This is the foruth in a series of posts where alumni tell us about their experiences studying at HCRI and their life and work following graduation.
This post was written by Dr Ali Almohammed, who graduated with an MSc in Humanitarian Practice in 2022. He describes how the frameworks and skills he gained through study have been applied in his work with the medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
My Time at HCRI: Studying at HCRI provided me with an invaluable foundation for my career in humanitarian work. The curriculum, combined with the expertise of the faculty, equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the complex world of humanitarian crises. The interdisciplinary approach to global health and humanitarianism helped me understand the wider social, political, and cultural contexts of emergencies, which I find myself applying in my daily work as an Emergency Medical Coordinator with MSF Holland.
Impact on My Career: The degree opened doors to incredible opportunities, such as working in conflict and disaster-affected regions including Northwest Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Ethiopia /Tigray, Pakistan, Turkey/Syria Earthquake Response, Sudan/ South Darfur and more recently, in Gaza.
The challenges I faced transitioning into the workforce—particularly in navigating high-pressure environments and coordinating across diverse teams—were made easier thanks to the critical thinking and problem-solving frameworks I developed at HCRI. The education I received also deepened my sense of purpose, making me more confident in facing the uncertainties and moral dilemmas that are inevitable in the humanitarian field.
To learn more about our courses, including the MSc in Humanitarian Practice, visit: https://www.hcri.manchester.ac.uk/study/courses/