Tapiwa Gande
The University it a very supportive environment, and the friendly atmosphere has enabled me to fit in perfectly as a mature student.
”Tapiwa Gande is from Zimbabwe and is doing a PhD in Business and Management
Studying in the UK
Being from an English speaking African country, the UK offered historic and cultural links that would broaden my view while undertaking research at doctoral level. The multi-cultural nature and openness of the country resonated with the thrust that I aimed to focus on in my research.
Choosing Derby
I studied for a University of Derby MBA through distance learning while working in Botswana. This, together with encouragement from the visiting lecturers from Derby, was instrumental in my choice to do my PhD in Derby.
The right choice for me
The University of Derby PhD, the supervisory arrangements and the idea that I could study full-time while also working, felt like it ticked all the boxes for me. The most rewarding part of the course was the support - including enhanced English courses, there are some great teachers to help you with your English.
A supportive environment
The University it a very supportive environment, and the friendly atmosphere has enabled me to fit in perfectly as a mature student.
Derby is a friendly City
Derby is friendly, compact city with lots of character, history and interesting sites. It's almost central location within the country means I can easily visit friends in Leeds, Coventry and other cities and towns.
Fantastic facilities
The facilities are fantastic and the environment is very welcoming. The university has great IT equipment, research office, the state-of-the-art library, I especially love the Atrium in the centre of the building; it is a great meeting place for students, staff, and visitors.
Great industry links
The industries surrounding Derby, for example Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota make me still feel in touch with industry and commerce, which has been my life for the past 15 years. The University has some great links with industry. I had the chance to visit the Toyota attended a guest lecture by the Finance & Systems Director of Boots International.
Bringing my family to Derby
Derby's supportive environment has enabled me and my family to fit in well. My wife works for a charity that assists the homeless in the city. Back in Zimbabwe she used to work for a Rehabilitation Centre for the national social security authority. The work that she is doing now relates well to what she used to do back home and she loves it. The children are doing well in school. The eldest girl is studying at a local Secondary School has had a chance to go on sponsored school trips to the Lake District and Wales.
