Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship

Essay Questions (upto 250 words per question)

1. What are your reasons for wanting to a) study in Scotland b) for choosing your specific
University and subject?
Being an avid reader from a young age, books describing rolling hills, mysterious castles, green
glens and misty forests, first introduced me to Scotland and the United Kingdom. This has led
me to want to visit and explore the country. Through reading, I developed a curiosity for History
and Ancient civilisations. This curiosity spilled into my architecture studies, and I decided to
pursue a Master’s degree in Architectural History to gain an in-depth understanding on the
subject. On the quest to find a course that would help me achieve my goal of becoming an
Architectural Historian, I came across the M.Sc. Architecture History and Theory programme at
the University of Edinburgh. Through the course website, I realised that this course would be apt
for me as even though it predominantly deals with Architectural History and Theory, the various
elective subjects such as architectural conservation, history, archaeology, etc., provides enough
flexibility to explore the programme according to my interests. The opportunities for internships
is also an added benefit. I am interested in studying at this university due to its reputation. Being
one of the oldest universities in Scotland, the standard of education is exceptional. The city of
Edinburgh is also an apt location to study Architectural History as it has many sites of historical
and architectural significance and also since I am keen to explore this subject in the Scottish
context. It would be a great opportunity to study this subject in and work in a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.

2. How do you envisage joining the international network of Saltire Scholars will a) enhance your
future career and b) help you to promote Scotland?
I believe that by joining the international network of Saltire Scholars, I would have the
opportunity to meet, interact and engage with fellow scholars across various fields from
different parts of the world. I would be able to forge new relationships beneficial to my study,
work and personal experiences. Meeting scholars from the same field from universities across
Scotland would help me exchange ideas and thoughts to learn and grow together to build my
career as an Architectural Historian. I also believe that through the various activities of the
scholarship programme, I would be able to develop many transferable skills which would aid my
career in the long run. I would be able to promote Scotland through my experiences as a Saltire
Scholar. First of all, being accepted as a scholar itself would promote Scotland among my family,
friends and alma maters. By engaging and participating in activities by the programme would
help me advertise and promote Scotland through social media platforms and other means.
Being part of groups and organisations in my university would also help me have a wider reach.
In this manner, I would be able to interact with prospective students and relay my experiences
as a Saltire scholar and a student of a Scottish University.

3. What experiences and skills do you have in a) communication (written and presentation skills)
and b) working with others?
As an international student, I had to take an English Proficiency test for my university
applications, and according to the results my proficiency is CEFR level C2. During my school days,
English was my favourite subject and I never failed to perform well in it, which I believe was
influenced by my passion for reading. Even during my undergraduate studies I was eager to
involve in activities that dealt with language and communication. I have held positions of event
organizer and PR officer for many events conducted by students. My interest in the written
world and research even compelled me to take up Architectural Journalism as an elective
course. As an architecture student and a practicing architect, I have been able to develop my
skills in presentation and team work. The ability to communicate legibly and effectively by
speaking, writing and illustrating is a basic skill required in my field. Collaborating with the client,
senior architect, designers and others working on a project all involve using these skills
efficiently. During college, I worked on a research project funded by the Erasmus EU program,
not just with students but also with our seniors and teachers. I have also been a part of many
competition projects and student events all which required us to be responsible team players. I
believe as an architect and as a student set to commence masters in a research-oriented
programme at a prestigious Scottish university, I have above average skills in communication
and working with others.