Global Urbanism MASc Student Stories -Sagal Abdullahi

Why did you choose to study the Global Urbanism MASc? 

I chose the Global Urbanism course to transition from the arts and heritage sector to the built environment. The multidisciplinary nature of the course, along with the diverse themes covered, deeply resonated with my interests. 

Prior to the Global Urbanism MASc, I had worked extensively in the community and public arts sector, fostering community connections and creating care-centred community spaces, in various roles for both national and local organisations such as the Southbank Centre, Battersea Arts Centre, Theatre Peckham, and grassroots initiatives like ASRA Club and Barakah LDN (which I co-founded). I frequently encountered the growing challenge of privatisation of public spaces and limited resources. I noticed common threads linking back to issues of access to space in the city and how processes such as gentrification and speculation were impacting historically excluded communities.  

As co-founder of Barakah LDN, a grassroots female football club and collective, I faced challenges in securing accessible recreational spaces and tackling anti-youth policy embedded in local politics. These experiences made clear how urban design and policy can alienate vulnerable groups from public spaces, pushing them indoors as more areas are removed from the public domain. 

These persistent barriers made me increasingly frustrated with the lack of infrastructure in place to support working class and migrant communities. The Global Urbanism MASc stood out to me as a way to address these challenges, that could help me to shift into a role within the built environment sector where I could actively shape decision-making processes in impoverished urban areas, both in the UK and internationally. 

How did you hear about the Ruth Glass Scholarship and why did you decide to apply for it? 

I first heard about the Ruth Glass scholarship on LinkedIn. I had seen a post about postgraduate scholarship opportunities for UK students applying to study courses at the UCL East Campus and did some research into the different courses available. I knew the Global Urbanism course was the right fit for me. However, coming from a working-class background, I knew I couldn’t afford the course without financial assistance.  

How has the scholarship helped you with your studies? 

The scholarship has been a game-changer for my studies. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to enrol onto the course due to financial constraints, and for religious reasons, I did not want to take out a postgraduate loan, so receiving a scholarship was my only option. It has allowed me to fully commit to the course without the added pressure of having to work part-time, and the potential impact it would have on managing workload, which had been a necessity during my undergraduate studies. 

As I lived quite far from the UCL East campus, the scholarship enabled me to move out and live closer to the university, which has dramatically improved my student experience. I can now focus entirely on my studies and engage more deeply with the course content and community. 

Tell us more about your experience studying Global Urbanism 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Global Urbanism MASc so far, especially how diverse and intellectually stimulating the topics and modules have been. I really love that assignments aren’t all essay based and there is a focus on encouraging creative expression. One of the highlights so far has been creating a zine on rollerblading teens asserting their right to the city for the East London Labs module final assessment. I loved the opportunity to bring my photography and creative background into my academic work.  

The field trips have also been incredibly valuable. Even though I am from London, I’ve had the chance to explore areas I rarely visit. Most recently, exploring Elephant & Castle and examining processes of gentrification and community resistance has allowed me to connect with inspiring individuals and organisations tackling issues that are affecting working class communities across London. It’s also expanded my understanding of the different roles and positions involved in the built environment sector, and the current conversations and movements occurring today. 

What are your future career plans after graduating from the Global Urbanisam MASc? 

I’m very grateful for how the course has expanded my understanding of the different roles within the built environment sector. I was nervous that I would struggle to find employment after the master’s because I didn’t study Architecture as my undergraduate degree (my BA was in French & Hispanic Studies). However, the range of modules, topics, and guest practitioners we’ve engaged with have made clear the wide variety of roles available in the sector. 

Once the course has finished, I hope to work within community engagement and co-design capacity for a council, built environment company or community organisation. My dissertation is looking at spaces of play in the city and how working class communities can exercise their right to free and accessible play spaces, and I would love to continue this work in the future. I want the work I do to have a positive and meaningful impact on people’s lives. At some point, I would love to work abroad and particularly in post-conflict areas, and support initiatives that look to rebuild and preserve community infrastructure.