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Tomos Evans - MA African Studies and Heritage

This MA has been a great way for me to better understand the African present without losing sight of the African past.

Where were you before coming to UCL?

I completed a BA in Archaeology at the University of Cambridge

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

UCL’s great reputation as a leading international university was a big pull factor for me, furthermore the composition of the brand new African Studies course offered here matched my interests well.

What does studying for an MA in African Studies with Heritage involve? What you hope to learn from it?

The African Studies programme is, in short, an interdisciplinary analysis of humanity in Africa that combines elements from history, anthropology, archaeology, politics, economics, geography and other disciplines in order to better understand the past, present and future of the African continent.

I’m studying the Heritage stream which further focuses on key issues and debates relating to African cultural heritage such as the role of the museum in Africa, the threat of the illegal trade in art to African cultural heritage, and the role of tourism and diaspora cultures in shaping interpretations and portrayals of African cultural heritage (to name but a few).

As someone with a background in archaeology, this MA has been a great way for me to better understand the African present without losing sight of the African past. With a better understanding of the African present, I hope to improve my knowledge of ways that the African past (its history, archaeology and heritage) can contribute to the continent’s present and future.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

A particular aspect of the MA that I have really enjoyed is learning the importance of history and anthropology in informing present efforts to benefit the continent. For example, it’s important that western development organisations understand the cultural dynamics of the societies they work with in order to challenge their own assumptions and preconceptions and therefore improve and refine their methods.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

The MA/MSc in African Studies includes a compulsory module (entitled Research Methods in African Studies) that has grounded me in a diverse set of methods from collecting oral traditions to conducting archival research to using social science statistics. Furthermore, I believe (and hope!) that the frequent seminars included in the core modules have made me more articulate and confident in presenting and discussing academic topics.

My particular stream (Heritage) has also allowed me to pick up other practical skills – I’ve been learning all about museum management and the ins and outs of the illicit art trade for example.

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

I’m hoping to study for a PhD relating to African heritage and material culture.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

This may be a bit of an obvious one, but keep an ear to media relating to Africa and in particular your stream (whether African heritage, health or environments) – follow African news networks and organisations that interest you.

Describe the atmosphere in your Programme at UCL in five words…

Friendly, warm, stimulating, lively, cheerful.

Do you have any other comments?

If you use social media, be sure to like the UCL African Studies Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (sorry about the shameless plug)! This will help you keep up with contemporary African issues relating to politics, economics, science and more.

Jakob Glibstrup - MSc African Studies and Health

Where were you before coming to UCL?

I completed a BSc (Hons.) in Business Studies from Cass Business School (City University London), including an exchange year in the US at University of Maryland.

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

Initially, friends and family raised their eyebrows about my choice. But I wanted to gain new and complementary skills, and I was interested in Africa for two reasons. 

Firstly, I have always had a particular interest in the continent. Growing up in Denmark, I have always felt that Africa was often misunderstood and inaccurately portrayed, even though I knew very little about the continent myself. I wanted to learn more about Africa, professionally as well as personally. 

Secondly, I see huge potential in Africa. I believe that one of the key drivers for economic prosperity in many African countries lies within business development. The brand new MSc African Studies with Health course offered academic flexibility, an international environment, and unique teaching quality with much attention to the individual student – all reasons why I chose to study for this MSc at UCL.

What does studying for an MSc in African Studies with Health involve? What do you hope to learn from it?

Studying an MSc in African Studies with Health is truly an interdisciplinary academic experience. With half of all my modules being solely related to Africa I gain substantial understanding of essential elements and discussions of Africa’s past and present. This helps me understand some of the present and future health challenges on the continent. 

What this specific degree further teaches me is how factors from diverse arenas such as politics, economics, and urban studies affect health challenges – something that again underlines the flexibility and interdisciplinary structure of this course.

Because this is an interdisciplinary degree, your classmates will likewise be very diverse – and this is one of the true advantages of this course. You simply learn so much from the people right next to you. In my Corruption and Global Health module, more than 20 nationalities were present, with academic backgrounds ranging from medical doctors to English literature to business.

What have been the highlights of African Studies so far?

There have been many, and it is difficult to rank them, because they are quite different. Firstly, it has been a personal highlight for me to significantly change my perspectives on Africa after an intense learning experience. I have always thought very highly of Africa, but it did not take many months to realize I had begun the course having many wrong, misinformed, inaccurate, and stereotypical ideas. Adjusting many of these is perhaps the most beneficial I takeaway from the course.

