the history of sexuality, Spanish
cinema, and Classical Hollywood Cinema,
teaches the Narration in Classical
Hollywood cinema module;
Daniela Treveri-Gennari (Senior Lecturer
in Film Studies), whose research interests
include post-war Italian Cinema, teaches
the Popular European Cinema module;
Paolo Russo (Senior Lecturer in Film
Studies), equally at home writing academic
research (on Italian cinema, film genres,
cyberpunk) as well as filmmaking (he is
also a screenwriter and script reader),
teaches the Story Development module;
Oxford Brookes Pro Bono Scheme
Oxford Brookes Pro Bono Scheme Co-ordinators
(From left to right) Rachael Butcher GDL,
Nancy-Josee Ciakudia GDL, Jojo Lyall GDL and
Philip Kaisary LPC, pictured in Headington Hill Hall
Oxford Brookes’ student-led Pro Bono
Scheme is flourishing, thanks to the current
team of law student co-ordinators. Entirely
organised and run by law students, with the
support of one member of staff, the Scheme
James Caterer (Lecturer in Film Studies), an
expert in British cinema, the international film
industry, and film and television-related tourism,
teaches a module on Professional Film Cultures
(which develops an understanding of the
function and development of the cultural
industries).
This is the first MA in Film Studies in Oxford (the
University of Oxford offers a rather idiosyncratic
M.St. in Film Aesthetics). The team hopes to
expand the modules it offers in the coming
years, making Brookes an international centre
for the study of film.
Warren Buckland
For further details please visit:
http://ah.brookes.ac.uk/filmstudies/postgraduate/
has expanded to include 12 projects at local,
national and international level. Participating
organisations include: Amicus, Asylum
Welcome, Citizen’s Advice Bureau,
CAFCASS, Human Rights Teaching Project,
Innocence UK, Oxfordshire Family Mediation,
MELCA, and Oxfordshire Youth Offending
Team.
Open to all 750 law students across the Law
Department, the Scheme offers students at
any level a unique opportunity to develop their
legal knowledge and skills, and to share their
expertise with the wider community. The
Scheme receives some funding to cover costs
such as basic training or conference
attendance, and pro bono volunteers who
commit their time to organisations can also
benefit from training within their chosen
organisation.
Law students at both graduate and
undergraduate level who are interested in
pro bono volunteering opportunities should
contact one of the Scheme Co-ordinators.
Philip Kaisary 09058903@brookes.ac.uk
Rachael Butcher 09086151@brookes.ac.uk
Jojo Lyall 09086189@brookes.ac.uk
Nancy-Josée Ciakudia
09086007@brookes.ac.uk
8.
 Postgraduate Society News
The Postgraduate Shout Out was designed
to bring together new and ongoing
postgraduate students over a drink and
some nibbles. The night went well and a
significant number of students signed up to
the society. There are now approximately
100 members who meet socially on a regular
basis. Our events aim to cover a range of
cultural and social activities. For example,
our morning coffee concert was a relaxed
event that opened up the world of history
and classical music in Oxford. On a different
note our wine tasting evening in
Summertown was a great fun night out.
Coming up we have a Pub Quiz starting on
Mondays in All Bar One in town which brings
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together Oxford Brookes and Oxford
University postgraduates for a classic and
much-loved pub quiz. The semester will
culminate in a Christmas party in Harts Bar
in the Students Union on Thursday 17
December, with a DJ and nibbles, and a
performance from the Circus Society!
Tickets for this event are £12.00 to members
and £15.00 to non-members.
For further information and details of ticket
sales, please email:
obsu.postgraduate@brookes.ac.uk
Tickets also available from SU Reception.
OBU Postgraduate Society
 FEATURE
Technology Masters Students receive Sponsorship
from Jigawa State Government in Nigeria
The School of Technology is forging close
ties with Jigawa state in Nigeria thanks to a
new programme of state sponsorship for
higher education and the arrival of three
impressive international students.
For the first time Jigawa state government
offered local students sponsorship to study
a Master’s degree programme anywhere in
the world. Students from Jigawa state who
had gained a first class honours degree at
undergraduate level were chosen to receive
this award. Three out of the four who
qualified decided to study their Masters
programmes at Oxford Brookes. Mohammed
Gumel Ibrahim (MSc Mobile and High Speed
Telecommunications), Nasir Faruk (MSc
Mobile and High Speed
Telecommunications) and Nura Tijjani
Abubakar (MSc Software Engineering)
began their studies in the School of
Technology in September 2009.
These students are clearly relishing the
opportunity to study at Oxford Brookes and
in the UK. They are making the most of their
time here. As this is the first year Jigawa
state has supported students in this way
they are keen to repay those who have given
them this chance. They also hope that other
students from Jigawa state may be able to
follow them to Oxford Brookes. Nura
commented: “We hope to be the stepping
stone of Brookes becoming host of Jigawa
state students wishing to learn from the
best.”

