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Meet the Chevening Scholar: Michail Le Roux, from South Africa

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An esteemed attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Michail Le Roux joined Birkbeck to study LLM Law and New Technologies to help with his 10-year career plan. Here we get to know more about his background, his experience as a Chevening Scholar and Birkbeck student, and his hopes for the future.  

A path that led to Birkbeck 

I’m proud to be an attorney at the High Court of South Africa. I’ve dedicated over seven years of my life to the captivating world of Blockchain & Digital Assets, and it’s been quite a journey, advising on numerous complex cross-border transactions that involve cutting-edge technologies, all in largely unregulated markets. My driving force? An unwavering commitment to professional growth. 

Some time ago, I came up with a ten-year plan, leading me to pursue the prestigious LLM Law and New Technologies master’s course at Birkbeck. I carefully chose this course because it perfectly complements my existing expertise and awards me a formal qualification, making me even more equipped to provide exceptional legal counsel to clients across various domains. 

 

A course that stands out 

What truly distinguishes this Master’s program is its deliberate focus on empowering legal professionals like me, who are actively navigating the challenges of unregulated markets while having a profound understanding of the legal frameworks shaping the future. I’m a staunch advocate for fellow tech-driven professionals from the Fourth Industrial Revolution to seize this transformative course and enrich their knowledge. 

Now that I’ve successfully completed the program, I’ve got ambitious plans to spearhead two Blockchain projects in the Sub-Saharan African region. The future is looking bright! 

The Chevening Experience 

The Chevening experience is truly unparalleled. Undoubtedly, it stands as the most competitive international scholarship award; honouring professionals amidst the 65,000 applicants and yielding a 3% success rate. It also offers those granted scholarship the opportunity to meet future world leaders and nurture an invaluable network, irrespective of your industry. 

Although I was selected on my first application, I would strongly advise prospective applicants to persevere and apply as many times as necessary. The application process demands rigor, requiring prior work and high achievements to stand out. Nevertheless, this journey embodies the essence of a future leader, and the sacrifices made will undoubtedly reap rewarding outcomes. 

Another thing I came to realise is that the key to an exceptional Chevening experience lies in actively taking part in all network events. Seize every opportunity to connect with as many individuals as possible and share your aspirations. These connections will pave the way for future collaborations with colleagues, investors, partners, and officials. My highlight was immersing myself in all the opportunities that being a Chevening scholar offered in the vibrant heart of London. It’s an experience I cherish deeply.  

My Birkbeck Experience 

The exceptional quality of the lecturers truly set my experience apart. Throughout my Master’s course, I had the privilege of learning from thought leaders who held esteemed positions within the industry. It was an inspiring journey of intellectual growth. 

For anyone contemplating an application to Birkbeck, here’s my advice: ensure a deep understanding of why your chosen course aligns perfectly with your goals. In other words, be intentional and highly selective when making your course choice. It’ll greatly enhance your overall learning journey. 

In conclusion, it’s been a remarkable adventure, and I eagerly anticipate the chapters yet to be written in my future endeavors! 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

 

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Meet the Chevening Scholar: Awa Toure, from Mali

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The first female from Mali to be granted a Chevening scholarship, Awa Toure joined Birkbeck to study MSc Management with International Business and Development as the sole recipient for the 2022 Chevening scholarship intake from her home country. Here we get to know more about her background, her hopes for the future, and her experiences of both Chevening and Birkbeck. 

An enriching path to Birkbeck 

At the age of 15 I left Mali to pursue my studies in Canada. In Montreal, known for its diverse population, I had the opportunity to attend the prestigious high school, College Jean de Brebeuf, and obtain a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from the Écoles des sciences de la Gestion from the University of Quebec. Living in such an international environment allowed me to interact with people from many backgrounds, broadened my horizons, fostered acceptance of different perspectives, and deepened my understanding of diverse cultures. Additionally, during my undergraduate years, I participated in the ERASMUS university exchange program in Madrid, Spain where I attended the Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros. Wanting to continue my path of enriching education, I decided to study MSc Management with International Business and Development at Birkbeck, to enhance my technical expertise and nurture my global network at a prestigious institution.  

