Which MSc course did you take and what motivated you to choose it?

I completed the MSc in Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis). I chose it because of how broad the policy landscape is, you need tools that are transferable depending on where you go – and evidence synthesis really gives you that. It’s not specific to any one policy area – it’s something you can take across lots of different fields. With AI becoming more common, it’s even more important to know what good evidence looks like – otherwise everything can seem credible at face value.

What did you find most helpful about the course? And what was most challenging?

The MSc really equipped me with the skills to interrogate evidence and actually go back to the raw data rather than just taking things at face value. It lets you see synthesis in a much more flexible way - so you can design an approach that really fits your research question.

The trickiest part was getting your head around evidence synthesis methods – especially the difference between aggregative and configurative approaches. You have to unlearn the idea that qualitative equals storytelling and quantitative equals numbers – it’s actually much more nuanced than that.

What was the topic and method used for your dissertation and what was the dissertation experience like?

I had a really good time with my dissertation – I felt really supported, and the relationship with my supervisor was key. It was quite an ambitious project – a two-stage systematic review starting with a systematic map, then going into a meta-ethnography. It focused on the UK Prevent strategy, first mapping the evidence across sectors and then drilling down into education. It made me realise how much work goes into evidence synthesis – it’s definitely not a half‑hearted task. That experience really helped me understand how to balance quality with tight deadlines in real-world research.

What have you been doing since completing your MSc, and how has your MSc informed this?

In my first role, I was directly applying what I learned – delivering rapid evidence assessments for government departments and major organisations. The skills aren’t just for systematic reviews – you can apply them across all kinds of policy research and evaluation. Now at the National Audit Office, I’m using evidence synthesis to cut through large amounts of information and deliver audits on time. The skills I picked up during the MSc have really stood me in good stead.

What advice would you give to future MSc students considering taking an MSc based at the EPPI Centre?

For me, it would be a resounding yes. Having recognised training in evidence synthesis really helps you stand out. It puts you in a position where you actually understand what a good evidence output looks like – especially in an AI-heavy research world. That’s a really strong skill to have – being able to interrogate the evidence behind what AI produces.