HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
Ahmed Basyoni
Studying for an MSc in Research Methods has been pivotal in my academic journey. This experience has allowed me to delineate the specific fields I intend to pursue during my PhD programme and has provided me with a more defined trajectory for my academic endeavours. Ahmed Basyoni is a graduate of MSc in Research Methods for Social Sciences programme at WIUT. He is a passionate English teacher with over 20 years of experience and a Senior Lecturer at Kimyo International University. Currently he is pursuing his PhD at INTI International University in Malaysia, on a scholarship, driven by his commitment to impacting the field of education.
Ahmed holds BA in English and Literature from Zagazig University, a ME in TESL from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Malaysia. Ahmed knew that to thrive in a doctoral programme, he needed to sharpen his research skills. That’s what brought him to WIUT:
‘Studying for an MSc in Research Methods has been pivotal in my academic journey. This experience has made it possible for me to pinpoint the particular areas I will be conducting research on in my PhD programme and helped give my university education a clearer direction. It has further enriched my knowledge of the various modes of study and helped me choose the most effective methodologies for the nature of work I intend to pursue.’
Ahmed undertook theory and practice-oriented studies in the application of advanced tools like Stata and NVivo at WIUT. “One of the most valuable parts of the programme was the exposure to diverse teaching styles and methodologies. It wasn’t just learning how to do research—it was learning how to think like a researcher,” he adds.
Mentorship
Mentorship played a huge role in his journey. Dr. Nargiza Alimukhamedova, the module leader, was a key inspiration. ‘My inspiration originated from the exceptional faculty at Westminster. The programme was meticulously structured as a pathway toward the PhD. I was particularly motivated by Dr. Nargiza, our module leader, whose doctoral research conducted in the Czech Republic profoundly impressed me. Engaging with her work illuminated the impact and excellence I could aspire to achieve in my academic goals.’
At WIUT, Ahmed immersed himself in both theory and hands-on research, learning to work with advanced tools like Stata and NVivo. With a growing portfolio of published work—including a co-authored paper featured in a U.S.-based journal—Ahmed stood out as a candidate ready for the next step. His track record made him a natural choice for the PhD scholarship in Malaysia. ‘I had the privilege of co-authoring several academic papers, including one titled "Female Students' Aspirations and Study in the US: Voices of Gen Z from Uzbekistan," which was published in MIDEST QUARTERLY, a journal of contemporary thought produced by Pittsburg State University in the United States.’
Ahmed’s advice to future WIUT students? ‘Don’t just complete the programme. Own it. Dive into research projects, get published, and make every assignment count. That’s what will open doors.’
