Matthew Turnock

MA in Leadership & Management

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" If someone asked me why I chose the University of Gibraltar, I’d say this: because it’s small, it’s intimate, and they genuinely care about your progress."

What brought you to the University of Gibraltar?

The local bus and a lifetime of Gibraltar experience as a wheelchair user.

How has your experience of the programme and the university been so far?

I did struggle with imposter syndrome at first, but that’s no longer the case. I’ve grown here—not just academically, but personally and professionally. I now carry that growth with me into every interaction. This university helped me believe in my place, and in my voice. In the first year, I seriously doubted that I would ever reach this point but history is not written by what others say is beyond you. It is shaped by your own hand, and by the belief in what you know and what you do.

How have you found student life at the University of Gibraltar?

If someone asked me why I chose the University of Gibraltar, I’d say this: because it’s small, it’s intimate, and they genuinely care about your progress. It’s a place where you’re not just a number— you’re known, supported, and encouraged. It feels like a family. My experience at the UoG has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been treated with respect by staff and fellow students alike—never singled out, never made to feel like my wheelchair was a problem. It simply hasn’t been an issue. That kind of quiet inclusion matters.

Tell us a bit more about what you do outside the university.

I’m only a part-time student and hold a few other roles. Presently I am a Commissioner for Oaths (appointed 2025) and Director & Trustee of St John since 2015 and their data protection officer since 2021. This MA course helps me to put theory into real world practice. I lead volunteers with statutory authority and provide board-level insights. In the past I have also been active on various boards for the disabled access to buildings and developing beach access facilities. More importantly I have also given many informative talks on disability issues to schools, local TV, radio and social media.

What do you expect to do once you graduate?

Today I feel that I am more than ready, able, and willing to try once again to represent disabled persons within my community. I am actively involved in supporting my fellow disabled within this small tight knit community of some 40,000 people. I conservatively estimate that I have personal contact and direct knowledge of over 2,000 fellow disabled persons in Gibraltar having lived and worked here all my life. During the course of my life I have learned a great deal from these rejections and fully understand that a place at the table is fundamental to implementing changes in society

What would you say to someone interested in studying at the University of Gibraltar?

Go for it! If I can do this as a disabled student and you want a full life then you have no excuse.