With great aspirations also come great responsibilities  

I recognize that vicious cycles of internal and external systemic shocks can perpetuate poverty and hunger in a nation. I also recognize that this can be made worse by inadequate government systems and firmly believe that valuable and sustainable development solutions lie in the collaborative efforts of individuals, communities, and markets. So, yes, I aspire to become a powerful international businesswoman, but I also want to serve as a role model and make a positive impact in Mali’s journey towards economic independence and self-sustainability.  

When adaptability is a superpower 

I believe the role I play as a young female in bringing positive change to Mali, must be equally multifaceted as the challenges facing my nation. Understanding the complex and inter-sectoral challenges facing my home country and wanting to serve as well as do well for myself, I have become something of a polymath. My academic and professional experiences have married the disciplines of international business with social enterprise, communications, storytelling, gender rights development, digital access, and transformative justice. What matters most to me is understanding and platforming the trajectories of Malian economy, the stories of its communities, its women and girls, the able-bodied and ability impaired, the rural and urban, the old and young. When public systems fail, we must ask: how have they coped up until now? What do they need to survive and thrive? And how can we support communities in developing and maintaining their livelihoods outside of weak public structures?  

The role of Chevening in my aspirations 

Before applying to Chevening I was unaware of its existence.  During a heartfelt conversation with a friend, who coincidentally happens to be a former Chevening alumnus, we embarked on a discussion regarding the development trajectory of Mali. It was within this enriching exchange that my friend enlightened me about the Chevening program, expressing her conviction that it would be an impeccable match for my aspirations. And now, I find myself standing proudly as a member of this amazing community, to which I am eternally grateful.  

For anyone thinking about studying at Birkbeck: don’t hesitate!

The level of study and intellectual stimulation at Birkbeck has been truly outstanding, with engaging lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and a supportive learning environment. The faculty members have been highly knowledgeable and passionate, offering valuable insights and guidance at every turn. I enjoy every seminar I attend, and know that the learning outcomes from these will follow me for the rest of my life. If there’s anyone out there thinking of studying at Birkbeck, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to take the leap. Birkbeck also offers a flexible and inclusive learning environment, making it an excellent choice to pursue higher education while managing other commitments. I love the flexibility offered by the university to balance work, personal life, and academic pursuits and I am sure you will too. Do not hesitate! 

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Meet the Chevening Scholars: Immanuel Tangi Shilamo, from Namibia

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In this series we profile Birkbeck’s Chevening Scholars to find out about their backgrounds, what makes them tick and their experiences while studying at Birkbeck. In this edition we get to know Immanuel Tangi Shilamo, from Namibia studying LLM Criminal Law and Criminal Justice. 

Tell us your background and what led you to studying LLM Criminal Law and Criminal Justice?  

I am a Police Officer in the Namibian Police Force. My undergraduate and honours degrees were in criminal justice, and I decided to pursue an LLM in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice because it represents a step-up on the work I have done at undergraduate and honours level. It offers a unique opportunity to integrate criminal law and criminal justice from an interdisciplinary position. This was a very attractive aspect of Birkbeck’s course for me, owing to my experience as a police officer and also coming from a criminal justice background where criminal law was one of the core modules. 

 

What’s the Chevening Experience been like for you? 

Applying to Chevening has been a fascinating process on the whole. From preparing essays that had to meet certain requirements to progress to the interview stage, to the waiting periods between the stages – there was a level of trepidation at every turn. But actually, every second of the application process is worthwhile when you finally get selected. I was selected after my second application.   

As a scholar, I attended the Chevening conference in Coventry and also the Peak District event in Edale. I also participated in the football match between Chevening and Commonwealth scholars in Manchester. These sorts of events have been great, because I got to meet and get to know other scholars.  

Between tight academic schedules and a busy London social life, I think my Chevening highlight is simply the fact that I have met and engaged with so many people from different backgrounds – from both intellectual and literal perspectives. Everyone has come from all over the world and is studying something different and fascinating.   