Secondly, the teaching staff on this course have been outstanding. The level of engagement and enthusiasm for teaching is surely something that has motivated others and myself. Learning from people with extensive experience working in Africa is a highlight for me.

Thirdly, being exposed to numerous talks from experts from all around the world (both as formal guest lecturers and in extra-curricular lectures) has been a highlight, and has been a crucial complementary element to the general teaching.

How did you fund your postgraduate study?

I have mainly funded this degree with various grants and bursaries, both from Denmark and the UK.

What skills do you think you will learn from your African Studies MSc that will be useful for your career?

I am one of those people who want to pursue a million different career paths, i.e. I am not really sure what I particularly want to work with.

However, this is also why the African Studies programme is ideal, because of its interdisciplinary nature. I am 100% sure that I at some point want to work in Africa or in a position somehow related to Africa – I am not sure whether I’ll pursue this in 1, 10, or 20 years, but at some point I will. Having this learning experience from African Studies at UCL will make sure that whatever job I do in relation to Africa, I will do it far more accurately, well-informed, and simply better. 

One of the key things I take away from this course is not treating Africa as Africa. The continent is enormous and full of regional and national differences (as well as similarities). I have developed a much more nuanced understanding of throughout this course. This understanding of Africa’s complexity will surely be beneficial in any job related to Africa.

What do will you once you have graduated from UCL African Studies?

I’ve secured an international role as a management consultant at a Danish consultancy firm, Valcon. I’ll work with various organisations, including those interested in the African market. I’m eager to drive business opportunities in this role in a responsible way.

I have a long-term ambition to either start my own, or to join, a large, international non-governmental organisation (NGO) or political organization focused on continuous improvement of the already bright future of Africa. Local business development is a significant part of this.

How has studying African Studies helped you get this work?

This was a highly competitive position, and it is doubtful whether I would have made the cut, had I not chosen this somewhat ‘different’ path. All organisations are interested in recruiting people with diverse backgrounds, and after having studied African Studies, I have developed certain skills rarely seen in management consultant applicants. It does not make me a better applicant per se, but it helped me stand out from the crowd.

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about African Studies at UCL?

I would highly recommend you to study African Studies at UCL if you are passionate about broadening your academic and personal horizons on Africa. The programme offers a steep learning curve, and you must be eager to learn and participate. It is also very important for me to stress that I encourage students with all academic backgrounds to apply. Your previous academic area of study should never prevent you from applying – all you need is a sincere interest for learning about Africa. 

Remember that you are not closing doors with this degree, you develop complementary skills to your existing ones, and hence you will open numerous new doors.

Describe the atmosphere on the UCL African Studies programme in five words…

Inspiring. Enthusiastic. Challenging. Joyful. Eye-opening.

Vanessa Ansah-Pewudie - MSc African Studies and Health

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Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc in African Studies at UCL?

I chose to study for an MSc in African Studies at UCL because I wanted to learn more about African ideas, history and Africa’s cultural diversity. I was particularly excited to see that the course offered combined pathways, as I figured it would help me expand my interests in health in a region that I am not only very interested in, but also have strong ties to. 

What does studying for an MSc in African Studies with Health involve? What do you hope to learn from it?

Studying African studies with health firstly involves learning how to study very independently, by reading a lot of literature and learning how to critically examine and challenge the writings of different scholars and authors. What I like most about the course is that you get to develop a good basic understanding of Africa and its variety of belief systems, culture, ideologies etc, which you can then apply to your specific pathway. So, I was able to apply these African ideas and practices to my health module coursework, which allowed me to be more creative with essays, and also allowed me to test my knowledge of Africa. 

What became increasingly evident for me is that there’s not really a right or wrong way to go about the reading material, as long as you make an effort to understand the literature and think about the arguments and the theories from a perspective other than that proposed in the reading, you will be fine. 

What have been the highlights of your African Studies degree so far?

For me it’s been noticing the way my viewpoint on different things has developed in general, especially things having to do with larger societal systems and structures, and how important it is to be critical of those things, and just how much new knowledge I’ve acquired! 

How did you fund your postgraduate study?

I funded my study through student loans

What skills do you think you will learn from your African Studies MSc/MA that will be useful for your career?

