Viola Vercelli, MSc Migration, Politics and Society

Why did you apply for the course?

After my bachelor’s degree in Politics and Sociology, I was interested in pursuing research in migration studies, especially after my MA dissertation, which focused on activist solidarities between crises like Covid-19 and the so-called migration “crisis”. My academic interests centred on decolonial migration studies, with a focus on migration advocacy, social movements, and the cultural sociology and human geography of migration. I wanted to specialise in qualitative and participatory research methods, with a particular interest in the intersection of creativity and activism in migration scholarship. I was drawn to the MSc Global Migration course because of its interdisciplinarity, which gave me the chance to truly pursue my research and creative interests. 

What did you think about the academic content?

The academic content was genuinely interdisciplinary, starting from the core modules Interdisciplinary Approaches and Issues in Global Migration. We explored migration through a range of disciplinary and thematic lenses, diving deeper into how different perspectives intersect. I especially loved the optional module Migratory Activisms, Creative Citizenships, which framed movement across borders as social movement and encouraged us to think across scholarly and activist worlds. We created a sound piece as our coursework, which was one of the highlights of the course for me and sparked my current practice as a sound artist. I also thoroughly enjoyed Movement, Bordering and Racemaking, which focused on developing a critical account of contemporary migration politics through close engagement with empirical case studies. I’d absolutely recommend these modules if you’re into critical, creative, or activist approaches to migration.

How has the course helped prepare you for your goals?

The course helped me develop skills in qualitative and participatory research, which I used for my MSc dissertation on abolitionist counter-spaces and activist knowledge co-production at the French–Italian border in Ventimiglia. My fieldwork was funded by the Bill Mead Fund for outstanding Geography research. I’m currently applying for PhD programmes while remaining open to creative opportunities that intersect with my research interests. As a writer and singer/sound artist, I explore storytelling as a means of resisting border violence and connecting scholarship with community and imagination.

What was it like studying migration at UCL?

Studying Global Migration in the Department was a whirlwind of emotions. With only eight students in my cohort, the course was intense but incredibly rewarding. I met amazing people, worked with brilliant mentors, and loved learning in such a close-knit environment. As Academic Rep, I also worked closely with staff and helped launch the Human Geography MSc Newsletter.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Try different modules and open yourself to the interdisciplinarity of the master’s. Get involved with activities inside and outside the department, and make the most of your time in London while cultivating both your studies and passions.