From left to right: Mohammed Gumel Ibrahim, Nasir Faruk and

Nura Tijjani Abubakar

10.
They were recently interviewed for the
Graduate School Newsletter, and their
thoughts and experiences are described
below.
How were you selected to receive this
generous award?
Mohammed, Nasir and Nura explained that
an agenda for education in Jigawa state had
been pursued in recent years by senior
government figures. The commitment of
Professor Ruqqayya Rufa'I, the State
Commissioner for Education, and Alh.
Babangida Hussain, the Executive Secretary
of the Scholarship Board, was playing an
important role in the development of
education in the state. Early opportunities for
students from Jigawa state to undertake
undergraduate-level overseas study were
followed in 2008 by similar initiatives in
relation to Masters-level courses. These new
Postgraduate awards provide funding for all
expenses including accommodation, tuition
fees, living expenses and air fares.
A prestigious ceremony attended by over
5000 representatives from across the state
education sector, including headmasters and
university lecturers, as well as the Governor
of Jigawa state and the Commissioner for
Education, was held on 21 August, 2008.
The event was a fantastic occasion to which
the students’ families and friends were
invited. It is hoped that the excitement
generated by the day will encourage those in
office to continue this commitment, and
inspire other students to follow in the
achievements of the sponsorship winners.
Nura explained that the State Education
Department had taken a very active interest
in their progress since the students’ arrival at
Oxford Brookes. They had been contacted
regularly by Department representatives
asking them for feedback about the
University and their experiences so far.
They assured me that all reports had been
favourable!
Tell me about your family and
background.
The students explained that Nigeria is
predominantly Muslim in the North and
Christian in the South. It has a population of
one hundred and sixty million people and an
average family has around seven children.
The population of Jigawa state is
approximately five million.
The students described their family
backgrounds. In all three cases, their fathers
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careers are/were based in local government
(in state departments and in the judiciary
respectively), whilst their mothers are
full-time housewives.
Mohammed is the oldest of seven children
and has two brothers and four sisters. One
of his brothers is a nurse and his other
siblings are students.
Nasir is the youngest of four boys. Two of
his brothers work in Business and one is
studying at Lagos State University.
Nura has one brother and two sisters. His
brother is studying at the Canadian
University in Dubai. His younger sister is a
student at University in Kano, Nigeria, whilst
his older sister is married and is a
housewife.
How did you feel when you found out that
your studies would be supported in this
way?
Mohammed’s comments sum up the feelings
of all three students:
One of my childhood fantasies was
to study in the UK, thinking that was
the only way for me to be at the top
of my career, but I didn’t know where
the opportunity would come from.
I just kept dreaming. I was surprised
and honoured the day I received the
scholarship.
How did you first find out about Oxford
Brookes and decide on your course?
Nura studied a BSc (Hons) in Computing
and Software Engineering, a course run in
partnership with Oxford Brookes, through
Informatics Education in Singapore. In the
final year of the course students can choose
to have their degree validated by particular
named institutions. Nura chose Brookes
because the modules on offer interested him
the most.
He was also inspired by David Lightfoot’s
(Principal Lecturer, School of Technology)
visit to Singapore. He said:
After David taught us a new
Programming language called
Zonnon, he was telling us about
Brookes and how he treated his
students. Please allow me to quote
him saying “I tell my students to do
so and so …”, “I advise my students
to do so and so ...” and so on.
I was really inspired by the
character of his teachings.
From then on, I always
 prayed to further my studies at
Brookes and become one of his
“my students.”
Nura recommended Brookes to his friends
Mohammed and Nasir. They then
researched their particular choice of course
online.
All three students praised the assistance
they had received from David George,
Postgraduate Admissions Administrator in
the School of Technology. Nura visited
David at the Education UK Fair in Nigeria
where he received invaluable information