One of the most valuable skills I’ve learnt is the importance of context and that the surroundings play a major part in the different issues that may be prevalent in a particular setting, including cultural practices and cultural understandings of phenomena. The research methods course was also really helpful, and will be very useful once I start working.

I am also undertaking an internship over the summer at an NGO called Lepra, who work on poverty and disease alleviation in Asia and Africa. I was able to get the position through an announcement from one of my health modules, and I have been able to put the skills I’ve acquired throughout my degree into practice. 

What do will you once you have graduated from UCL African Studies?

I am hoping to land a job with any NGO or charity that work on improving the lives of persons with disabilities in the African region. I would love to eventually go onto initiating my own projects related to disability and development in Ghana.

How has studying African Studies helped you get this work?

I definitely feel like I have gained unique skills from my combined African studies with health course. I have been able to use my African knowledge in my health modules, especially my disability module, and I found myself explaining to other students why certain practices or notions were evident in that particular African country, which was unknown to others. I therefore think that this degree has helped me gain very specialised knowledge that many others don’t acquire.

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about African Studies at UCL?

I would definitely recommend prospective students to join this course, especially if you like independent work and you’re up for debating on controversial issues and challenging your mind. The advice I would give is to be prepared for a lot of reading, and making sure you have a genuine interest in learning about African subjects, since it will be a lot more worthwhile and fun if you truly want to gain knowledge on African history and contemporary issues and practices prevalent on the continent. 

Describe the atmosphere on the UCL African Studies programme in five words…

Exciting, Helpful, Valuable, Interesting, Challenging

Catherine Hodge - MSc African Studies and Health

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Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc in African Studies at UCL?

I chose to study the MSc in African Studies at UCL because it was the only course I came across in my research which would allow me to combine my interests in ‘Health Humanities’ with my interests in the history and politics of Africa and its diasporas. This was hugely appealing to me because I was fascinated by the literature I encountered during my undergraduate degree, examining the intersection of power, medicine, religion and empire in Sub-Saharan Africa under colonialism and how these factors continue to manifest themselves today. This was an area I wanted to focus on and the course at UCL seemed to be the perfect medium to do this. I was also drawn by the inclusion of a Research Methods course. 

What does studying for an MSc in African Studies with Health involve? What do you hope to learn from it?

All of the pathways in African Studies at UCL are inherently interdisciplinary. All students take a compulsory course Research Methods course, as well as a module looking at how Africa’s past impacts upon its present and one on how that past and present might affect the future of the continent. Because the academics involved in running and teaching these courses come from a variety of disciplines, we are able to view these issues from a range of perspectives. All students also write a dissertation of around 15,000 words, which allows us to develop our independent research skills, as well as to explore in depth a topic of particular interest to us. The remaining credits are made up from modules which can be chosen from faculties across the university. As I am on the Health pathway, I have chosen to study modules from the Institute of Global Health, History and the Institute of Psychiatry. I hope to learn and have learned many things about the past present and future of Africa and its place in the world, as well as more generally about international relations and its impact on people’s lives. I have also greatly valued the experience of designing and conducting my own research, with the support of my supervisor and the teaching staff.

What have been the highlights of your African Studies degree?

Meeting and working alongside my course mates who are from all over the world and a variety of different academic backgrounds. I’ve formed great friendships on this course; visiting the Africa gallery at the British Museum with Matt and Helene who encouraged us to think critically about the choice of objects and how they are displayed; the opportunity to hear from guest lecturers from across the university as part of our core courses. I particularly enjoyed hearing about Michael Walls’ work in Somaliland as the Horn of Africa is an area I knew very little about before starting the course.

How did you fund your postgraduate study?

As a UK student, I have been able to fund my course by taking a postgraduate loan from Student Finance England and have supplemented this by working part time in a bar in my home city. I have also been doing some work as a tutor for secondary school pupils and am also fortunate enough to have financial support from my parents.

What skills do you think you will learn from your African Studies MSc/MA that will be useful for your career?

As I hope to continue researching in some capacity, the research element of the course has been especially valuable to me. Reading material and writing assessed essays in a number of different disciplines has both widened my knowledge base and improved my writing. I also believe that studying African Studies at a Postgraduate level has provided me with a different lens through which to view the world and its history and has improved my ability to think critically about how information is presented to me. I think that these skills will be valuable wherever I end up in my career.

What will you do once you have graduated from UCL African Studies?

