Nadia Bennacer

Profile

Postgraduate student Nadia Bennacer is graduating from our Edinburgh campus with an MSc in Business Psychology with Human Resource Management. Her time at Heriot-Watt has been defined by her commitment to social justice, her passion for research that challenges inequality, and her drive to use evidence to create meaningful change for marginalised communities.

From academic research and programme review to student representation, volunteering and community advocacy, Nadia has made an outstanding contribution to the Heriot-Watt community. As she steps forward into a career in criminal justice policy research and social justice, her story reflects the intellectual curiosity, resilience and deep sense of purpose that define the very best of our graduates.

What appealed to you most about Heriot-Watt?

One of the main aspects that appealed to me about Heriot-Watt was the genuine emphasis on research and critical thinking within the social sciences. From the moment I arrived, I was encouraged not just to absorb knowledge but to question it, challenge it and apply it to real world problems. The School of Social Sciences offered a research environment that took seriously the kind of questions I care most about, including how power operates, how bias shapes institutional outcomes, and how evidence can be used to drive meaningful change for marginalised groups.

I was also drawn to Heriot-Watt’s strong sense of community and its commitment to student wellbeing. The Personal Tutor system, the Chaplaincy and the wide range of student-led initiatives meant that I felt supported as a whole person, not just as a student. The Student Union, as an independent organisation genuinely engaged with social issues, became a space where I could ground my values in real community advocacy and contribute meaningfully to student life alongside my studies. Together, these experiences have confirmed to me that Heriot-Watt is a place where students are genuinely supported, encouraged, and empowered to thrive.

What’s your favourite memory of your time as a Heriot-Watt student?

One of my favourite memories was receiving the feedback and final grade for my dissertation, which examined hegemonic masculinity and gender identity in engineering culture. This project sat at the heart of everything I am passionate about, exploring how power, social norms and bias shape the experiences of marginalised groups within institutions. The process was challenging and demanding, but receiving confirmation that the research had landed well was one of the most meaningful moments of my academic journey. My supervisor’s support and expertise throughout were invaluable.

Another highlight was being invited to join the Volunteer Research Assistant programme on a live academic project examining residual stigma toward sex workers in jury decision making. This kind of opportunity is typically reserved for PhD students, and being welcomed into that research environment as a master’s student felt like a genuine recognition of my commitment and ability as a researcher. Working closely with academic staff and collaborating across time zones on research that directly addresses how marginalised groups are failed by the justice system was both professionally and personally significant.

These experiences reminded me that the relationships and communities you build during your studies are just as important as the qualifications you earn.

How has your Heriot-Watt education contributed to your success?

My Heriot-Watt education has contributed to my success not only through the knowledge I have gained from lectures but also through the wide range of resources and support available. I have benefited from a range of workshops covering different topics, including referencing, writing effective abstracts, seminar techniques, and academic writing styles. Attending these workshops during my first semester was incredibly valuable, and it was great to see the University offering this extra support to postgraduate students. These sessions genuinely helped me improve my academic skills and confidence.

My dissertation on hegemonic masculinity and gender identity was the most significant academic achievement of my time at Heriot-Watt, a 6-7 month independent research project that required me to manage every stage of the process, from ethical approval through to analysis and reporting. Beyond the academic curriculum, I was appointed as a student reviewer on the formal Academic Programme Review panel, working alongside internal and external evaluators to produce evidence-based recommendations for curriculum improvement.

The Student Union also played a huge role in my development. I served as Class Representative, Student Ambassador, PGT Champion and active member of over six societies, and I was awarded Union Volunteer of the Year in recognition of my contributions to the student community. I was also nominated for PGR Representative of the Year, and I achieved the Bronze Volunteering Award, having completed over 60 hours of verified voluntary commitment.

My involvement in the Alumni Watt Council further enriched my experience, allowing me to build meaningful connections and access opportunities that have shaped the direction of my career.

What advice do you have for current students or anyone considering studying at Heriot-Watt?

My first piece of advice is to get involved beyond your studies. Join societies, volunteer, attend events and take on roles that push you outside your comfort zone. Some of my most valuable experiences at Heriot-Watt came not from lectures but from the communities I became part of, including the Student Union, the Palestine Society, the Arab Society and the many initiatives I contributed to along the way.

My second tip is to take your research seriously from day one. Use Consolidation Week, engage deeply with the literature and do not be afraid to develop your own academic voice. The skills you build through research, such as critical thinking and evidence evaluation, are the skills that will define your career.

My third tip is to build genuine connections. The relationships you form at Heriot-Watt with peers, academics and mentors are invaluable. Everyone is part of the alumni network, and the people you meet during your studies can open doors you never anticipated. Getting involved in the Alumni Watt Council early is something I would strongly recommend to any postgraduate student.

My fourth tip is to use every resource available to you. The Student Union, the Watt Club Council, the Careers Service, the Wellbeing Team, they are all there to support you. Do not wait until you are struggling to reach out.

What are your aspirations for the future?

My aspiration is to build a career in criminal justice policy research and social justice research, specifically focusing on how bias, gender norms and systemic inequality shape outcomes for marginalised groups within legal and institutional systems. I want to conduct research that identifies where the justice system is failing the most vulnerable people and use that evidence to influence policy and drive meaningful change.

I am already working toward that goal. I am currently a Volunteer Research Assistant on a live academic project, and I am excited to be taking on a new VRA opportunity over the summer, working alongside Dr Cristea. I have also recently applied for research roles and trustee positions at organisations working at the intersection of gender, justice and inequality.

I am a member of the Fawcett Society and am committed to staying actively engaged with the policy and research communities shaping this field. In the longer term, I hope to contribute to research that reaches ministers and senior officials, the kind of evidence-based work that changes laws, shifts practice and improves the lives of those society too often overlooks. On a wider scale, I aspire to make an impact by promoting inclusion, equality, and accessibility, and by inspiring others to engage with opportunities that develop their skills and confidence.