Our world-leading environment and sustainability research underpins a wide range of postgraduate programmes. In our Meet our Students series we look at the journeys taken by those studying MSc courses within the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability, explore why they have chosen to study with us and learn about their experiences at the University of Exeter, Cornwall. Today we hear from Mohammad Mustafa Sahebzada, a MSc Sustainable Development student!
Name: Mohammad Mustafa Sahebzada
What course are you studying? MSc Sustainable Development
Where do you call home? Kabul, Afghanistan
Where did you complete your undergraduate course? Islamabad, Pakistan
What was your undergraduate course? Environmental Science
Did you work or volunteer before starting your MSc programme? If so, in what roles?
Before starting my MSc programme, I worked in different leading and technical roles such as Environmental and Social Safeguard Manager, Project Coordinator, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist, Environmental Expert, Biodiversity Specialist, Carbon Monitoring Expert and Subject Matter Expert. During this time, I worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Bank funded projects at the Ministry of Energy and Water, Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, National Environmental Protection Agency and non-governmental organizations.
What attracted you to your MSc course? Why did you choose the University of Exeter?
I chose to pursue an MSc in sustainable development because of my academic and professional background, as well as my future plans in this critical area of study. Sustainable development encompasses both theoretical and practical skills that are essential for shaping policy-based development and creating long-term impact.
I chose the University of Exeter because of its strong reputation for sustainability and environmental programs, excellent faculty, and its beautiful location in the UK. The university’s commitment to research and innovation in sustainable development aligns with my academic and career interests, making it an ideal choice for my education.
What do you like about living and studying in Cornwall?
The combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, outdoor activities, and a strong focus on sustainability make Cornwall, an ideal place to reside and pursue an education.
What are you looking forward to most about your course?
With this degree, I will be well-equipped to achieve my career goals and contribute to my country’s development by integrating sustainability measures into various sectors.
What skills and experiences are you hoping to gain from your course?
This programme will provide me with a wide range of outlooks and equip me with essential knowledge and skills to critically design policy-based solutions for complex sustainability challenges. Another compelling reason that caught my attention is practical and problem-based learning methods, which underlie the implementation of sustainability measures in practical contexts. This programme’s intended outcomes will support me in promoting policy-based solutions for the sustainability challenges of Afghanistan in a strategic manner.
What have been the highlights so far?
Gaining in-depth knowledge, conducting research reviews, interdisciplinary learning, attending guest lectures, networking, and personal growth
What are your career aspirations?
My understanding of the country-specific scenario and the academic excellence achieved from studying master’s in sustainable development will help me in the short run to technically support relevant agencies in strategic planning, building policy coherence, and developing pipeline project concepts for global climate finance mechanisms. In the long run, I look forward to contributing towards forming a think tank comprised of national and international relevant experts. I believe this can further help establish a policy institute offering technical support to the relevant agencies on research-based strategic planning for achieving sustainable development in Afghanistan.
The Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability brings together experts from across the spectrum of earth and life sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences and business. Our programmes are all designed with a focus on developing solutions to global challenges and creating a better future for our planet and its people. Help lead a global Greener, Healthier and Fairer revolution by studying one of our world-leading, interdisciplinary Masters degrees here at the University of Exeter, Cornwall. See our Masters programmes here.