GREAT Scholarship Recipient, Peter from China, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Master’s in Social Science Research Methods at Cardiff University

I am Peter from China. I have many years of working experience in both Banking as well as the Tourism and Hospitality industries. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Science Research Methods at Cardiff University in the UK. I chose this program because I plan to continue to study for a PhD and develop a career as a researcher in the future. The program offers modules and training that meet the requirements for ESRC funding in the UK, which will support my academic and professional goals.

GREAT Scholarship Details

The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the British Council and UK Universities. Each year, over 200 scholarships are awarded by over 70 universities across the UK. The scholarships provide students from 18 countries with £10,000 towards their tuition fees for a wide range of one-year taught postgraduate programs.

Educational Background

I obtained my previous Master’s degree from Mahidol University in Thailand and gained exchange experience at Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. My major was Marketing Research, which included key courses in academic writing and research within the field of marketing. I graduated with a GPA of 3.7 and was awarded the Excellent Thesis Award by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, along with a grant of 10,000 THB.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Cardiff University?

 This program is research-focused. Before submitting my application, I contacted my current supervisor to discuss my interests and suitability for the course. After receiving the offer, I was informed about this scholarship via email and simply followed the instructions to apply.

Before applying to the program, I achieved a GRE score of 322 and an IELTS score of 7.5. For the IELTS test, I mainly used official mock tests, carefully reviewing all my mistakes, and practised using the same procedures as in the actual exam. Preparing for the GRE was much more challenging. I spent around three months building vocabulary and practised extensively with materials covering all sections, including Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. To ensure I was fully prepared, I also completed several full-length mock tests before taking the actual test.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the GREAT Scholarship?

The application process for the GREAT Scholarship is straightforward.

All eligible students applying for postgraduate taught programs can apply. Applicants are required to answer four questions, with each response limited to a maximum of 200 words:

• What are your reasons for wanting to study at Cardiff University in your chosen programme of study?
• Describe a significant achievement in your student life or in your working career to date, and explain the impact it had on other people or the organisation.
• How would you help spread the word about Cardiff University as a study destination?
• Describe your career objectives beyond the course you have applied to, indicating the type of role you would like to occupy in five years' time and how the course you are interested in studying can help you in achieving these objectives.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Cardiff University? 

I had a wonderful experience at Cardiff University, located in the capital of Wales, a welcoming city known for its warm and friendly people. The lecturers are supportive, and the city is full of beautiful gardens and parks. Most places are within walking distance, making student life very convenient. Cardiff University also has one of the best student unions in the UK, ranked second nationally.

How Do You Rate Cardiff University Academically and Why? 

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, which represents leading UK institutions known for academic and research excellence. Notably, Cardiff is the only Welsh university in this prestigious group. The Business School holds both AACSB and AMBA accreditations, reflecting its high-quality in business and management education. In addition to these accreditations, the lecturers are supportive and approachable. Students are encouraged to seek their guidance whenever needed.

How Does Cardiff University Support International Students? 

Cardiff University has one of the top student unions in the UK, consistently ranked second nationally. It provides a wide range of events and activities, many specifically designed for international students. If you encounter any issues or have questions during your studies, you can visit the Centre for Student Life. The help desk on the ground floor has friendly staff ready to assist you. Additionally, the university provides Academic English training for international students who are not native speakers, which I found extremely helpful and beneficial.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The GREAT Scholarships are funded by the British Council and universities across the UK, with the main aim of promoting UK education internationally. As an ideal candidate, in addition to demonstrating academic excellence, you are also expected to share your experience publicly. For example, I am an influencer on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, where I have more than 3,000 followers. I enjoy sharing my experiences of studying and travelling abroad, and I am confident about sharing my learning journey in the UK online. Furthermore, I have studied, lived, and worked in four countries around Asia and Europe, which has given me strong cross-cultural communication skills, something that is highly valued at Cardiff University. I believe this combination of academic ability, international experience, and willingness to share my story helps me stand out as a strong candidate for the scholarship.

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

I am satisfied with my current application process. I believe I have done well and do not feel that I need to make any changes.

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

Although the process of applying for the GREAT Scholarship is straightforward, it is important to be well prepared when answering the four questions. Make full use of the word count, and take time to write, revise, and polish your responses to ensure they are as strong as possible. Do not be afraid to apply; showing your uniqueness and personality can help you stand out among all candidates. In addition, your application should highlight how you can support the British Council in promoting UK higher education, as this is one of the key points the scholarship committee looks for.