Initially, I was planning to train as a secondary school teacher after graduating from UCL. However, I have decided that I want to continue on the academic route. I am currently applying for research assistant and administrative jobs and am planning to try and secure funding for a PhD in 2018.

How has studying African Studies helped you get this work?

I’m sure that the research and critical thinking skills I have developed throughout the course will be helpful as I apply for PhD funding over the next year, but you’ll have to watch this space, as I am only applying now, as the course comes to an end. However, I often find myself talking to the young people I tutor in preparation for their History and English GCSEs about African history, which I see as exceptionally important for all young people as it helps them to challenge hegemonic historical narratives. I think that my increasing awareness of the importance of presenting alternative narratives in education, which came largely from African Studies and my previous studies played a big part in my being offered a place on the Teach First graduate scheme earlier in the year. For the time being, it certainly gives me a lot to talk about with customers when I’m waiting tables. Sadly, I can’t vouch for whether they appreciate this service.

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about African Studies at UCL?

Definitely don’t be afraid to contact the academic staff if you have any questions at all about your application or the course itself. Kevin, Helene and Matt are all exceptionally helpful and enthusiastic. I would also put some thought into what you might want to write your dissertation on before signing up for modules, both because you may want to choose options which will supplement the core courses and your own research on your topic and also because the deadline for submitting your proposal comes around surprisingly quickly. 

Describe the atmosphere on the UCL African Studies programme in five words…

Diverse, Welcoming, Interdisciplinary, Enlightening, Good-humoured

Mallory Bernstein - African Studies with Health

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Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc in African Studies at UCL?

Oh goodness, this is such a wonderful question - one I am often asked by family and friends back home in the United States. There are two parts to the question I suppose; “Why African Studies with Health?” And “Why UCL?” 

To answer the first question, after completing a fellowship in South Africa as a U.S. Student Fulbright Scholar, I was looking for an interdisciplinary programme which could connect my previous degree (BSc in Chemistry from Muhlenberg College, USA) with my budding interest in South Africa’s emerging chronic disease epidemic. The MSc African Studies with Health did just that - it allowed me to unite and expand my previous knowledge of health and nutrition with the history, culture and politics of nations across the continent. Interweaving these aspects together, I knew that this MSc would be able to give me the tools necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the current difficulties which face African nations. This deeper understanding would help me to pursue a career in chronic disease research in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The next question, “Why UCL?” is a bit more straightforward. I chose UCL because UCL’s African Studies programme is the only programme which offers a specialisation in one of four streams: Environment, Education, Health or Heritage. The basis of the curriculum draws upon diverse areas of study, making connections across disciplines such as economics, history, geography, anthropology and medicine. Furthermore, UCL’s impeccable reputation and the short duration of the programme meant that I was able to complete my degree in a short period of time and network for future research opportunities in South Africa.

What does studying for an MSc in African Studies with Health involve? What do you hope to learn from it?

Studying for an MSc in African Studies with Health involves linking diverse areas of study via taking classes not only in the department of African Studies, but also in UCL’s Institutes of Child and Global Health. The short programme and large volume of work requires student commitment and enthusiasm to succeed. The professors are accessible and inspirational, often encouraging extra-curricular engagement with the greater London community - thereby broadening the scope of the African Studies programme to include current issues in the African diaspora. Studying African Studies with Health involves intense collaboration and discussion with colleagues in seminars. The small class size, high standards and professional environment of the MSc in African Studies with Health is extremely enriching and gratifying. I have learnt how to contextualize health in South Africa, how to interpret interdisciplinary studies and how to communicate even more efficiently through attending MSc writing workshops offered by UCL’s Writing Centre.

What have been the highlights of your African Studies degree so far?

There are many highlights of this degree thus far. I personally am very fond of the close-knit community which has formed between the African Studies students. In the second year of this programme, we are all from a wide range of backgrounds representing 4 different nationalities. We often meet both during the core courses and outside to complete our assignments, giving me the feeling that I have found a home away from home. The professors are extremely passionate about researching, teaching and understanding African ideologies. I have learned so much from their example and will be forever grateful for the skills I have acquired during this year. Furthermore, I have endlessly enjoyed engaging with the resources present in London such as lectures at British Museum, Southbank Centre and in other campuses of UCL about ongoing research around the African Continent. These experiences have defined this intense degree as extremely rewarding and inspiring and I know that I have made long-lasting friendships with both my peers and professors at UCL.

