Rebin Zahid

Management MSc (Distance Learning)

Rebin spent over a decade working in oil and gas construction projects, before returning to education in 2024. Now studying on the Management MSc Distance Learning course, Rebin entered his postgraduate degree at Huddersfield via the Performance Based Admissions route; a great fit for those whose background may not meet traditional entry requirements.

Choosing to study at Huddersfield

Rebin Zahid, a civil engineer based in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, has spent over a decade honing his skills in oil and gas construction projects. But in 2024, he decided it was time for something more – a shift not just in title, but in mindset.

After completing training in construction management and earning Google’s project management certificate, he discovered the University of Huddersfield’s MSc in Management online degree while searching for his next step.

“I’ve worked through the details of construction – machinery, concrete, everything,” says Rebin. “But I wanted to go deeper into management – how to lead, how to plan, how to communicate effectively with teams. That’s what brought me back to school.”

Rebin entered the course via the Performance Based Admissions (PBA) route. Offering an accessible alternative for those whose academic background may not match our entry requirements, the Performance Based Admissions at Huddersfield allows applicants to complete the first module of the course, before progressing to Management MSc (Distance Learning) at the next available intake.

Moving into management

With years of hands-on experience under his belt, Rebin knew he was ready to transition from executing plans, to shaping them. Studying management was the next logical step, to complement his technical knowledge with strategic leadership skills.

“I knew how projects ran from the ground, but I needed a stronger understanding of leadership, scheduling, and planning from a manager’s perspective,” he explains. “I’ve seen managers who only know theory. They don’t always understand the on-site details. My goal is to bring both worlds together."

Through the degree, Rebin is already developing leadership skills he can use in his current job. “One of the biggest lessons is how to lead people – not just give orders, but listen and learn from them, while helping them grow.”

Juggling family, 12-hour shifts, and a Master’s degree

Distance Learning can be a great fit for those with other commitments in life – and life for Rebin is busy. He works two weeks on-site and then has two weeks at home to spend with his family and focus on his studies. When on-site, he works 12-hour shifts from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm. While at home, he’s a father to a 9-year-old daughter and 20-month-old twins, so finding time for his degree can be tricky.

“When my kids go to sleep, I run to my laptop,” he laughs. “That’s my chance to study.”

What makes it all possible is the flexibility of online learning taught by the University of Huddersfield, and hosted by Coursera. “If this degree weren’t online, I couldn’t do it. I’d have to leave my job and move to the UK – it would be impossible. But the way this is set up, I can study from Iraq, at my own pace.”

Another important factor? Affordability. “Compared to other universities, Huddersfield’s course is more affordable. Being able to pay in instalments made a big difference for me.”

A vision for the future, and advice for others

Now enrolled in the MSc Management online course, Rebin has completed core modules such as Fundamentals of Management, and is looking forward to upcoming modules like Strategic Management and Fundamentals of Leadership.

His ambition is clear: “I want to move into a management position in construction – to plan, schedule, and lead projects effectively. With this degree, I’ll have the technical and strategic foundation to do that.”

He offers this advice to others considering a similar path: “Have ambition and set a clear goal. Even if your job is hard, don’t stop. The world keeps moving, and every day we hear about new technology and new ideas. Don’t let your work become routine. Keep learning, keep moving forward.”

Rebin is proof that with determination, discipline, and the right online degree, even the busiest professionals can take charge of their future.