Chevening-Siren Scholarship
Chevening and the power of behavioural change science to affect reform
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Rima Moati, 28, was the winner of the Chevening-Siren Scholarship in 2021/22. The scholarship, which is open to Lebanese or Palestinian nationals residing in Lebanon, supports one student every year by fully funding his or her Master’s degree in Governance, International Development, Human Rights, Public Financial Management and other related courses at one of the UK’s top 20 universities. Read on to hear Rima’s advice on the application process, thoughts on student life in London and her post-Master’s career goals.
What are you currently studying and where?
I am currently studying for a MSc in Behavioural Decision Science at Kingston University in London. It is a one-year Master’s track and it is full-time.
What does your degree choice subject facilitate?
Behavioural decision science applies psychological insights into human behaviour to explain how, when and why people make decisions. The course is based in Kingston University’s Psychology Department. The course examines the application of psychology, behavioural science, and behavioural economics to policy, intervention, and behaviour change in areas such as health, finance, sustainability, and consumer behaviour. Behavioural decision science can be used to study people who are not willing to change their behaviours. Instead, through the use of nudges (subliminal changes in the environment), theory in this field can be used to influence people’s choices. I believe that it would be really interesting to try to implement these theories in Lebanon, which I aim to do once I graduate.
Why did you apply for the Chevening-Siren Scholarship?
I studied for my Undergraduate degree in Beirut, at Saint Joseph University. I had been living in Beirut for most of my life. I had been interested in behavioural sciences for a long time, but there are no Master’s programmes in this field currently available in the Middle East. Then I thought about the Chevening Awards and the opportunity it offered to fully fund a Master’s in the UK. The UK is one of leading countries for teaching and applying behavioural sciences, so this opportunity really excited me. Initially, I didn’t know about the Chevening-Siren Scholarship as it was still very new. I applied for the scholarship through the application portal. In the end, I was awarded the scholarship without having to submit another application via the Siren website.
What is the difference between the Chevening-Siren Scholarship and the Chevening Scholarship?
For me, the exposure and mentorship that I received from Siren as a recipient of the joint scholarship has been really beneficial. Siren offered me a lot of support throughout my Master’s. For example, I have recently talked with one of Siren’s Directors about my final dissertation topic. Being able to make the most of Siren’s network of experts, research and tools has been invaluable. In addition to this, Siren’s work in security and public sector reform, especially public sector governance and administrative reform programming, goes in line with my future career goals, meaning that I will continue to cultivate close ties with Siren even after I graduate.
How was the application process? What did it involve?
The application process was not complicated, but it did require time to prepare and draft. It wasn’t something you could begin one day before the deadline! I was tasked with writing four different essays: one detailing my career plan, one detailing my leadership skills, one detailing my networking skillset and one detailing my decision behind applying to study for a Master’s in the UK. After submitting my application, I heard that I was shortlisted for an interview two months later. I received the good news that I had been awarded the scholarship two months following the interview.
Will you come back to Lebanon after graduating from Kingston University?
Definitely, and having Siren as a scholarship sponsor is very important for my future career goals back in Lebanon. Siren will guide me, offer me opportunities, insights and knowledge, helping me to fulfil my career objectives back in Lebanon.
What did this year bring for you?
My year studying at Kingston has been life changing. This experience has stimulated me cognitively, intellectually and culturally. Being awarded the Chevening Siren scholarship has provided me with lifelong network which I will be able to utilise in my future career. Living in the UK and having a (fully funded!) Master’s from the UK is a fantastic asset career-wise and in terms of my own personal development. It’s a win-win situation for both me as an individual and for my country, Lebanon. During this past year, I have been exposed to the latest findings in academia which I can export back to Lebanon upon my return. I really would encourage anybody who is interested and eligible for this scholarship to apply!