What advice would you give to future Chevening scholars?  

Make the best of your year in the UK. Time really flies. Before you know it, you are booking your flight back home. Therefore, when you get a chance, expand your circle, make friends, engage with new people. But don’t forget your purpose for coming to the UK either! Prioritise your schoolwork as much as possible. 

How about your Birkbeck experience?  

The highlight at Birkbeck has been the quality of the education. The delivery of the modules really stands out. The demonstration of the depth of knowledge by the tutors and module convenors is very clear to see and understand. Also, the diversity of module topics and how they were offered was impressive. Birkbeck created a highly intellectually stimulating environment for me. 

What plans do you have for the future?  

After completing my studies, I plan to return to my home country and share the knowledge and experience I gained while studying in the UK, both with my colleagues in the Namibian Police Force and also generally with the criminal justice community in Namibia. Through this, I am hoping to contribute to the goals and aspirations of the Namibian Police Force in particular, and the criminal justice system at large. 

What would you say to someone thinking of applying to Birkbeck? 

You don’t need a second invitation. Birkbeck will not only serve as an intellectually stimulating knowledge hub, but you will also enjoy the convenience of evening education, which offers you time to expand your horizons and get to experience the best of both social and academic life on offer in London.  

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75 years of the world’s first stored program computer

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Dr Roger Johnson, Fellow of Birkbeck College and Emeritus Reader in Computer Science, reflects on the world’s first stored program computer as created and demonstrated by Professor Andrew Booth and Kathleen Booth (née Britten) 75 years ago.

Kathleen Booth, Miss Xenia Sweeting and Andrew Booth in the lab during the construction of the ARC.

At the heart of the modern computer is a memory that holds both the program to be run and the data to be processed. The first successful demonstration of the modern computer was by two members of staff from Birkbeck College: Andrew and Kathleen Booth.

Starting in the late summer of 1947, they designed and then built a computer which they called ARC (Automatic Relay Computer). The first public demonstration of the computer was on May 12th 1948 – exactly 75 years ago.

Kathleen Booth and Xenia Sweeting working on ARC.

Kathleen and Andrew Booth shared the task of building the computer helped by one research assistant, Xenia Sweeting.

In accounts of her work, Kathleen Booth, who wrote the first program, recounted: “We demonstrated the generation and printing of a table of the squares of the natural numbers 0-255 in the scale of 10”.

Kathleen Booth at the keyboard preparing a program for ARC

Technically, the computer’s memory was a brass drum with an oxide coating which could store in total 256 words each of 21 bits revolving at 3000 revolutions per minute. By modern standards, this is absolutely tiny, but was significant for the time. The computer was also very slow by today’s standards because the logic of the computer was built using relays.

Andrew Booth working on the selenium diode function table of ARC

However, from this first basic computer have developed the massively powerful modern computers which can run programs of a complexity which few even dreamt of in those early days.

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Linking higher education skills to everyday life through the ‘Fake or Real News?’ workshop 

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Anna Hetherton, Access Officer for the Adult and Community strand of Birkbeck’s Access and Engagement department, shares details of the ‘Fake or Real News?’ Digital Information Skills Workshop that Access and Engagement have developed 

As the Adult & Community team in the Access and Engagement department of Birkbeck, it is our role to foster relationships with community partners and adult learning groups to provide relevant and fulfilling learning opportunities to those in the boroughs of Camden and Newham. By collaborating closely with these partners, we are able to combine key priorities of residents to create a useful and novel outreach project. 

A common theme identified across the adult learning sector was the number of adults who had been digitally upskilled, out of necessity, over the lockdown period. Many people were using smart phones and the internet for longer periods of time and in a different way than they had expected. Although many organisations had successfully stepped up to support people by providing technology and tutorials, there was still a gap in learning how to navigate information once people gained access to the online world.  

As the public moved life online, so did scammers, news outlets, retailers and businesses. With the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine there was an influx of information sharing, news, and of course – fake news. Partners identified that low vaccine uptake was a key priority within both target boroughs and was directly impacted by fake news.  

