How to choose a university that sets you up for success Maham Shabbir, Public Policy MSc, UCL

Picking a university can feel overwhelming, but it gets easier once you know what you’re really looking for, so take the time to understand what’s important to you. When I was applying to Master’s programmes, reputation was the #1 factor on my mind. I had a spreadsheet of universities sorted by global standing, research strength, and student experience. UCL was truly a dream university for me because it consistently landed near the top across all the criteria I cared most about.

I also looked at how student-friendly the cities were and how much there was to do in and around the campus. London outranked every other city I considered, even in cost (surprisingly), especially when factoring in student discounts and part-time wages. After living in London for the past year, I see exactly why it always ranks so highly in the list of top cities for students.

Find a course that prepares you to contribute, not just observe

I wanted to study at a university that didn’t just focus on academic rigour but also gave students exposure to the real-world policy space. Studying a Public Policy MSc has helped me get my foot in the door and brought me closer to spaces that create real impact. 

One of my most memorable moments was attending the Climate Governance Forum. I had the chance to sit in a roundtable discussion with leaders from across the sustainable finance space, meet inspiring CEOs, and exchange ideas with people at the forefront of this evolving field.

I also attended the Cambridge Graduate Conference in Political Thought.  It felt surreal to be in discussion with such brilliant minds, and even more surreal to realise that my programme had genuinely prepared me to contribute meaningfully in those spaces.  

Make the most of the support around you

Whether you’re someone who’s refining your academic voice or preparing to pitch yourself in a job market that’s anything but easy, make the most of the support available. Doing so has made me feel not only more prepared, but also more confident in my ability to carve out a career that resonates with me deeply.

From the get-go, we had access to a stream of curated opportunities on myUCLCareers. For example the advice I received in the 1:1 CV and interview clinics wasn’t cookie-cutter, but personal and actionable. UCL’s “Ask the Employer” sessions offered honest insight into what works, what doesn’t, and what really makes a candidate stand out (no fluffy 10-step checklists, thankfully). 

Be bold

Now, nearing the end of my degree, I’m convinced moving to London to study was the smartest risk I’ve ever taken. It has stretched my worldview, sharpened my resilience, and handed me contacts I couldn’t have cold‑emailed in a million years.

I’ve been in classrooms where diverse voices are not only heard but actively sought out and valued. Disagreement isn’t seen as defiance, but as a sign of critical thinking and deep engagement.

This environment has helped me find my footing and my voice. A year ago, I wouldn’t have imagined being invited to policy conferences and roundtables or having so many opportunities to research and write with real confidence.

My Master’s has totally lived up to my expectations. Studying at UCL hasn’t just opened doors, but handed me the keys to navigate them with purpose (and thankfully, I didn’t lose them in Freshers’ Week).

Find out more about studying a Master’s at UCL and register your interest