How did you fund your postgraduate study?

I was extremely lucky to have the privilege of my family financing my tuition to study. Food, transport and everyday expenses I was able to finance by tutoring high school students in Biology and Chemistry (in preparation for GCSEs). Tutoring opportunities are advertised at UCL through the parent CMII department. 

What skills do you think you will learn from your African Studies MSc/MA that will be useful for your career?

There are many skills which I believe will be useful for my career path. As I am hoping to continue in research, experience in social science research methods such as SPSS, ethnography and participant mapping/citizen science have given me the opportunity to combine my previous quantitative research analytics with qualitative research. In addition to these skills, class seminars and presentations have given me confidence in presenting  material in front of an informed audience. In addition, one very useful assignment of African Studies coursework consists of completing a mock grant application which was extremely enlightening experience and will definitely come in handy during my time as a researcher. 

What do will you once you have graduated from UCL African Studies?

Once I have graduated from UCL, I will be returning to South Africa and interning for the African Health Research Institute (AHRI), a partner of UCL African Studies. I hope to gain experience in social science and population research about HIV/AIDS and other chronic diseases. In the distant future, I intend to pursue my Doctorate and continue as a professor in an academic institution.

How has studying African Studies helped you get this work?

African Studies has helped me to be qualified for this work by learning about the history of a country from which I am not a citizen. As an American with significant interest in South Africa and the country’s chronic disease epidemic, having an MSc in African Studies with Health has given me the background necessary to gain entry into this highly competitive research field. The professors in African Studies have connected me with professors at the AHRI with mutual research interests. 

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about African Studies at UCL?

The advice I would give to students thinking about African Studies at UCL is that this degree is challenging, but it is one of the most enriching academic experiences I have had. I would recommend that prospective students read and keep reading African literature and philosophy in preparation - you will not regret it and it is likely to expand your current knowledge base in unimaginable ways. For those who have decided to pursue this degree, remember to ask questions, take criticism and engage with fellow professors and students.

Describe the atmosphere on the UCL African Studies programme in five words…

Engaging. Challenging. Enriching. Welcoming. Inspiring.

You can also learn more about our students by reading the UCL African Studies Student Blog.

Comparative Literature

Sophia Althammer - MA Comparative Literature

The small seminar groups enable you have in-depth discussions on the reading material or theories discussed in the individual weeks and are very thought-stimulating.

Where were you before coming to UCL?

I studied for combined BA in Publishing Media and English Literature at Oxford Brookes University

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

I was attracted to its location in London, as well as by the fact that UCL is internationally renowned. When I visited the campus during an Open Day I could picture myself studying here, and that made my decision very easy.

What does your Programme involve and what do you hope to learn from it? 

Comparative Literature – as the name implies – is the study of literature from a comparative angle. It is however by no means limited to comparing literary texts from different languages, the field is highly interdisciplinary and looks at various arts, as well as history and politics in a comparative context to reach a new understanding of the world and dealings in it.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

The small seminar groups enable you have in-depth discussions on the reading material or theories discussed in the individual weeks and are very thought-stimulating. It is always great to be introduced to new texts from around the world you would have not encountered otherwise and then be able to discuss them with people as interested in them as you are.

The other students on this course have also been great, and I have made some wonderful friends over the course of just a few months.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

Apart from broadening my literary knowledge, I am hoping to improve my critical and analytical skills, develop my research abilities and further develop team-working abilities on an international scale.

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

I strive to work in the international commercial publishing industry, either for a literary agency or a publishing house.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

Be prepared to read a lot, and very widely! And do not hesitate to create study-, research- or peer-review groups and meetings with your fellow students, the feedback and ideas from those interactions can be as helpful as feedback from your professors.

Describe the atmosphere in your Programme at UCL in five words…

Welcoming, Interesting, International, Inspirational and Supportive.

Jason Beckman - MA Comparative Literature

The collection of sharp, insightful people and thought-provoking topics of study have made for excellent class discussions and a wonderful experience, overall.

Where were you before coming to UCL?

I was working as a software developer for an industry supply company in the Chicagoland area.

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

I wanted to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK in literature, knew of UCL’s reputation and thought the research interests of the Comparative Literature Department / CMII faculty aligned very well with the topics I’m interested in and work I want to do.

What does your Programme involve and what do you hope to learn from it?