In response, the ‘Fake or Real News’ workshops were created. These workshops are light touch, drop-in sessions that address these themes, relate higher education to everyday life and give people tangible tools to help them navigate information online.  

A screenshot of a virtual meeting showing a slide asking the question 'Where do we get information from'

Participants discuss where we receive information in an online session.

 The importance of conversation
As with all our work, we take a holistic, strengths-based approach. The session does not aim to “give” participants a skill they are lacking, but to bring focus to a skill they use every day and give that skill recognition and a space to put it into practice.  

Using real life case studies and videos, participants practice the tangible steps to analysing a piece of information outlined the workshop. This always brings about thought provoking and fruitful discussions. Since September, we have run this workshop over ten times for different audiences, and no two discussions have been the same. Participants bring stories from their own lives to the table – perhaps a scam they came across or two conflicting articles on their newsfeed. This process sees participants complicate the world of online information, cultivating nuance. Personal anecdotes are valued and woven into the discussion as evidence and a key part of the workshop, showing attendees they are already critical thinkers. Even shy participants become involved with interactive elements like a quiz involving an online dating orangutan. As the workshop evolves, we have found new ways to spark conversation and debate in these sessions. 

A table on which lots of paper is spread. People sit around the table.

Is this misinformation or disinformation? Participants explore the different types of fake news.

One activity uses real life case studies of fake news and challenges the participants to think about the intention and impact of the pieces. Did they mean to cause harm? Were they trying to sell us something? The debate and the conflicting opinions urge participants to inadvertently think critically, challenge their own perceptions and put across their opinions in a logical structured way. 

Realising classroom skills
Ultimately, the goal of the Access and Engagement team is to break down the barriers people face to higher education. Through our Fake or Real News? workshops participants: 

  • Realise and practice their critical thinking skills 
  • Increase confidence in a classroom setting and group discussion 
  • Witness how lived experience belongs in classrooms, and in turn understand that learning is for everyone 
  • Consider next steps in learning and skill development 
  • (In some cases) engage with an online learning environment 
Four workshop participants smiling and holding their certificates of completion.

Participants receive their certificate of completion at the end of a workshop in Newham. 

During one workshop, a participant looked at the opening slides and stated, “I think this might be a bit beyond me”. They approached the content cautiously, but once the conversations and activities began, they realised that they could engage thoroughly, because their own experience and skillset was everything they needed. It is this shift in mindset that these workshops aim to achieve. By the end, this same participant said “brilliant… everyone should do this”. 

 

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A very London Christmas… My first time experiencing Christmas in the capital.

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BA Global Politics and International Relations student, Aditya Mukherjee, shares what his experience of Christmas in London has been like, and what made it so special.

Winter is the season we all wait for, it is the time Christmas brings all the joy. Those who live up North especially, experience Christmas in the snow; the building of snow men, and for the flexible amongst us, ice skating. This is the season I certainly allow myself to indulge in cheese fondues, baileys Irish creams in several flavours, and a range of foods in addition to spending evenings in front of a fireplace with loved ones.

The Christmas lights in London is a must see for anyone that has not been to this magical city. Every borough has its own Christmas theme and adds to the festive feeling. The Christmas Markets always spark the magical joy of seeing folks enjoying the festivity with food and drink. Christmas is also the time of year that most travel to be with their families.

Last year was my first Christmas in the UK and I was invited over by a close friend. Despite offering to help with cooking, I was asked to come in the late afternoon and bring some drinks and desserts. My friend had planned everything in detail and made sure all groceries were bought before the 24th as shops have limited opening times or can run out of stock through the days leading up to Christmas.

We enjoyed a meal with multiple courses, including a traditional roast with trimmings and Christmas pudding and watched one of the classic Christmas movies ‘The Grinch’, along with aperitifs and drinks. There are many brands that have their own Christmas flavors, and I was sure not to miss the Baileys red velvet cupcake – a symbol of the festive period.

