- Mark Barratt
- BA Scandinavian Studies
- Graduated: 1998
- Marketing Manager (Publishing)
Why did you choose to study Scandinavian Studies in general and at UCL in specific?
I wanted to continue a stream in languages and wanted to move away from the traditional French and German which I studied at school for years. I knew a little about Scandinavia from earlier life and was intrigued by the options available. The degree programme offered more of a holistic view of studying languages than I had experienced before with options to delve into literature, history, media film and also study a number of languages at the same time.
What did you like most about your degree programme?
The holistic nature of the programme, starting with Old Norse and then the main language of study but also the options to delve into the unknown (certainly from my part) of other areas of the culture.
What was it like being a student at the Scandinavian department?
Great fun, surrounded by others with a similar nature and also being taught by some of the world's experts in their own fields.
How has your degree been of benefit to you since you took your degree?
Since completing my degree I have spent the majority of my time living and working in the Nordic countries, having lived in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. My first real job after university was as a publishing representative in Denmark (6 months) followed by doing the same in Sweden and Finland (3 and ½ years). There I was using the studies not only of the languages of my degree but also the cultural side of life in the Nordic countries to my advantage. Today I cover the whole of Europe for my job but I am always the first port of call for anyone who has any questions about Scandinavia from within the company.
Anything else you want to add about your experience at UCL or your career since leaving UCL?
Without my studies I would not be where I am today, the degree I took has influenced all aspects of my life since university and has been the most valuable experience of my life.
