Rashi Bansal
"I chose to do a PhD focusing on digital marketing and branding opportunities for Islamic banks in the UK after completing a master’s degree in Luxury brand management. I am currently in the third year of my PhD, in the writing up stage at the Centre of Islamic finance at The University of Bolton, with a very supportive supervision team who helped me navigate the right balance. I have attended several industry conferences organised by CIF with interactive sessions with leading experts from the industry.
The Centre of Islamic finance provides a multi-cultural environment with a group of friendly and helpful colleagues and supervisors. This has been a personally life changing experience for me, in the best ways that enabled conducting exploratory research in a multi-ethnic setting. I have spent the last 3 years amongst a diverse group of students and made some great memories with my closest friends at The University of Bolton."
Rashi Bansal
India
Kamran Gohar
"Reflecting on my experience as a final year PhD research student at the Centre for Islamic Finance, I am thrilled that I have made the perfect decision to pursue my education in this prestigious institution. For me, I believe the nature of the courses and exceptional design of the learning materials coupled with high quality of teaching offered by the university has played vital role in building strong intellectual foundations. I have experienced that high standard of teaching is regularly delivered through face-to-face lectures, online seminars, group discussions and virtual teamwork to make sure that the set benchmarks are met.
Additionally, I feel lucky to have known faculty members at the Centre for Islamic finance who have exceptionally specialised experience in their fields. Employing these specialised experiences, students like me are able to enjoy and benefit from offered contemporary knowledge. Likewise, the Centre is actively developing close connections within several industries in the UK such as EY and The Lloyds of London. Such initiatives provide brilliant opportunities for students to attend seminars and networking events where they can explore future opportunities and make strong connections."
Kamran Gohar
Gilgit, Pakistan
Adelaide Hutchful Tawiah
"I enrolled as a PhD student in July 2019 at the University of Bolton’s Centre for Islamic Finance. Before then, I felt quite deficient with the skills needed to pursue the PhD programme, even though I had a strong motivation.
Generally, PhD journeys are identified with subjects of hardships, fatigue, emotional regrets, and exhaustion. However, I can confidently say that everyone’s journey is different, and everyone’s experience is unique. My experience at the centre has been immeasurable. Even though I have not yet completed my PhD, I have progressed steadily in my field until my final year.
With support from my director of studies, I understood the need to build my own identity and lead my research project. I benefited a lot from the research skill development programmes, the weekly seminars, and workshops organised at the Centre.
My PhD studies has helped me to be independent as I often must use my thoughts and knowledge to direct everyday work. I have no doubts in my mind that I can achieve my goal in the nearest future."
Adelaide Hutchful Tawiah
Ghana
Hanan Almadani
"Studying for my PhD at the Centre for Islamic Finance is an exceptional experience in a friendly environment.
The interactive workshops and classes enrich this experience alongside the ability to share thoughts, ideas and culture with colleagues.
Bolton is a safe and welcoming place to live and I recommend it to all students, especially Muslim women."
Hanan Almadani
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Alkhan
"Investing in education at Bolton was the best decision of my life.
The facilities, student and library services are great. The Centre for Islamic Finance is an excellent and diverse faculty, who use effective methodologies to enhance students’ academic demeanors.
A user-friendly environment, close to one of the UK’s greatest cities, makes CIF an excellent place to study and develop your intellect."
Ahmed Alkhan
The Kingdom of Bahrain