As some of you may be celebrating your first Christmas in the UK this year, I have a few tips for you. I recommend staying over if you plan on visiting a friend in London, or arranging your mode of transportation in advance. Public transport will be closed on the 25th: this includes trains, the tube, and buses. Luckily, my friend lives walking distance from my house, so I decided to go by foot last year.

Also, if you plan to go out to a restaurant, book in advance as most of the restaurants are booked and have limited availability. As I mentioned earlier, many supermarkets have limited operating hours, so plan your Christmas meal in advance and get those groceries in a few days prior to Christmas. The same goes for present shopping, as one of the greatest joys is you never know what gift might be waiting for you under your Christmas tree.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a successful 2023!

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10 places to visit in London during the Christmas season 

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Join MSc Political Communication student, Mariam Baladze, for a whistle-stop tour of London’s most festive spots.

London is a huge city, with many spectacular sights and sounds to take in. So, if you are uncertain about what to see in London during Christmas, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Let’s unravel the magic together, shall we?

Skate at Somerset House
Who doesn’t fancy a twirl on the ice? If you go skating at Somerset house you’ll get a magical ice rink, a 40-foot eye-catching Christmas tree, and sparkling decorations that will make you feel like you’re on cloud nine. And as an added bonus: what if I told you that several scenes from the Christmas film ‘Love Actually’ were shot here?

Kew Gardens
At Christmas time, the beautiful greenery in the 300-acre botanic gardens is filled with an eye-watering assortment of glittering lights. The twisting and turning path, neon swirls, and festive projections make this Christmas experience unlike any other.

Winter Wonderland
Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland takes you on Christmas journey that includes a Ferris wheel, loads of funfair rides, ice skating, and much more. Especially popular at night when the festive spirit is in the air, make sure you get a Bavarian beer and tour the Bavarian village for an extra dose of cosiness.

Covent Garden
The legendary 60-foot British-grown Christmas tree outside the Apple Market in Covent Garden is decked with nearly 30,000 lights, making it spectacular. If you enjoyed the early snow this year, you’ll absolutely love the flurry of snow in Covent Garden’s Piazza!

Trafalgar Square
In 2022, Trafalgar Square not only has a massive Christmas tree, but also a Christmas market for the first time. Set in front of the National Gallery, with energising festive treats and handcrafted offerings in the heart of London, this spot will always get you in the festive mood.

Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre
Southbank Christmas Market is the ideal place to spend the night wandering among the Christmas lights and alpine wooden huts without worrying about being cold or hungry. Set next to the iconic Thames river, there are plenty of food and drink options to keep your hands warm, your belly happy, and your spirits jolly.

Christmas at the Churchill Arms
If you fancy a drink during the festive period, don’t think twice about popping into the Churchill Arms. Covered with illuminated Christmas trees and 22,000 lights, this spot will lift your spirits even before you’ve had anything to drink.

Christmas lights in central London
A highlight of the holiday season is walking around the city to see the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street. Five thousand suspended angels are adorned with LED pea lights that shine in tandem to provide a ripple effect along the roadway. A truly magical sight to behold!

Hogwarts in the snow
Experience the magic of Harry Potter amplified, by visiting the Warner Bros studio tour around Christmas. The beautiful details of the Gryffindor common room and the Great Hall will be enhanced by amazing festive decorations, sparkling snow and dripping icicles. Wow!

Attend Christmas services
For those wanting to experience some of the more spiritual elements of Christmas, there are plenty of beautiful, old churches and cathedrals dotted around the city. For an extra special experience, you can attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services at St Paul’s Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral, or Westminster Abbey.

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“There’s no doubt that the MSc got me to where I am today.”

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MSc Management with Marketing graduate Sophie Attard took home a prestigious Worshipful Company of Marketors award for her dissertation ‘Listening to Branding: Proposing a method to evaluate consumers’ perceptions of sound in branding.’ She shares how she transformed her career through evening study.

Sophie receiving her award. Photo by Harry Pseftoudis Photography .

I’d been working in music management for about four years when I was furloughed during the first Covid lockdown. It was the first time since leaving university that I’d time to think about my life and where it was going. I realised that I hadn’t been happy in my old job and started to look at other options.

