Pratiba Mohamed Ibrahim

How did you hear about School of Education and why did you choose to study here?

I discovered the University of Leeds School of Education through recommendations from colleagues who had studied in the UK. As a teacher with 7 years of experience in India, I was seeking an institution with strong research credentials in digital education.

Tell us about your course – why did you choose it? What elements of the course inspired you to study here?

Leeds’ reputation for innovative approaches to educational technology and language assessment made it the perfect fit for my professional development goals.

What was the best part of your studies – what did you enjoy the most?

I chose my master’s programme because it offered specialised modules in digital education and language assessment, directly aligning with my professional interests as a Social Studies teacher. The course’s emphasis on research-informed practice and the opportunity to produce papers on digital education and assessing English as a foreign language were particularly appealing. The programme’s design would allow me to apply theoretical concepts to real-world classroom challenges I had encountered in my teaching career in India.

What were your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you’ve gained here have helped you in your career plans? In what way?

The collaborative research environment was the highlight of my experience. Working alongside educators from very diverse backgrounds further enriched our discussions on language acquisition and technology integration. I particularly valued the opportunity to develop and research digital tools for enhanced learning. The expertise of the faculties and their supportive approach to international students made the academic journey both challenging and rewarding.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the School of Education that you can tell us about? 

As an experienced teacher from India, my goal was to enhance my expertise in education methods especially digital mode of imparting education and to take on leadership roles in curriculum development. The analytical skills, research methodologies, and theoretical foundations I gained at Leeds have transformed my teaching approach. I now very confident of my abilities to implement evidence-based digital assessment strategies and have confidently introduced innovative teaching methodologies in my classroom.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the University offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice? 

Speaking about how was the transition to this foreign country, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. The University on the whole rendered a lot of support to international students like me and the School of Education as well in particular ensured that we were supported in every way. Numerous webinars, talk sessions, were conducted to enable us to get familiar with the culture of this country and also all efforts were made to enable us to retain and practice our own culture and religious practices. I also need to mention that the University on the whole does ensure there is no discrimination on any grounds and also goes out of the way to ensure the safety and security of its students.

What was your experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the city of Leeds and the Yorkshire region? 

The university’s digital learning resources and libraries provided excellent support for my research. The teaching as well as academic staff demonstrated exceptional knowledge in their fields and offered valuable guidance in every possible way. My international peers brought diverse perspectives that enhanced our explorations of educational challenges across different cultural contexts. Leeds by itself offers a perfect balance of academic resources and cultural experiences, making it an ideal environment for educational studies.

Are there any experiences outside of your studies that you have particularly enjoyed?

Despite being a major city, Leeds offers abundant parks and gardens, including Roundhay Park, Temple Newsam, and the tranquil Kirkstall Abbey grounds. The Leeds canal area provides scenic walking paths, waterside cafes, the city hosts numerous galleries and museums, including the Leeds Art Gallery, the Royal Armouries Museum, and the innovative Leeds City Museum. This city also serves as an ideal base for exploring Yorkshire's stunning landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors, all within easy reach. With multiple universities, Leeds has a youthful energy with affordable neighbourhoods, great public transportation, and plenty of activities geared toward students. Most importantly this city throughout the year, hosts events like the Leeds Festival, Light Night, and the International Film Festival, creating a dynamic cultural calendar.

Would you recommend the School of Education to others who are considering studying here?

I unreservedly recommend the School of Education at Leeds, especially for international educators. The programme’s focus on digital innovation in education and methodologies provides relevant, cutting-edge knowledge for today’s educational challenges. The supportive environment for international students and opportunities for specialised research make it particularly valuable for experienced teachers looking to advance their careers and contribute to educational improvement in their respective home countries.