I particularly wanted to gain a broader, more global picture of community health.

I’m a nurse with five years’ work experience in Public Health and currently work as a District Coordinator where I’m responsible for managing HIV, Care and Treatment projects in Zimbabwe. In three words, my experience studying at the University of Essex Online has been thrilling, impactful, and rewarding.

I recently completed a Master in Public Health to enhance my public health profession. I chose to study this course at the University of Essex Online to learn about contemporary ways of resolving well-being needs from an international perspective. I particularly wanted to gain a broader, more global picture of community health and learn why diseases occur in certain ways within communities.

The course was the perfect study option for me as it offered the flexibility to study online. I’m currently employed and it provided me with the opportunity to continue working and carry out my parental duties taking care of my daughters. Throughout my enrolment, I always felt supported and guided by the admissions advisers, who were very helpful during my enrolment and attended to any enquiry that I had. I would encourage anyone who wants to study online to do so. Studying online offers flexibility for working professionals like me. While studying, I set aside at least five hours a day and it has helped me to effectively manage my time on this learning journey.

The learning experience with virtual learning environment (VLE) was very good. I was highly impressed with how I could seamlessly access the course materials at anytime I wanted. While the pressure was high at times, I found I was able to manage work and study with help from the VLE. I was also impressed with the Student Services team. They were always very patient and understanding with students. I’d like to give kudos to all module tutors and other staff who supported students behind the scenes at all times.

What inspired me the most during my time at University of Essex Online was my academic performance. Getting good grades early on inspired me to work hard – this has led me to getting a distinction in my final module and I am very proud of this achievement.

The skills that I’ve learned by studying this course have been highly beneficial to my career. Leadership and planning are some of the key skills that I’ve applied in managing public health projects as a District Coordinator in Zimbabwe. In the future, I intend to secure a role within public health outside Zimbabwe with my acquired Masters degree. This will help me gain international public health experience and further enhance my career prospects to grow into a leadership position.

Interested in seeing where a public health degree could lead you? To find out more, download a prospectus.