{"id":657,"date":"2026-02-13T13:29:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:29:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bloggingxpert.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/from-south-africa-to-aberdeen-to-study-msc-financial-management-at-rgu\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T13:29:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T13:29:33","slug":"from-south-africa-to-aberdeen-to-study-msc-financial-management-at-rgu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.bloggingxpert.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/from-south-africa-to-aberdeen-to-study-msc-financial-management-at-rgu\/","title":{"rendered":"From South Africa to Aberdeen to Study MSc Financial Management at RGU"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this blog, South African student Nsovo reflects on her journey from arriving in Aberdeen for the first time, to returning years later to study her master’s in Financial Management.<\/p>\n

Her story offers an honest look at what it’s like to study, grow, and find community here at RGU<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/span> <\/p>\n

Beginning a New Chapter in Aberdeen<\/h2>\n

Moving from Johannesburg to Aberdeen<\/a> was never something I imagined would become such a defining chapter of my life, yet it is a journey I am deeply grateful for. <\/p>\n

When I first arrived in Aberdeen in 2017 to begin my undergraduate degree in Accounting and Finance, everything felt unfamiliar. I was adjusting to a new country, a colder climate, a different education system, and life far away from home. At the time, it felt like a bold leap of faith. <\/p>\n

Looking back, it became a place where I gained the knowledge and skills I needed, while also growing personally and feeling part of a community. Those early years as an international student taught me far more than I expected. I learned how to adapt, how to manage pressure, and how to find confidence in unfamiliar spaces. <\/p>\n

University life pushed me to become independent and resilient, while also giving me room to grow academically. Over time, Aberdeen stopped feeling temporary and began to feel familiar.<\/p>\n

Growth, Transition, and the Path Back to Study<\/h2>\n

After completing my undergraduate degree, I returned to South Africa to work and gain professional experience. That period was important for my growth and helped me better understand how academic learning translates into the workplace. <\/p>\n

While working, I found myself regularly drawing on the skills I had developed during my studies. It was during this time that I began to truly appreciate the strength of the academic foundation I had received. <\/p>\n

By 2023, I knew I wanted to return to further develop my knowledge and continue building on what I had already started. That decision led me back to Aberdeen to pursue my MSc in Financial Management<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Returning for my master\u2019s degree felt very different from my first arrival. I came back with clearer goals, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt ready to engage more deeply with my studies. It felt less like starting over and more like continuing a journey that had already shaped my academic and professional direction.<\/p>\n

Returning to RGU: My Master’s Journey<\/h2>\n

One of the reasons I felt confident returning was the supportive learning environment. The lecturers are approachable, engaged, and genuinely interested in student progress. As an international student, that support makes a real difference. Whether through thoughtful feedback, open discussions, or reassurance during demanding periods, I never felt like I was navigating my studies alone. <\/p>\n

The learning experience feels practical and relevant, which makes it easier to connect academic concepts to real world financial decision making.<\/p>\n

The MSc Financial Management course has challenged me to think more critically while also strengthening my analytical and professional skills. Rather than feeling overloaded with theory, the course encourages understanding, application, and reflection. It builds gradually, allowing you to develop confidence as you progress.<\/p>\n

Modules and Academic Development<\/h3>\n

The programme consists of eight taught modules across the first two semesters, followed by a Capstone project in the final stage. <\/p>\n

While each module contributes to your development, the Capstone is a particularly meaningful part of the course. It allows you to bring together everything you have learned and apply it to a research focused project within a finance related area. Working independently on this project has helped me sharpen my research skills, organise complex ideas, and communicate findings clearly.<\/p>\n

What I value most about the structure of the course is how it develops you step by step. Early on, there is a strong focus on understanding financial information, analysing markets, and building analytical confidence. As the course progresses, you are encouraged to apply those skills more critically, considering financial risks, opportunities, and decision making from a broader perspective. This progression feels natural and well paced.<\/p>\n

Some of my favourite modules include Quantitative Methods for Finance, Portfolio Investment and Wealth Management, Financial Information and Decision Making, and Sustainable Finance. These modules challenged me to engage more deeply with financial data and think strategically about investment, sustainability, and long term value. They also helped me see how finance operates beyond numbers, influencing decision making at organisational and societal levels.<\/p>\n

Professional Pathways and Placements<\/h3>\n

Another aspect of the course that I appreciate is its connection to professional pathways. The curriculum aligns with a significant portion of the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge, which is reassuring for students interested in pursuing professional qualifications. Knowing that what you are learning reflects global industry standards adds confidence in the relevance of the degree.<\/p>\n

The option to take an extended master\u2019s route with a placement is also a valuable opportunity. The chance to gain industry experience alongside academic study allows students to apply their learning in real settings while developing professional confidence. Support throughout the application and placement process makes this option accessible and appealing, particularly for international students looking to gain experience in the UK.<\/p>\n

Community, Support, and Life in Aberdeen<\/h2>\n

Beyond academics, my experience has been shaped by the sense of community at the University. Being surrounded by students from different backgrounds and cultures has broadened my perspective and enriched my experience. Simple day to day interactions, group work, and shared experiences all contributed to feeling connected rather than isolated.<\/p>\n

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Living in Aberdeen has also played a meaningful role in my journey. The campus environment offers a calm space to focus on studies, while the city itself provides plenty of opportunities to relax and socialise. From exploring new restaurants and beaches to enjoying social activities with friends, Aberdeen offers a balance that makes student life enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Advice for Future International Students<\/h2>\n

For students from South Africa considering studying abroad, my advice would be to embrace the experience fully. Moving to another country can feel intimidating, but it is also an opportunity for growth. Be patient with yourself, make use of the support available, and stay open to new experiences. Studying abroad challenges you in ways that ultimately builds confidence and independence.<\/p>\n

Returning to Aberdeen in 2023 to pursue my MSc in Financial Management has been one of the best decisions I have made. My journey has come full circle, and I am grateful for the role this experience continues to play in shaping my academic path, personal growth, and future ambitions.<\/p>\n

Nsovo Khoza<\/em><\/p>\n

Related blogs<\/h2>\n

Moving from Kenya to study at RGU in Aberdeen<\/a><\/p>\n

My Journey From Nigeria to Aberdeen<\/a><\/p>\n

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The post From South Africa to Aberdeen to Study MSc Financial Management at RGU<\/a> appeared first on RGU Student Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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