Akanksh's personal connection to displacement inspired him to study MSc International Development at Bath.

He spoke to us about how the course’s practical focus and global perspective, as well as supportive community, helped shape his path. From placements and a practical project in Tanzania, to a meaningful post-graduation role in the Civil Service, he shares how embracing opportunities has led him to where he is now.

Family and work experiences shaped my direction

I'm British, Afghan and Indian. My parents and grandparents are Hindus from Afghanistan. They remember rockets flying overhead, war, and unrest. They fled political persecution and came to the UK, where they had family, during a time of great uncertainty. I’ve always felt indebted to this country for providing safety to my family.

That’s what shaped my study choices. I did a Politics and International Relations undergraduate degree close to home in Hertfordshire and was inspired to pursue international development after a paper I wrote on energy infrastructure in Bulgaria. This led to an invitation to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Why Bath was right for me

What stood out was how sustainability was embedded in the course, which is forward-thinking and relevant. I could tailor my units to include modules from the humanitarian and conflict pathway, too. This really resonated with my family’s history.

The academic and safety rankings definitely played a part as well.

There were rarely more than two students from the same country during the teaching. We had people from Nepal, Spain, Jordan, Nigeria, Belarus, Japan, the USA, India, to name just a few. This gave us truly global perspectives in every discussion.

The bigger lectures were only about 40 students; smaller ones had ten or so, which was perfect for someone like me, who needed to build confidence to contribute.

In one module, we had to deliver a lecture to our peers and tutor, answering tough questions afterwards. That sort of activity really sharpens your critical thinking and reasoning.

Work-based on application with impact

The practicum (now called the consultancy project) was a highlight.

I worked with a grassroots charity, the Tanzania Development Trust, which focuses on women’s education, clean water and income generation.

Seeing these issues resonated with the stories my grandmother would tell about life in Afghanistan. The focus on income generation was new to me and made me realise how essential economic independence is to drive mobility and change. My work focused on how the Trust could operate more efficiently.

The final module I took - Development Management - was my favourite. It gave me practical tools I could use right away. Another module that has been especially useful was Research for Development. It focused on teaching me to analyse datasets, make recommendations and learn to use logframes – these tools have been invaluable and have given me confidence in my current role.

Beginnings of a career-changing lives

While applying for jobs, I saw a development officer role with the Ministry for Housing and Local Government, near where I’m from, and so I applied.

On the day I moved away from Bath, my parents took me to Snowdonia to celebrate, and, that very day, I got a call offering me the job. Amazing timing!

It started as a three-month contract but has been extended and now looks long-term.

At work, the focus on ‘residents first’ really aligns with my values and feels like meaningful work that helps people in some way.

Good memories made on campus

When I first arrived, I received such a warm welcome from the ResLife team. I had some accessibility needs and was supported from day one and given so much information and a great space to live.

My housemates were from everywhere - Somerset to Indonesia – this made for a great social mix and we shared many meals and conversations together.

Although I have dyslexia, I didn’t need extra support during my studies; but just knowing help was there if I did need anything at all, academically or personally, was really reassuring.

The Sports Training Village (STV) might seem as though it is for athletes only, but that is just a part it - even as a non-athlete, I felt welcome and I tried archery, fencing, and swam regularly. Towards the end of the year, I even got my whole flat, and some neighbours, to play badminton three times a week!

For studying, I used the library a lot, it’s a good design and so central on campus. I generally leaned towards the Polden Café downstairs. It had a calm buzz, with focused students all around, and was so close to my accommodation if I needed to pop back.

One of my best memories of the area near to the campus was walking part of the Bath Skyline Walk. One night we knew the Aurora Borealis was likely to be visible and we walked to the golf course near the start of the Skyline and we saw it, it was surreal and wonderful! We brought blankets and laid on the grass just staring at the stars. It’s so peaceful and there’s no light pollution, up on top of the hill.

And a favourite tree!

A personal favourite place for me was Abbey Green and the beautiful ‘Giant Plane Tree’ at its centre.

At Christmas, it is surrounded by market stalls, but quiet the rest of the year and a peaceful place to just sit and think and wind down. After our first assignment, a few of us celebrated by hugging the tree. Yes, really!

My advice… just do it

If you’re even thinking about doing this course, your heart is probably already in the right place. So just do it.

And, if you can, get some work experience first because it really helps bring perspective to the course.

Also, if you’re coming from London or another big city, be ready for everything like shops to close early! You get used to it.