about Brookes courses and the University in
general.
Mohammed felt that the MSc in Mobile High
Speed and Telecommunications would build
on the experience he had gained during
industrial training at Nigerian Universities
Networking (NUNET) during his
undergraduate degree. He is passionate
about working in the telecommunications
sector.
What do you think about your course
so far? What do you particularly
enjoy/find interesting?
All three students are finding their courses
extremely interesting and challenging. They
are working very hard to learn new concepts
quickly in order to keep on top of each
module.
They enjoy learning from lecturers who they
have found extremely helpful and always
willing to engage with them. They clearly
appreciate the support that they have
received from academic staff who respond
quickly to queries that they have about their
work. The facilities in the School of
Technology are beyond their expectations.
They see the strong practical elements of
the course as another positive.
Mohammed commented:
Brookes has a very warm learning
environment, which is
academically challenging. I would
recommend Oxford Brookes
University for anyone who wants
to be on top of their academic career.
What do you think about the University
and living in Oxford and the UK in
general? What do you particularly
enjoy/find interesting?
Mohammed finds Oxford a very
student-friendly place to live. He has
particularly enjoyed meeting people from
different cultures and backgrounds. He lives
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in Clive Booth Hall with flat mates from a
range of countries. and is learning to cook
dishes from all over the world.
Overall Nasir feels the University works very
well. He enjoys playing football and has
gained a place in the Brookes first eleven
Nura particularly likes the Students Union
and the city itself. He says that Brookes is a
home from home and that there is always
something happening to occupy him and
keep him cheerful.
What are your plans for when you
graduate from your Master’s programme?
Should Mohammed, Nasir and Nura gain
distinctions in their Masters, they have been
promised further funding by Jigawa state to
study a Research programme at Oxford
Brookes. All three students are keen to do
so. They are incredibly driven and will clearly
work hard to achieve this goal.
When asked about their future plans, they all
express the desire to return to Nigeria at
some point. Mohammed commented:
My plan is to go back to my
country and help in building
the nation, but I want to go back
highly experienced and on top of
my career. I can wait for anything
that adds to my experience, be
it study or work.
Nasir feels that practical work experience
would be beneficial and enhance his long
term career prospects.
What do you miss most about home?
Mohammed, Nasir and Nura all say that they
miss their families although being in regular
contact has made things easier. Nasir and
Nura both miss Nigerian food. They find
British food rather bland and uninteresting by
comparison, and not as substantial or
satisfying! Nura is clearly rather disappointed
by English weather - especially the cold and
rain! As temperatures in Nigeria rarely dip
below 17 degrees, they have all purchased
warmer, thicker clothes since arriving in the
UK!
Meeting Mohammed, Nasir and Nura I
gained a real sense of their lives and
experiences in Jigawa state, Nigeria. It is
certainly unlikely that they would have been
able to study in the UK, without this funding.
They explained that it was a dream for many
young Nigerians to study overseas, but for
most it was just not possible. Whilst a high
proportion of students were now studying in
Singapore and Malaysia, where it is a lot
cheaper, studying in the UK was still the
 ultimate goal. Funding from Jigawa state has Oxford Brookes and wish them every
made this possible for these talented success in their future studies.
students. We are delighted that they chose Judith Powell

From left to right: Alh. Sule Lamido (Governor of Jigawa state and Profesor Ruqqayya Rufa'i
(Commissioner of the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Jigawa state)

If you have any feature stories about our students and their journeys to Oxford Brookes.
Please contact jpowell@brookes.ac.uk

For further information about the Graduate School or about postgraduate study at Oxford
Brookes University, with items for this newsletter, or for large print or alternative formats,
please contact David Evans at: deevans@brookes.ac.uk or Judith Powell at:
jpowell@brookes.ac.uk.

Happy Christmas
to you all
from the
Graduate School

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