How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at Lancaster University, UK Through the Commonwealth Scholarship

I am Faith Taiwo from Nigeria. I had most of my training and upbringing in the southwestern part of Nigeria. I have been a medical doctor for over a decade with experience in both clinical and administrative aspects of the hospital system, both private and public. My recent exposure to leadership in the healthcare sector was my driving force to pursue a formal education, and I was fortunate to get funding for an MSc in Medical Leadership at Lancaster University

Commonwealth Scholarship Details

The program is an MSc in Medical Leadership. It is being funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, and the institution of study is Lancaster University Management School.

Educational Background

I had my first degree training at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where I qualified as a medical doctor in 2014. I have been practicing as a general practitioner since then. Four years into practice, I held leadership positions in primary healthcare, the state health insurance agency, and private hospitals. Alongside work, I got certificates in short courses like the University of Washington and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, which helped me to carry out my duties effectively. Beyond work and these certifications, I believe, gave a boost to my application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Lancaster University?

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

I got the information for this program from a senior colleague who is also an alumnus of Lancaster University. Fortunately, the application did not really require other standardized tests to apply, as I had none at the time of application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship?

Most of what I needed was my undergraduate certificate and resume. However, the application portal had different essays which I had to write, ranging from 200-400 words. These essays were to assess whether I was the right fit for the program. This was not so difficult because I loved to express myself in writing from time to time.

How is Your Experience at Lancaster University?

The exposure at Lancaster University Management School has been breathtaking. My cohort had a mix of medical leaders from different parts of Africa. The residential aspect, which happened once a year, helped me to forge new relationships. The coaches are amazing, and the platforms on which lectures are delivered are seamless. The program has its emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and meta-reflection. This has helped me a lot. Worthy of note are the vast resources and subscriptions to have access to by virtue of the scholarship.

How Do You Rate Lancaster University Academically?

From the latest ratings, Lancaster University is one of the top 10 schools in the United Kingdom. From my experience, this is clearly evident!

What Did You Pursue After the Commonwealth Scholarship?

I am still in school. I plan to commence a PhD afterwards.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my work experience and the other certifications in leadership I got made my application stand out.

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

I would maximize the vast resources and communities while in the program.

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

I think there is a bespoke scholarship for everyone. You just need to find the scholarships that maximize your strengths and put your best foot forward when applying.