There’s extensive coursework and readings in literature and literary theory, which provide the bases for seminar discussions and for the assigned essays. The Programme has also provided the flexibility to complement the core course modules with modules from other departments (I personally took a Translation Studies course and a course on Modern Japanese Literature at SOAS), and I have thus been able to tailor the Comparative Literature learning experience to suit my interests and fields of study.

The Programme will culminate with a dissertation that will allow me to apply the theories I’ve been studying, as well as comparative approaches, to works in Japanese and American literatures.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

The highlights for me have been the people and the course content. I’ve made a number of dear friends and worked with incredible, supportive faculty members. The collection of sharp, insightful people and thought-provoking topics of study have made for excellent class discussions and a wonderful experience, overall.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

I’m planning to pursue an academic career, and the reading/writing I am doing in my Programme serves as an important part of my preparation for that. I have done a considerable amount of research for course assignments that bridge my academic interests in Comparative/World literature and Japanese literature and have experimented with a range of topics and writing styles, developing my academic writing and learning about the kind of academic writer I hope to become.

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

I will be beginning a PhD in Japanese Literature at Stanford University in the Fall.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

Take risks in your thinking and writing! Faculty members are very supportive of the work that you want to pursue and will give a lot of fantastic insight and support, if you seek them out.

Collegial, thought-provoking, diverse, supportive, fun

Do you have any other comments?

Just that I’m incredibly pleased with my decision to come study with the Comparative Literature department at UCL!

Bixuan Zhong - MA Comparative Literature

The best thing about the MA Comparative Literature?This programme really cultivates critical thinking.

Where were you before coming to UCL?

Shanghai International Studies University

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

UCL is famous for its high quality of academic research.

What does studying for an MA in Comparative Literature involve? And what you hope to learn from it?

The Comparative Literature programme involves taking four modules, and also enables students to select courses from other programmes. The two main courses are Literary Theory studies and Comparative Literature Studies. My main interest is to learn more about literary theories and about methods for analysing literary works.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

This programme really cultivates students’ critical thinking.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

Since I want to be a teacher, I think all the knowledge I learn from classes will be useful for several aspects of my future career.

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

I would like to continue my studies and obtain a PhD.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

Make full use of your time and recourses in UCL. You can also audit classes in other subjects if time permits.

Describe the atmosphere in your Programme at UCL in a few words…

Free, comfortable & pleasant

Early Modern Studies 

European Studies 

Ahmet Furkan Gungoren - MA Modern European Studies

Where were you before coming to UCL?

Studying Internation Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

I can say that the fact that UCL is one of the most prominent universities not only in the UK but also in the world was the most significant reason to apply for an MA at University College London. Being able to study in a metropolis as London was for me a desire as it contributes a lot to a student life, to exemplify: meeting beautiful people from all over the world, getting used to live in a multifaceted city with a huge variety of opportunities and degusting the profits designed for a perfect student life.

What does the MA in European Studies involve? And what do you hope to learn from it?

The programme European Studies, subjects an MA student to core courses related to Europe and the European Union that form an indispensable part of this dignified Masters study. It also provides the freedom in terms of choosing from a wide range of courses listed in various other humanities and social sciences studies. For me, the uniqueness of the programme results from its interdisciplinary approach to European studies, the study does not only shed light on European politics, but also sociology, history and economics. Due to this, a student is provided a broad and profound perspective to the studied questions and issues.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

Going to the Imperial War Museum for the history class: “The Making of Modern Europe” was an excellent experience, it was a possibility to see the matters on site.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

The main skills I have learned are making independently in-depth research on multiple past and contemporary subjects. Besides, my writing but also oratory skills have amazingly improved, which are of great significance when presenting the research made.

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

I would like to work at one of the following institutions: a news channel, an NGO or a think tank. Afterwards, I hope to find a PHD vacancy and become an academic in the future.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

In order to live your student life to the fullest, make sure you spare time to enjoy London with the new friends you will make at one of the best universities in the world.

Describe the atmosphere in your Programme at UCL in five words…

Vivid, Motivating, Harborous, Unique, Full of spirit

Do you have any other comments?

I can easily convey that after having studied for two terms now, I have noticed why UCL is scoring very high in university rankings. Its professors, the system of education but also the facilities that are provided by the university are amazing!

Shiying Liu - MA Modern European Studies

Thomas Crew – MA European Culture and Thought (Thought)

Where were you before coming to UCL?