I wanted to study and work at the same time and keep that momentum, so Birkbeck was an obvious choice. I chose MSc Management with Marketing because the management side would open up new opportunities and broaden my skills, while marketing appealed to my creative background.

The teachers at Birkbeck are outstanding: I got great support and it always felt like they really cared about the lectures and our learning. A particular highlight was working with Benedetta [Crisafulli], my dissertation supervisor. I picked quite a niche topic for my dissertation and she was really encouraging and took the time to understand what I was trying to achieve and to push me to write something I was passionate about.

When you do a master degree, regardless of the topic, it trains you to think differently and that is something you can apply to any field and role. I’ve learned how to back up everything I say with facts, to extract key information from large repertoires or datasets, to make up my own mind and make my own decisions. Building that sort of confidence is so important in management positions. I’d advise anyone to do a masters in any field that they’re passionate about to gain those skills.

Birkbeck’s Careers service gave me a way into the job I have now. I applied for a traineeship role in a start-up, which was a lower level than my previous role, but allowed me to switch industries while not interfering with full-time study. I now work for the same company as a product and brand manager, in charge of launching multiple different products, and there’s no doubt that the MSc got me here. The training in areas such as market research, brand development and thinking from a consumer point of view has equipped me with the skills to know what to expect and think about all these different areas while we develop and launch products.

For someone considering a masters, I’d advise to pick a topic that you’re really passionate about, because you will work on it a lot! Be clear on your ‘why’ – do you want career progression, to transition to a new field, or to increase your knowledge of a topic you love?

I’m now working with Benedetta to convert my master dissertation into a published paper. Winning the award from the Worshipful Company of Marketors has been the thing that keeps me going through the hard work. Benedetta encouraged me to apply for the award – collecting it at the ceremony will be the first time we meet face to face, as all our work together was done online due to the COVID lockdowns!! It will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate. I’m really happy with where my life is now and Birkbeck has played a big part in that process.

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How can we be accommodating of neurodiversity in dance?

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This is an interview with Professor of Organisational Psychology, Almuth McDowall, that appeared in One Dance Magazine UK.  

Jessica Lowe spoke to former classical ballet dancer, Almuth McDowall, Professor of Organisational Psychology at Birkbeck. Almuth specialises in diversity and inclusion, occupational health psychology and professional competence at work. 

In your experience and work, how might a neurodiverse dancer be experiencing dance differently to someone who is ‘neurotypical’?  

Can I start by clarifying what we mean by ‘neurodiversity’? The term originates from the work of hugely influential sociologist Judy Singer. Her writing argued to frame all human functioning as biodiversity, including how we think, feel and act. There are conditions (or neurominorities, or neurotypes) that make people different, such as autism, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or mental health issues. Judy’s work encouraged everyone to look at strengths, not just deficits. I suspect that many dancers are ADHD-ers – hands up who was sent to dance school because they would not sit still? A dancer who has a different neurotype might be particularly good at experiencing the world in a sensory way – hearing music differently or more poignantly, having a real need to express through movement and not through words. 

From your own work, can you give some examples of how the dance sector can be thinking about, and accommodating neurodiversity? 

A good place to start is your own observations – how do you observe that dancers are doing their best work? What are good practices that help everyone? One of the features of a neurodivergent mind (although I don’t like this word too much!) is great sensory sensitivity. A cluttered, noisy studio where music mixes with voices can be distracting. A calm environment with good lighting benefits everyone. Regular breaks are important, too, as is giving people the opportunity to take solitary time out – their social batteries might be empty.  

Our research shows that there is a big gap between what people think neurodiversity is, and what it means in practice. Take the example of dyslexia. Most think that it’s about reading and writing difficulties. We find common challenges are forgetting things, self-organisation and managing stress levels. So, a holistic approach to dance and education is vital. We should ensure that dance educators and leaders have some knowledge and know when to consult professionals as appropriate. 

What advice would you give to those seeking to make their dance business, school, or organisation more inclusive and accessible for neurodiverse dance students or professionals? Where might somebody start? 

