Scholarship impact: "SOAS has made many of the things I hope to achieve in the future possible"

MA African Studies student and Marshall Scholar Nolan Musslewhite shares how scholarship support is enabling him to pursue his passions and build the foundations of his career. 

We spoke to Nolan about his research into Swahili language and Gulf investment strategies in Africa and what makes SOAS a unique place to study. 

Studying Africa at SOAS with the support of a scholarship 

My name is Nolan Musslewhite, and I'm currently studying for an MA in African Studies at SOAS, where I research the Swahili language and Gulf investments in African energy and mining projects. I'm originally from Washington, DC. 

Last year, I graduated from Princeton University in the United States with a degree in History. I'm here in the UK on the 2025 Marshall Scholarship, which supports around 40 Americans each year to undertake two years of graduate study in the UK. Next year, I'll be studying at Oxford University. 

The Marshall scholarship has allowed me to have an incredible experience in the UK and at SOAS. Without the support it provided, I don't think I would ever have come to SOAS or been able to do the research I have, meet the colleagues I have, or study with the professors who have had such an amazing impact on my life over the past year. It has truly been a life-changing experience. 

What I like most about my course is the diversity of subjects you can study. On any given day, I might go from a Swahili language class to a course on African literature, then to another on international politics, international relations, or economic development. There is a huge range of subjects you can explore within your discipline. 

SOAS, through its expertise, the languages I've studied here, the colleagues I've met and the research I've undertaken, will support all omy goals. It's made many of the things I hope to achieve in the future possible. 

For my dissertation, I'm working with Dr Ida Hadjivayanis and Professor Bassam Fattouh to examine Gulf investments in energy and mining projects across Africa. I'm interested in the different investment strategies of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and their impact on African states, as well as how those states should respond to these strategies. 

I chose to study at SOAS primarily because of its world-class reputation. I think SOAS is the best place in the world to study and conduct research on Africa, which is my area of focus. The faculty are world-class experts in their fields, and the students are incredible, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and perspectives that you can't find anywhere else. 

Looking ahead, in the short term I'll be completing my Marshall Scholarship with a one-year master's degree at Oxford University. 

In the longer term, I'd love to play a role in US foreign policy, particularly in relation to Africa and the Middle East. 

SOAS, through its expertise, the languages I've studied here, the colleagues I've met and the research I've undertaken, will support all of those goals. It's made many of the things I hope to achieve in the future possible. 

 Header image credit: Mete Caner Arican via Adobe Stock