Julia Dietz

What led you to choose Heriot-Watt Dubai for your degree in MSc Business Psychology?

Back in 2016, I was searching for an International Master’s program in Psychology or a related field. From a friend who studied in Edinburgh, I got to know about the Master’s program in Business Psychology. I was very excited when I found out that Heriot-Watt University also has a campus in Dubai. It was important to me to be able to study at an internationally recognized university. Further, Business Psychology was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the application of psychological theories/tools in an occupational context – leadership, social & organizational change, and coaching were courses I was very much looking forward to. 

Can you tell us about your favourite course or topic of study from your degree? Any memorable experiences…? Which professors have played an important role during your time at Heriot-Watt Dubai?

I really found all my courses interesting and what I enjoyed most was the great teamwork with my fellow students. Therefore, particularly the marketing course was great fun for me. I will always remember our presentations. For one of them, we prepared our own TV spot. The long evenings we spent together on this will always remain great memories. Despite these entertaining aspects, our teachers Greg and Lucy were great supporters and promoters, encouraging us to go the extra mile when studying for exams and preparing coursework. 

How would you describe the approach to your MSc programme here at Heriot-Watt Dubai?

To be honest, I was not sure what to expect beforehand. I had no clear approach to my studies in Dubai. During my studies in Germany, I was used to big lecture halls filled with students who barely know each other. In Dubai, it was basically the opposite and I got used to it very quickly. I knew all my fellow students by name and was in close interaction with my teachers. I believe both ways of teaching have their advantages and I am grateful to have experienced both. One great thing that I learned at Heriot-Watt University was to continuously study throughout the semester due to presentations and coursework instead of just exams at the very end of the semester. I felt that this was very helpful to solidify the newly acquired knowledge.

What are your career plans? Do you feel what you’ve learned on your degree has helped prepare you for your next step?

I could see myself both in a counselling position as well as in a position as a clinical therapist. My next career step will be to finish my Master’s degree in clinical psychology in Germany. First of all, my studies at Heriot-Watt University opened the door to an international career for me. It was a truly international experience that I am very thankful for. With this experience, I feel comfortable to work in any and not just my home country. I would be very happy to come back to Dubai one day. Second of all, my studies in Business Psychology provide me with the opportunity to not only work in a clinical environment but also in business6t. 

What would you say to prospective Heriot-Watt Dubai students joining the university?

There is a nice saying in Germany. One to one translated it goes: “Nothing is eaten as hot as it is cooked”. It is supposed to tell you that you should not be afraid of new things. By the time you get to things that seem difficult at first and that you might be afraid of, you will notice that in the end there is nothing to be afraid of and that you are able to manage. At first, the number of deadlines and submissions you have to comply with might overwhelm you, but with the great help from your teachers, you will be able to manage them all!