Can you provide an overview of your project and research?

My research focuses on understanding how women from British Muslim communities reconcile their faith with fashion. I aim to begin by defining hijab and modest fashion, including its origin, and significance within the social community of British Muslim women. Additionally, I explore how the hijab and modest fashion are increasingly integrated into the contemporary British fashion space. The main objective is to effectively explicate the relationship between modest fashion and British Muslim women.

 

 

When did you first know you wanted to study at PhD level? Does this follow on from your Master’s study? 

I have always loved research and academia, even before my bachelor’s degree. From a young age, I wanted to develop my own research project, to explore, expand and enjoy creating a detailed thesis. However, the topic for my PhD thesis came after my master’s. I studied both my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree at The University of Manchester. My MA in Religions and Theology piqued my interest in topics within this field, and although my current PhD topic is not a natural progression from projects within my master’s degree, it takes inspiration from some of the core subject areas, such as gender and religion theory.

 

Were you considering any other institutions for your PhD study? What were the deciding factors in choosing The University of Manchester? 

After my master’s, I applied for a PhD at The University of Exeter, The University of Cardiff, and of course, The University of Manchester. Although my applications were successful at the other institutions, they served only as backups as my utmost desire was to continue studying at the University of Manchester. Having studied my bachelor’s and master’s at The University of Manchester, I always felt a connection, affiliation and sense of belonging with this institution. Additionally, I became familiar with amazing, inspiring academics and recognised The University of Manchester’s excellent postgraduate opportunities and record. It was an honour to be able to continue studying at the same institution.

 

How are you funding your PhD?

Currently, I amself-funded. I have found it difficult to secure funding. I believe this is partly due to the nature of my study. Firstly, it is no secret that funding is more available for scientific or mathematic subjects, the social sciences and even English Studies. Furthermore, my research topic is very unique and specific and thus does not fit the criteria of many funding applications.

 

How do you communicate your research with the wider public? 

Due to the specificity of my research, I often found it hard to effectively communicate my research with others. I have attended some dedicated workshops on improving this and have pushed myself to partake in research showcase events and competitions such as, Research Summary, Research in Action image, and CIDRAL poster competition. Taking part in these events have really helped me improve the ability to communicate my research ideas.

(You can see Amina’s award-winning poster here) 

I believe the interdisciplinary nature of my research distinguishes it from other projects and subject areas. It is interdisciplinary as it broaches on gender studies, social anthropology, theological studies and fashion studies. This varying combination of disciplines ensures my research is innovative, new, and unique.

 

What qualities are essential for future PhD researchers?

There are many qualities and skills which improve your chances of success during a PhD including resilience, perseverance and motivation. The skills include organisation, time-management and productivity.

However, in my opinion the most important quality to maintain during a PhD is individuality. I feel it is imperative to not become lost in the sea of technicalities and to keep your own personality and to actually let it shape your writing with an authentic, creative and unique flair. Maintaining individuality also adds to your sense of pride and ownership over your own work.

 

Your PhD routine: 

Admittedly, I often have a strained work-life balance. Because it is a solo project without specific work or study hours, I fall victim to not having a clear schedule and dedicated ‘rest’ time.

However, this is something I am currently working on, not only to ensure physical and mental well-being, but to improve the quality of my work.

In this new effort to maintain rest and a good social life, I go for long walks, taking advantage of the amazing countryside and fresh air surrounding Manchester. Sometimes I go on these walks alone, in order to enjoy the silence and peace, but I also go with friends or family in order to catch up and engage in conversation that is a refreshing break away from research.

As a foodie, I also love trying new cuisines and making an effort to go out to restaurants to eat. Again, being situated in the diverse and multicultural city of Manchester means there are several options for a good meal. I love going out to eat with friends or family. Not only does this break the unhealthy habit of eating at the desk and not having a break, but it also gives me a chance to catch up, enjoy myself and is perfect for when walks aren’t possible in Manchester’s endless rain.

 

Main challenges:

The main challenge I faced is disability-related. I suffer from a condition called Stargardt’s disease, which means I am blind. As a result, there are often difficulties and barriers to conducting research. The biggest obstacle is that a PhD is very much reading-based. However, this was not unexpected to me as I noted the increase in reading as I progressed through academia and had practised some coping strategies prior to starting my PhD, such as relying on audio software etc.

The challenge I didn’t expect however, was the loneliness. I knew that a PhD is a solo project without any scheduled group sessions or classes, but initially as an introvert I looked forward to the opportunity to work alone. However, it wasn’t as easy as I thought. It’s challenging as you don’t have like-minded peers to discuss ideas with and you don’t really feel like you belong to a community or student body.

This is a challenge I am overcoming. The university takes special care to provide plenty of opportunities and platforms which encourage and enable networking and increase social connections between fellow PGR’s. Attending more of these social events and making an active effort to talk to others, even those who are in completely different disciplines, has helped overcome the challenge of loneliness. It helped create a solid community of peers who may not understand my research or specific challenges, but who certainly understand and can relate to the PhD journey.

 

Main highlights:

The main highlight thus far has been the teaching experience I obtained as a GTA. This is an experience not linked to my PhD, but it is a university-wide opportunity for PGR’s. This experience was so fascinating as it gave me (an albeit basic) insight into my future career aspirations. It helped my confidence and self-evaluation and gave me a sense of purpose, fulfilment and responsibility. Oddly, it also gave me a much-needed break from my own research as it provided me with a fun and exhilarating experience. I wholeheartedly loved every bit of this teaching experience.

 

Overall reflections:

I’ve learned that perseverance and diligence really does pay off. But I have also realised that I am far from perfect! Understanding this about myself alleviated some of the pressure I initially placed on myself, and allowed me to understand that it is an important skill to be able to also learn and grow from mistakes. I thus learned I was more adaptable to change and criticisms than I first anticipated.

I love studying and I don’t think I will ever be ready to leave the world of academia! My ultimate aspiration is to work as a lecturer at a University.

 

Related