Laiq Talat Mahmood

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

Having spent a number of years in Leeds, I was already very familiar with the University and had attended several events there in the past. I had always been aware of its strong academic reputation, particularly as a Russell Group university, and I was also drawn to its emphasis on research and the diversity of its student community. The University has a very international feel, and I liked the idea of studying somewhere where I would meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. As someone who already knew and enjoyed the city, studying at the University of Leeds felt like a natural next step for me.

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

I chose the MA Education because I wanted to develop a broader understanding of education beyond the classroom. My background is mainly in primary education and English language teaching, so I was interested in exploring education from different perspectives. The wide range of modules really appealed to me, particularly areas such as sustainable education, research and international education. I also wanted to strengthen my academic skills and keep open the possibility of progressing to PhD study in the future.

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

What I enjoyed most was the range of experiences the course offered. Studying alongside people from different countries and professional backgrounds made discussions much more interesting and often challenged me to think about education in ways I had not considered before. I particularly enjoyed the Sustainable Education module, especially the visits to UNESCO and the OECD in Paris, as they gave the course a stronger international dimension and helped connect academic ideas with current educational priorities. I also valued having the freedom to explore my own interests through assignments and research.

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?

My career aspirations have always been centred around education, but the MA has helped me broaden my understanding of the different directions a career in education can take. I have become particularly interested in higher education, research, student support and working with people from different cultural and educational backgrounds. The course has strengthened my research, communication and critical thinking skills, and has given me more confidence in applying these skills to future roles within education.

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

One achievement I am particularly proud of was serving as the Postgraduate Taught Student Representative for the School of Education. It gave me the opportunity to represent the views of other students, gather feedback and raise issues or suggestions with staff. I enjoyed being able to contribute to conversations about the student experience and help make sure different voices were heard, particularly within such a diverse postgraduate community. The role also helped me develop my confidence, communication and leadership skills, and made me feel more involved in the wider life of the School beyond my own studies.

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

My experience of the staff and facilities was very positive. I found the staff approachable and supportive, and I made good use of the University’s libraries and study spaces throughout the year.

Although Leeds was already familiar to me, experiencing it properly from a student perspective gave the city a different feel. I spent much more time around campus, discovering new coffee shops, study spots and parts of the city I had previously overlooked. I also appreciated how easy it was to move between university life, the city centre and the wider Yorkshire region, which made studying there feel like much more than just attending classes.

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

One of the highlights outside my studies was running an English conversation group with the Language Zone in the Parkinson Building across both semesters. The group brought together international students who wanted to become more confident speaking English in a relaxed and informal setting. I really enjoyed planning the sessions, coming up with discussion topics and activities, and seeing how much more comfortable people became over time.

What made it especially enjoyable was that the conversations often went far beyond language practice. We would end up talking about culture, food, travel, university life and the differences between people’s experiences in the UK and back home. It was also a great way for me to meet people outside my own course and feel more connected to the wider University community.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend the School of Education. The staff were always very helpful and approachable, and I really valued being taught by lecturers who were experienced researchers in their fields and could bring that knowledge into their teaching. I also liked the balance between academic challenge and having the freedom to explore your own interests through different modules and assignments. There were plenty of opportunities to get involved beyond the course as well, which made the overall experience feel much more complete. Overall, I found the School to be a supportive and academically engaging place to study, and I would happily recommend it to anyone considering postgraduate study in education.