UKRI Scholar, Abdullah Al Mahmud from Bangladesh, Pursues His PhD in International Political Economy and Development at the University of Glasgow

My name is Abdullah Al Mahmud, originally from the hilly sides of Chattogram, Bangladesh, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in International Political Economy and Development at the University of Glasgow. I have always been drawn to the intersection of Economics and development, was always passionate about the critical aspects of the roles played out by the international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. And that is exactly what I am doing now in my PhD, quantitatively assessing the intersection of these IFIs’ roles in helping countries during their neighbors’ economic shocks, financial crisis, or conflict diffusion period. My previous work in research thinktanks and policy research deepened this interest, particularly in how institutions shape the lives of vulnerable communities. I chose this field to gain deeper insights into the political dimensions of economic systems and to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based policymaking.

UKRI Scholarship Details

I received the prestigious UK Research and Innovation Grants (UKRI) Scholarship from the College of Social Sciences (CoSS), University of Glasgow, UK, which I will continue to receive throughout my whole PhD tenure, starting from September 2025.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. My academic foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis prepared me well for advanced research in political economics, monitoring and evaluation of large-scale projects, development studies, and global governance. I maintained a humble academic record (GPA: 3.60) in my Master’s and was consistently involved in independent research, data collection and field visits, dissertation writing competitions, social action projects, and writing competitions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Glasgow?

Well, to be frank, I only applied to a couple of universities in the UK, and the University of Glasgow and the University of Cambridge were the forerunners in that list. In preparing for my PhD journey, I followed a structured, yet personal approach grounded in research, organization, and reflection. I regularly visited platforms like FindAPhD to explore opportunities that aligned with my interests, especially those offering international funding. Whenever I found a promising programme, I created a dedicated folder with all the required documents and began preparing a tailored application.

I ensured that essential materials were always ready in PDF and JPEG format. For each application, I customised my CV and cover letter by thoroughly studying the project and the prospective supervisor’s work. This helped me craft applications that were not only relevant but personally meaningful. As for my Statement of Purpose, I didn’t follow a rigid formula. Instead, I told my story honestly, highlighting my academic trajectory and personal motivations without exaggeration. I also reviewed my prospective supervisor’s CV and publications to reflect genuine interest and alignment in my SOP, cover letter, and even to assist my referees in writing Letters of Recommendation.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and the University of Glasgow?

Primarily through the FindAPhD website, university websites, scholarship directories, and forums like The GradCafe and LinkedIn. I also reached out to some professors, and they showed their interest as well.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests Such? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took the IELTS. To be blatantly honest, I didn’t prepare for it and also didn’t burden on taking preparation as well, I treated it just as a formality to showcase my exposure to English as a language, so it was fun.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the UKRI Scholarship?

I drafted multiple versions of my personal statement and research proposal, integrating feedback from mentors. I closely aligned my narrative with the values and goals of the scholarship program, highlighting my leadership in social research, community impact, and academic achievements.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Glasgow?

I love it, so far. My experience at the University of Glasgow has been deeply enriching. The supervisors are supportive, and the research culture is wonderfully collaborative. Weather can be a bit unsupportive sometimes, but come on, part of it, right?

How Do You Rate the University of Glasgow Academically and Why?

So there are two ways to measure it in my sense: academically and spiritually. Academically, the University of Glasgow is rigorous and forward-thinking. Its commitment to interdisciplinary research, academic freedom, and impact-oriented scholarship makes it one of the best institutions in the UK. And for the spiritual side, it just widens your thoughts and passion for striving more. I believe it’s homogeneous to all higher education universities!

How Does the University of Glasgow Support International Students?

So far, the admission team and the admin teams have been brilliantly helpful towards us. The University has robust support systems for international students, ranging from visa support and academic skills workshops to mental health resources and multicultural community events. The Graduate School and International Student Support Office have been particularly helpful.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country’s Native Language?

I don’t have any classes. As I took on most of these fundamental courses back in my Master’s and Bachelor's days. Also, in the UK, for a PhD, coursework can be flexible depending on the needs, but not often. All research communications are conducted in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Simplicity, previous experience-wise, is very relevant to the project itself and research publications. I had simplicity and integrity in all my responses to the responses, documents, and interview questions (sometimes you have to pass through the document assessments, interview screening step by step). My very humble blend of field experience and academic insight helped, I believed. Most standing out thing I’d say was that I had 4 research papers published in my earlier academic life in bachelor's and master’s. Also, I previously worked in assessing the impacts of international organizations like the UN Women in refugees context, which helped the supervisors gather a better sense of confidence in me. Having led donor-funded research on Economics, trade diversification, social justice, refugees, and climate vulnerability, and translating those findings into actionable policy, made my application compelling. I also focused on values like inclusion, ethics, and impact, which resonated with the selection committee.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would have started earlier, particularly in reaching out to potential supervisors and preparing for standardized tests. I would also invest more time in refining the research proposal before seeking feedback.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Start early, research deeply, and be authentic in your application. Tailor your documents for each opportunity, demonstrate both competence and commitment, and seek feedback often. Most importantly, show how your work connects to real-world impact and communities.