Yuktha Sivakumar

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I hail from Chennai, Tamil Nadu in Southern India, a region marked by its vibrant culture and diversity. My academic journey began with a bachelor’s in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, allowing me to work closely with patients in clinical settings. These experiences were invaluable, but I realised that focusing solely on individual cases felt limiting over time. I became increasingly aware of the broader, systemic issues affecting health and nutrition outcomes. This realisation motivated me to shift my focus from individual patient care to addressing challenges at the population level, which is why I decided to pursue a career in Public Health Nutrition.

I chose the University of Westminster because of its strong academic excellence and focus on real world, career-oriented learning. I was particularly drawn to the Global Public Health Nutrition MSc programme after learning about the World Public Health Nutrition (WPHN) Congress organised by the university.

The course leader’s commitment to addressing critical global issues, such as food systems, public health inequalities, and policy change, resonated deeply with me. The programme’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and its holistic approach to education made it the ideal place to further my studies and contribute to global nutrition.

The central London location also offers access to public health organisations, NGOs, and networking opportunities, which has greatly enriched my learning experience.

How has your experience been studying in London?

I spent eight months in London, and honestly, when I first arrived as an international student, it felt like stepping into another universe. New city, new culture, new weather, new everything.

London has this ability to pull you out of your comfort zone. It is easy to network and connect with people, and I found the city to be welcoming. Through working as a Student Ambassador and volunteering with NGOs and charities, I was able to experience the real London.

Balancing work and studies can feel intense at times, but London has made me more confident and adaptable. It has completely changed how I see myself and my future.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

Undertaking the Global Public Health Nutrition MSc has been a genuinely transformative experience. What I enjoy most about the course is that it goes beyond basic nutrition science and explores the intersections of public health, food policy, and global systems.

The programme encourages us to view nutrition through social determinants, cultural dynamics, and structural inequalities within food systems. There is also a strong emphasis on applying theory through real world case studies, group work, and discussions on current global challenges.

Modules such as Nutrition in Emergencies, Global Challenges for Food and Health, and Policy and Governance have been particularly impactful. The lecturers bring real world experience into teaching, making the content feel relevant and grounded.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

The academic and lecturer support at Westminster has exceeded my expectations. Lecturers are approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in our academic and personal growth.

I have particularly valued the detailed and constructive feedback on assignments and research work, which has helped both my academic and professional development. Transitioning from a clinical background into public health was a big step, but the support I received made the process much smoother and helped build my confidence.

Their guidance has also been instrumental in shaping my dissertation and influencing my future career direction.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

The programme delivers strong practical and career focused value. We actively use nutrition tools and frameworks from organisations such as the Association for Nutrition, WHO, and UNICEF.

Volunteering opportunities are also a key part of the experience. My work with School Food Matters provided valuable insight into public sector nutrition initiatives through hands-on projects.

We are also encouraged to take part in organising major events such as the WPHN Congress and the Right to Food Conference. These experiences build leadership, project management, and networking skills while exposing us to current global policy discussions.

Field visits to cities like Liverpool and Belfast have also provided direct insight into how local governments and communities address food insecurity.

How has Zone29 - our home of careers and enterprise - helped you with your career journey?

I have made extensive use of Zone29, and it has been a valuable part of my experience. It offers a range of workshops on CV writing, job applications, and navigating the UK job market after graduation.

The one-to-one sessions with employability advisers were particularly helpful, as they provided tailored and practical advice based on my interests in public health nutrition.

Regular updates from the team have also helped me identify relevant job opportunities, internships, and part-time roles that align with my career goals.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course

One of the most impactful experiences was visiting Right to Food Cities such as Liverpool and Belfast. We explored food banks and community initiatives addressing food insecurity and observed how local organisations and governments collaborate.

A standout example was the Liverpool Fans Supporting Foodbanks project, where football fans donate food on match days. This showed how community driven initiatives can make a real difference in tackling hunger and poverty.

These experiences provided valuable insight into public health nutrition in practice.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

If you are considering Westminster, it is a great choice. The university genuinely invests in student support, and staff are approachable and available when needed.

The central London location provides access to internships, networking opportunities, and industry events. The diverse student community also allows you to build meaningful global connections that will benefit your future career.

What’s the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

One of the best aspects is the central London location and the diverse, inclusive environment. It offers access to cultural experiences, networking opportunities, and practical learning experiences beyond the classroom.

The university encourages you to grow both academically and professionally through projects, volunteering, and real-world engagement. Being surrounded by people from around the world also broadens your perspective and supports personal development.

What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

What surprised me most was how much of the experience happens outside the classroom. I expected to focus mainly on coursework, but instead I found myself volunteering, working as a Student Ambassador, and travelling for field visits.

The level of lecturer support also stood out. They are genuinely invested in helping students navigate both academic and professional opportunities.

Overall, the experience goes far beyond academics and offers a strong balance of practical learning, networking, and personal growth.

Your Thoughts

The support services at Westminster have made a big difference to my experience as an international student. The Visa Compliance Team and Student Centre have been extremely helpful, providing quick responses and clear guidance.

Access to facilities such as the gym and library has also made student life more manageable. The library offers 24-hour access during exams, quiet study spaces, and a wide range of academic resources.

Overall, these services have made my experience less stressful and allowed me to focus on my studies and personal growth.