Muhammad Shujee Ahmed

Manifesto for Postgraduate Education Student Officer

Building a Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable Academic Community

Dear Fellow Students,

My name is Muhammad Shujee Ahmed, and I am running for the position of Postgraduate Education Student Officer at Queen’s University Belfast. As an MSc student in International Public Policy and someone who has experienced the transformative power of inclusive education, I am passionate about creating an academic environment where every postgraduate student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Queen’s University Belfast is home to a rich, diverse student body that brings together people from all corners of the world. This diversity is our greatest strength, yet many students face challenges integrating into mainstream academic and social life. My campaign is built on inclusivity, diversity, and equity principles—ensuring that all postgraduate students, regardless of their background, have the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.

My Vision

• An Inclusive Academic Environment: I will work tirelessly to foster an academic culture that celebrates diversity and ensures students from different parts of the world feel welcomed, valued, and integrated into the university’s postgraduate community.

• Equitable Access to Education: I will advocate for better access to scholarships, bursaries, and learning support systems, ensuring financial and academic barriers are reduced for all students, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

• Amplifying the Student Voice: By strengthening the network of academic representatives, I will ensure that the voices of postgraduate taught and research students are heard at every level of decision-making within the university.

• Support for International Students: I will advocate for tailored services that address the unique challenges faced by international students, including better support for visa processes, cultural integration, and career opportunities post-graduation.

My Priorities

1. Building a Stronger Academic Community

   • Establish dedicated spaces and events to encourage collaboration and social integration among postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds.

   • Collaborate with schools, departments, and the Students’ Union to ensure postgraduate students feel part of a vibrant academic community.

2. Enhancing Support for Students

   • Work with university authorities to improve access to study skills workshops, academic writing support, and digital learning tools for all postgraduate students.

   • Advocate for mental health and well-being services tailored to the unique challenges of postgraduate education.

3. Advocating for Financial Equity

   • Campaign for increased funding for postgraduate scholarships and bursaries, ensuring equitable opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds.

   • Lobby for affordable and flexible payment plans for tuition fees.

4. Supporting Careers and Employability

   • Partner with the Careers Service to develop targeted workshops and mentoring programs for postgraduate students, helping them navigate competitive job markets.

   • Create stronger industry connections for international students to ensure they have equal access to local and global career opportunities.

5. Amplifying Diversity and Inclusion

   • Work with cultural societies and international student groups to promote cross-cultural understanding and engagement.

   • Campaign for more representation of diverse voices in postgraduate leadership roles, university committees, and academic decision-making bodies.

Why Vote for Me?

I bring a basket of passion, experience, and determination to this role. My background in public policy and student leadership equips me with the skills to navigate complex systems, advocate for meaningful change, and unite diverse communities around shared goals. As your Postgraduate Education Student Officer, I will ensure that every student—regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background—feels heard, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Together, we can build a thriving academic community that reflects the diversity of our university and ensures equitable opportunities for all.

Let’s make Queen’s University Belfast a place where every student can reach their full potential.

Thank you for your support.

Muhammad Shujee Ahmed
Candidate for Postgraduate Education Student Officer