Georgia is a graduate from the MSc Applied Gender Studies programme

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I am 25 years old, from the Wirral (near Liverpool). I completed my undergraduate degree at Strathclyde and returned after a year away from studying to complete the Gender Studies Masters programme.

What drew you towards undertaking this degree?

I was intrigued by the content of the course and the possibility for variance and relevance in what I could come to study. I wrote my undergraduate dissertation on the History of UK Lesbians in post war Britain, despite not wanting to continue with this topic, the masters felt like the right next step from my previous work.

Tell us about the format of the programme. What was a typical week like?

A typical week entails 3-4 classes a week, depending on your selection this might only lead to 3-4 hours contact time with the rest of the week being used for reading, self-study and writing. There are often online weekly tasks to submit before attending that weeks class. I really enjoyed this set up because it instantly gave you areas of discussion from the class forum and you could read other submissions from your classmates.

Tell us a little bit about your dissertation topic...

For my placement I worked at the Glasgow Women's Library, archiving periodicals that had been donated and then updating the collection records. I also created a Handling Box resource that could be used by high school students who might come to the library to research feminist periodicals. It was joyous to have a chance to work at the Women's Library and I felt that I was putting some of my learning into practice, specifically learning from the Feminist Research, Feminist Knowledge class.

For my dissertation I interviewed different groups of women who regularly cold water swim. As a cold water enthusiast myself, this was a labour of love and probably my favourite task from the whole year. I was so well supported by my dissertation supervisor and the rest of the department.

What is the academic support at Strathclyde like?

Throughout the whole year I was so well supported by all members of the Gender Studies team that I was in contact with. They supported me so well that I did not find it necessary to seek further support from the university. There is also an incredible resource in the HASS faculty that provides 1-1 sessions with writers who can help you improve your own skills.

What are the facilities at Strathclyde like?

Mostly the Strathclyde facilities are good, in particular the newer buildings or those that have been renovated.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I am not currently working in an area that is related to my studying but in the future I plan to and I feel well set up from the course to feel confident in applying for jobs related to a gender studies masters.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this programme?

Just go for it and throw yourself into it. You will likely be in a cohort of people who have similar passions and outlooks as yourself so prepare to feel inspired, uplifted and comforted by those in your classes.