Elisa shares how she completed her online Public Health MSc at King’s College London while balancing parenthood, an international career move and postgraduate study, and reflects on the flexibility and support that helped her succeed.
Elisa completed her MSc in Public Health at King’s College London while managing significant personal and professional responsibilities. Over four years, she balanced an international career, parenthood and postgraduate study, showing strong organisation and commitment to her development.
In this interview, Elisa discusses why she chose the programme, her experience of studying online, and the support that helped her graduate.
Why did you decide to pursue a Public Health MSc during the pandemic?
I began my Public Health MSc during the pandemic as an investment in my professional and personal growth. Although I had already been working in public health for several years, I felt a strong need to consolidate and update my knowledge, deepen my analytical skills and reconnect with core public health principles in a rapidly changing global context.
Why did you choose King’s College London for your Public Health MSc?
I chose King’s College London over other UK institutions because of the intellectual rigor and practical orientation of the programme. The curriculum struck a thoughtful balance between theory, policy, and applied practice.
In particular, I valued that the final assignment of the degree was the development of a full systematic review. This was not simply an academic exercise, but a foundational competency for evidence- informed decision making and leadership in public health.
How did you manage to balance your studies with parenthood and an international career move?
I completed the degree over four years, a period marked by profound personal and professional transformation. During this time, I became the mother of two boys and relocated to Switzerland to take on a role in an international organisation.
Balancing a demanding career, motherhood and postgraduate study required sustained resilience, careful prioritisation and a strong internal commitment to finishing what I had started.
What role did student and academic support play in helping you complete the programme?
A decisive factor in my perseverance was the exceptional support I received from the Student Success team and my academic supervisor. My Student Success Advisor accompanied me throughout the entire journey from enrolment to graduation, helping me navigate administrative processes and providing steady encouragement during moments of fatigue and self-doubt.
Her support, alongside my supervisor’s guidance, created scaffolding that made completion possible. Their mentorship transformed what could have been an isolating online experience into one marked by connection and accountability.
What would you say to someone considering an online Public Health MSc?
Undertaking an online master’s degree should not be underestimated. It demands sustained self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, and emotional endurance. Balancing professional responsibilities, family life, and unexpected life events while meeting academic standards requires more than time management. It requires resilience and clarity of purpose. Completing this degree is therefore not only an academic achievement, but a testament to resilience, adaptability and long-term commitment to growth.
Thank you to Elisa for talking to us!
Elisa’s experience highlights how further study can fit alongside work and personal commitments with the right support in place. If you’re considering your next step, you can find out more about King’s College London’s online Public Health MSc.
Designed for working professionals, the programme offers flexibility while building practical knowledge and skills in areas such as health inequalities, policy and healthcare systems.