Royal Holloway, University of London

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

I found the European Culture and Thought course particularly interesting because it allowed me to continue studying German, whilst branching out into European philosophy. But there are many other ways the course can be shaped. Also, my preference was to stay in London, and UCL has some good finding opportunities.

What does your Programme involve and what do you hope to learn from it?

The basis of the course are the two core modules plus the dissertation, which is completed over the summer. The first of these courses is on social theory, in which we covered thinkers including Rousseau, Freud, Marx, Hannah Arendt and Michel Foucault. Aside from the module on essay writing and discussion in German, I also took a course on German literature and its ties to the origins of psychology.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

Quite possibly Rousseau’s Social Contract and Discourse on Inequality. They should probably be compulsory reading in all secondary schools, so that we might remember that society is a two-way process that is only legitimate when it is based on an active and consenting population.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

More than for my career, I hope that the ideas I learn from will be helpful for my life.

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

I hope to return to Germany where, initially at least, I’ll teach English in a German school.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

To make a better effort than I do to remember that studying is an end in itself. As Nietzsche says: “That day is lost to us on which we didn’t even dance! And that truth is false to us, which wasn’t accompanied by laughter!”

Film Studies 

Meiqian Qian - MA Film Studies

Where were you before coming to UCL?

China.

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

UCL is a TOP 5 university in the UK and has a high reputation and also provides an awesome environment for studying. On top of that UCL has a great diversity of courses.

What does your Programme involve and what do you hope to learn from it?

My courses are: Reading and Researching films, Film Exhibition, Italian\Spanish film and Practical Documentary Filmmaking. This includes both the core course, optional modules and modules I am auditing. My aim is to gain a thorough understanding of international film history including different genres, waves and transitions. In addition, I have the opportunity to delve deeper into some of my favourite aspects, such as Spanish and Italian films. Besides learning about theory, the module on practical documentary film making gave us a great opportunity to learn about filmmaking behind the scenes. In brief, the programme is really diverse.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

In my opinion, it is all about studying different genres and different directors as well as making links to different periods in each country’s film history.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

Filmmaking, critical and creative thinking, doing a lot of research. Also being hard working, paying attention to details and to be able to meet the deadlines.

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

I want to find work in the film or television industry focusing on documentary filmmaking or doing the curatorial work in film exhibitions or exhibitions about important subjects in today’s world such as gender (in)equality or human rights.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

Make good use of the library, it is a real goldmine and you will love it!!!

Describe the atmosphere in your Programme at UCL in a few words…

Creative, quiet, friendly, relaxed.

Do you have any other comments?

The staffs in CMII and our course tutors are all very nice and helpful.

Edward Elliott - MA Film Studies

Where were you before coming to UCL?

Oxford University.

Why did you choose to study for an MA/MSc at UCL?

I wanted to study Film Exhibition and Film Theory. Very few courses offered both. Plus I had to choose somewhere within easy travel distance of Cambridge for living purposes.

What does your Programme involve and what do you hope to learn from it?

An introduction to film studies and film history in the Core modules, followed by a series of optional modules on regional cinema and theoretical approaches. I’ve already feel like I’ve gained a really strong, analytical approach to film and film theory. I hope to continue to grow further in the final term and really explore some topics in depth.

What have been the highlights of the Programme so far?

Lots of stuff. I really enjoyed the core course, exhibition and theory modules. The reading for Theory has been really special and I have probably learnt the most from. But getting to explore film history was something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time as well.

What skills do you think you will learn from your Programme that will be useful for your career?

Well kinda depends on my future career – which I’m unsure of at the mo. I might go into academia. So probably a lot of skills …

What do you hope to do when you have graduated from your Programme?

Depending on my results, apply for a PhD.

What advice would you give to prospective students in your Programme?

Keep on track of written work, start early and give yourself as much time to work on it as possible. And do all the reading that is set (although this should be a given).

Gender Studies 

MA Gender, Society Representation

Kaniska Singhal

Shreya Agrawal

This Masters programme has a diverse set of students which has enhanced discussions on various topics inside and outside the classroom.

Ranjita Diljaj

My favourite module has been the one on Intersectional perspectives with its focus on feminism in the postcolonial world and black feminism. The multidisciplinary nature of the course was refreshing and provided an insight on the topics from different angles.

Health Humanities 

Translation Studies