Shishu Ranjan’s Chevening Scholarship Story: From Jharkhand to Education and Social Justice at Birkbeck, University of London

My name is Shishu Ranjan, and I hail from a rural area of Giridih (a remote district), Jharkhand, India, a region rich in natural resources but challenged by environmental and social issues. I hold an MSc in Chemistry from Ranchi University, a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from Jamia Millia Islamia, a prestigious institution founded on Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, and an MA in Education from Azim Premji University, Bangalore.

Currently, I am pursuing an MSc in Education and Social Justice at Birkbeck, University of London, as a Chevening Scholar. My passion for science education and social justice stems from my experiences in Jharkhand, where I witnessed the environmental impact of mining and the need for scientific temper among students. I pursued further education in education and social justice to address systemic inequities in science teacher education and contribute to transformative curriculum reform.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I am a recipient of the Chevening Scholarship, a fully funded award by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to study an MSc in Education and Social Justice at Birkbeck, University of London. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, though the exact amount varies based on individual circumstances.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Jharkhad Overseas Scholarship (MGOS), Government of Jharkhand, India. The Chevening Scholarship was the primary award I pursued due to its prestige and alignment with my goals of leadership in education and social justice.

Educational Background

My academic journey includes:

• MSc in Chemistry, Ranchi University, Ranchi (72.75%). This degree equipped me with a strong foundation in scientific principles, enabling me to teach undergraduate Chemistry effectively.
• Bachelor of Education (BEd), from an institution rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Basic Education’ philosophy (73.5%). This program honed my pedagogical skills and deepened my understanding of education policy.
• MA in Education, Azim Premji University, Bangalore (GPA: 81%). Through field immersion and research, I explored social justice in education, conducting studies on teacher attitudes and science education curricula.

These degrees prepared me for my current field by blending scientific expertise with educational theory and social justice advocacy. My research, including a “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey on Social Justice” and “Analysing Science Teacher Education in India,” equipped me with qualitative research skills to address inequities in science education, aligning with my goal to reform teacher training.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UK Institutions?

I began by researching universities with strong programs in education and social justice, focusing on those with a global reputation, like Birkbeck. I reviewed program curricula, faculty expertise, and alignment with my research interests. I prepared a strong application by:

• Crafting a personal statement highlighting my teaching experience, research, and commitment to social justice.
• Securing recommendation letters from professors and mentors from university and All India Forum for Right To Education (AIFRTE).
• Ensuring my academic transcripts and CV were polished and reflected my diverse experiences.
• Networking with alumni and attending virtual open days to understand institutional expectations.

How Did You Find Information and Prepare for Standardized Tests?

I gathered information on institutions through university websites, education forums, and alumni networks. For the Chevening Scholarship, I used the official Chevening website and connected with past scholars via social media platforms like LinkedIn and especially Eklavya India Foundation.

For standardized tests, I took the IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency, achieving an overall band score of 6.5. To prepare:

• I used YouTube for IELTS course to familiarize myself with the test format.
• Practiced speaking with peers and recorded myself to improve fluency.
• Used free online resources, such as British Council practice tests, to hone reading and writing skills.
• Dedicated a week to consistent preparation, focusing on time management for the test.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

For the Chevening Scholarship, I:

• Researched the scholarship’s pillars: leadership, networking, and commitment to development.
• Wrote essays that connected my experiences in student politics, teaching, and research to these pillars.
• Highlighted my work with AIFRTE and my research on social justice in education to demonstrate impact.
• Prepared for the interview by practicing responses to questions about my career goals and how I would contribute to India’s education system post-study.
• Sought feedback on my essays from mentors and revised them multiple times for clarity and impact.

How Is Your Experience at Birkbeck, University of London?

My experience at Birkbeck, University of London, has been transformative. The MSc program’s focus on education and social justice aligns perfectly with my goals, and the diverse cohort has enriched my perspectives. The faculty’s expertise and the program’s emphasis on critical pedagogy have deepened my research skills.

How Do You Rate Birkbeck, University of London Academically and Why?

I rate Birkbeck highly (9/10) for its academic rigor. The program’s blend of theoretical and practical approaches, coupled with access to cutting-edge research, fosters critical thinking. The evening class schedule also supports working professionals, making it inclusive. Moreover, colleagues with years of experience in education helped me to navigate the diverse education system of the world with their personal experiences of being in the system.

How Does Birkbeck, University of London Support International Students?

Birkbeck offers robust support through dedicated international student advisors, visa guidance, and cultural integration workshops. The university provides academic writing support and networking events, helping international students feel welcomed and supported.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out due to:

• Unique Background: My blend of science expertise, teaching experience, and social justice advocacy through AIFRTE and research.
• Clear Vision: Articulating how my studies would contribute to reforming science teacher education in India.
• Leadership and Impact: Highlighting my role in student politics and curriculum reform, supported by strong recommendation letters.
• Alignment with Chevening: Demonstrating leadership, networking skills, and a commitment to India’s development.

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

I would have:

• Started preparing for the IELTS earlier to reduce stress.
• Sought more feedback on my scholarship essays from Chevening alumni to refine them further.
• Applied to additional scholarships to explore more funding options, even if I prioritized Chevening.

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

• Start Early: Research scholarships and institutions at least a year in advance to prepare strong applications.
• Tailor Your Narrative: Align your experiences with the scholarship’s goals (e.g., leadership, impact) in your essays.
• Build a Network: Connect with alumni or current scholars for insights and mentorship.
• Show Impact: Highlight tangible outcomes from your work or research to demonstrate your potential.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Practice for interviews and seek feedback on all application materials to ensure clarity and professionalism.