Julia Nosko MSc Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care 2018/19

I strongly believe that this course will definitely empower my desire to lead and improve quality services in the Ukraine and help me manage strategically and make considered decisions.

Why did choose to come and study at Southampton?

I chose University of Southampton because of its high ranking and status, as well as high research power and intensity. Particularly the course I am being taught was chosen as the one that included the most significant items for deep understanding of the context of healthcare leadership and management and was intended to help bridge my background with my aspirations.

What are your future career plans?

Similarly to many other fields, healthcare services in Ukraine are undergoing essential changes and rapid modernization. Within the public service reform, the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine has recently started to create the new Directorates substituting existing departments reluctant to implement the proposed reforms. My goal upon graduating goes as far as becoming a valuable team member of healthcare system reform in Ukraine in order to enhance implementation of new health standards and approaches at the local level. This in turn is intended to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health services.

What were you anxious about before coming to Southampton?

Not having previous experience of studying abroad, I tended to be slightly anxious in terms of settling in new academic environments. Besides that, paying pivotal attention to sport activities in my daily life, I was worried that I might not be able to find enough time to work-life balance due to potentially demanding academic settings.

Once at Southampton, how were your fears overcome?

Once arrived, I have constantly received support from lecturers, who are very responsive to my needs and always happy to provide advice if requested. Moreover, additional classes at the library and English classes for academic purposes provided by Faculty of Health Science have helped me to overcome my worries and feel far more confident in my studies.

What is it like studying here?

Studying at the University of Southampton is both peaceful and exuberant. University area is full of well-groomed green trees, lawns and shrubs, which is not only something nice to look at, yet is amazing place to spend my coffee breaks between classes or just enjoy a relaxing time with my groupmates.

At the same time a wide variety of seminars provided by inspiring lecturers, social events and recreational activities makes my studies here more vibrant and dynamic.

In terms of safety, I can always count on the safety bus, which helps me get home by dropping me off right at my door. I do not have to worry about my way back home if I am studying at the library or attending sport activities at the gym late evening.

How do you rate study facilities at the University?

Being an active user of library facilities, I really admire to study in the comfortable and modern library settings, where I can easily combine both embracing new knowledge using a great number of search tools and having my lunch at the cosy library cafe.

I am also happy to have a Jubilee Sports Centre membership, where a vast variety of gym classes of different complexity alongside with a great swimming pool can help recharge myself after classes and regain motivation.

In addition, such student services as well-connected unilink bus routes, strong wi-fi connection within the university area and responsive students’ union even enrich my student life.

What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ (best experiences) so far?

Besides my studies, attending sport activities at the Jubilee Sports Centre has become an amazing part of my work-life balance, while visiting greatest attractions with the Southampton University Hillwalking society has had a significant influence on my viewpoint of abundant South England heritage. Furthermore, networking not only with students from my faculty, yet also from a wide range of other courses, have extended my knowledge in different aspects of other fascinating disciplines like photography, computer sciences etc.

How has your time at Southampton helped you to grow as a person?

Being involved in a variety of discussions within classes and sport activities beyond, I have become more confident in making assumptions and sharing my ideas with others, as well as got better at prioritising my interests and thinking outside the box. Moreover, spending time with people from different cultures and backgrounds has become not only a mind-changing experience, but also significantly contributed to my grasp of other cultures’ values.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

Besides providing core knowledge in strategic management, self-leadership and leading others, this course is helping me develop further skills in clinical governance, managing information and using data to improve services. I strongly believe that this course will definitely empower my desire to lead and improve quality services in Ukraine and help me manage strategically and make deliberate decisions.

Do you have the opportunity to study modules outside of your core subject area?

I am looking forward to my optional modules in Governance in Action and Healthcare Informatics, which are starting next week and expected to expand my knowledge in influencing organisations and implementing new information and management processes.

Besides that, I attend seminars on hot topics in the field of health care workforce, where I have an opportunity to join with health science faculty members to hear some of the latest research on health workforce and systems.

Did you stay in University accommodation?

I live in private accommodation. SASSH scheme was extremely useful while I was looking for accommodation as it supported my efforts on the way of finding the best and safest private accommodation.

What is the city of Southampton like to live in?

Being used to lower temperatures, I do really enjoy warm weather in Southampton with its smooth climate, all year-round green parks and commons within the city and in its surroundings, as well as student friendly pubs and shops. On top of that, it is extremely fascinating to live in the city where world famous Titanic was launched from.

What one word sums up how you feel about your experiences so far at Southampton?

Memorable