Leeds is a welcoming city
I chose the University of Leeds because of its strong reputation, its vibrant and diverse student community, and its supportive environment for families as I was moving with my wife and child at the time.
The city itself is welcoming and balanced, not too big, not too small, which made it easier to focus on my studies while also adjusting to life abroad. Ultimately, Leeds offered the combination of academic excellence, global perspective and community support that I was looking for.
I felt supported when I arrived
As an international student, living in Leeds was a great experience. The University provided plenty of support to help with settling in, from housing advice to orientation programmes.
Studying in the UK also meant I had to adapt to a different style of learning – one that emphasised more independent research, critical thinking and class discussions – which really helped me grow academically and personally.
My course gave me a broader perspective
I chose to study at Leeds because I wanted to build a deep, practical understanding of how legal frameworks operate in complex, global business environments.
I had already been working in the legal and compliance space, and I realised that to progress and make an impact, I needed more than just local knowledge – I needed a broader perspective. The course at Leeds offered exactly that: rigorous academic training, exposure to international standards, and opportunities to learn from both professors and classmates with diverse professional experiences.
Theory put into practice
The aspects I enjoyed most were the interactive and practical elements of the course.
I loved how Leeds didn’t just focus on theory. We analysed real-world cases, debated complex scenarios and applied concepts to practical problems. That really helped me understand how the course applies to business and governance, not just in theory as seen in textbooks.
Careers support was part of the course
Learning and career development weren’t separate. The University actively helped us connect what we were studying to real-world career pathways, which made the transition from student to professional much smoother.
I used the interview and CV guidance services, which were especially helpful as I explored roles in the legal field and prepared me for professional interviews. I also joined the careers mentoring program several times, which allowed me to speak directly with legal professionals.
I gained valuable skills and connections
Studying at Leeds really shaped both how I think and how I approach work. The Masters gave me deep knowledge of international and commercial law, which I use every day to navigate complex legal and regulatory issues in my role. It also sharpened my analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, which are crucial when you need to explain complicated compliance matters to leadership or teams.
Being at Leeds also exposed me to a diverse, international community, which taught me how to collaborate across cultures, something that’s become really important in a globalised business environment.
I built networks with classmates, professors and alumni, some of whom work in law, finance and corporate governance. Those connections have been valuable for advice, mentorship and sometimes even professional opportunities.
I use my Masters in my day-to-day work
Since finishing my Masters at Leeds in 2020, I’ve been working as the Legal and Risk Specialist at Jasa Raharja, an Indonesian state-owned finance company. I help make sure the company runs ethically, follows the rules and manages risks before they become problems.
A lot of what I learned at Leeds comes into play every day. The course helped me understand complicated regulations, not just in Indonesia but with a global perspective. I also learned how to spot risks early and think ahead.
Working with classmates from all over the world also helped me learn how to collaborate with people from different cultures, which is something you deal with all the time in business.
So, the Masters programme didn’t just give me knowledge; it gave me the tools and confidence to lead, make strategic decisions and handle challenges in the real world.
A worthwhile investment
If you’re considering studying a Masters at Leeds, I’d say go for it, but approach it with curiosity and commitment. The course is challenging, but it pushes you to think critically, solve problems and see issues from multiple perspectives, which is precisely what you need in today’s professional world.