  • Engage a specialist for introductory training.  
  • Don’t make assumptions about why someone is not performing – forgetting a rehearsal time might not mean they don’t want to do it; perhaps their mind finds it hard to remember. 
  • Put genuine inclusion at the heart of your practice. What benefits neurodiverse dancers benefits everyone. 
  • Ensure that you canvass what people’s needs are and listen attentively. Commit to action plans and put these into practice. 
  • Remember your legal obligations – the Equality Act 2010 says that when someone reports a protected characteristic (and several neurodiverse conditions are recognized disabilities) then the environment must adapt to the individual. Not the other way around. 

In your experience, what might be some simple approaches that we as a sector could adopt to better accommodate people’s individual differences?  

Greater schedule flexibility, both formally and informally, paired with clear communication and considered scheduling of work. Often, rehearsal times are changed at short notice, and casting decisions announced with little lead time. Our research has shown that this needs careful consideration to make the sector more inclusive. 

What kinds of support are available for dancers who suspect they might be neurodiverse? 

It can be difficult as an adult to get a diagnosis, as waiting lists on the NHS are long. Think about a private diagnosis – might your employer or school even pay for this? An alternative consideration could be a cognitive assessment to profile your strengths and weaknesses. This is done by a psychologist. They can recommend onward referrals, and specialist providers will link in with government schemes such as ‘Access to Work’ (see link below). A few sessions with a specialist workplace strategy coach can be beneficial.  

I am less keen on some of the self-diagnostic tools out there (although we are developing a better one!) and please all be cautious with non-professional mental health advice on TikTok! 

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Wonder inside and outside the classroom: an international student’s first month in London

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Emi Nguyen came to the UK from Vietnam to study a Master’s in Culinary Innovation Management at Birkbeck. Here she talks about her discoveries during her first month in the capital.  

The beginning of something new
It’s my fourth week living and studying in London and sometimes it still feels a bit surreal. I have visited London dozens of times before but it’s completely different to live here and be a part of the innovative current flowing through this multicultural city. I’m truly grateful for choosing this journey, especially when I have supportive staff and friends at Birkbeck going through this with me. 

A welcoming orientation
I must be honest, though I have been regularly travelling abroad from my home country of Vietnam since the age of 16, this time I felt quite anxious leaving my nest. A million questions popped up in my head during the twelve hour flight. Will I fit in? What’s it like being a student in the UK? Is being a Master’s student different to being an undergraduate student? But all of those worries were eased on the orientation day. Yes: orientation is important! I got to meet all my course mates who share a passion for culinary innovation with me. The staff at Birkbeck were dedicated, kind and helpful throughout the orientation and since then too. Before orientation I didn’t know how best to construct an academic paragraph, or how to make the most of the library. The whole event was not just useful, but also heartwarming and reassuring; Birkbeck gave us the kindest welcome. 

When learning feels magical
What’s better than a warm welcome? Two warm welcomes! As a Master’s student in Culinary Management, I have contact with both Birkbeck academics and teachers from Le Cordon Bleu. If Birkbeck staff support me to aim for and achieve a high academic standard, the chefs and lecturers at Le Cordon Bleu open the door for me to explore the colourful culinary world. It feels like a dream come true to explore my passion for food in this way. Walking into Le Cordon Bleu for the first time, I felt like a child visiting Disneyland. Everything is so dynamic, lively and full of wonders, and my lessons continue to feel this way. What a magical place! 

The surprises of the capital
I knew that London offered a lot to do outside of classes. For an art enthusiast like me, there are plenty of artistic activities and exhibitions to dive into outside of my studies. I had the opportunity to look at Cezanne’s paintings at Tate Modern and it was an extremely emotional experience for me. All that I have watched and learned from books about this legendary artist and his work… was suddenly there in front of me! And I was looking at his brush strokes and vivid colours in a crowded room, with others also sharing the experience! What a time to be in London.  

Final words for the first month
Change can be scary. Moving to a new city, starting a new course, and following your passion are not always easy things to do. But learning to embrace fear and diving in can lead to a world of wonders. 

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