Read why Public Health MSc graduate and mental health nurse Maja Myhre from Norway chose to stay on and study for a PhD in Health Policy at London Metropolitan University.
Why did you choose to study at London Met?
I initially worked as a mental health nurse in Norway, for a charity that provided healthcare to undocumented migrants. Following that, I decided to apply to London Met to do my master’s degree in Public Health. I enjoyed my course so much that I applied for a scholarship to do my PhD here, and with the support of my fantastic tutors I was able to secure my scholarship and am studying my PhD part time. I chose London Met in particular because they could offer me a place on a PhD in Health Policy with excellent supervisors and opportunities to develop myself as a researcher, academic and teacher. My tutor guided me through the whole process of applying for the course and a scholarship, and today she is one of my PhD supervisors.
What are the facilities like here?
The library and library staff are excellent and helpful. The University offers lots of interesting talks – events which I try to attend as much as I can.
What do you like best about your course?
London Met’s best asset is the tutors. There are so many knowledgeable and inspiring people working at London Met. I enjoyed my conversations with them which inspired me to continue my studies and do a PhD – something I had never envisioned myself doing.
What do you like about life in London?
The people I’ve met!
What is your research about?
My research is about access to healthcare services for undocumented migrants who live in Norway. Essentially, it’s about policy and practice, and how people who work in healthcare can steer services and affect patient outcomes. It’s a fairly unique area to investigate – Norway is a small country with a small population, and my PhD is in an area that hasn’t been researched before. I believe in equality and human rights and hope that my research will be valuable in helping to improve the experiences and health outcomes for migrants and raise awareness of their issues. After I have completed my hypothesis and finished some work on ethics, I’ll be able to collect anonymous data from healthcare providers and from undocumented migrants to form the basis of my PhD.
What did you choose to do a PhD?
I chose to do a PhD as I wanted to take one step further towards a career in academia and research, and to be able to use my clinical experiences as a nurse along with my research – and academic experience gained from completing my master’s.
Are you working while you do your PhD?
In addition to studying at London Met, I work as an Associate Lecturer part time. I teach in the health and social care modules. I love teaching the students – it’s brilliant. It’s also helped me cement my own knowledge and learning style. I’d love to continue teaching and may even sign up for a PGCE here.
What are your career plans?
I want to work in academia, to continue my career as a lecturer and to develop my career towards doing research.
Can you describe your experience in one word?
I know it’s two words really, but: self development!