Vanya, from Bulgaria, is a student on the MLitt Media & Communication within Strathclyde's Department of Humanities
Tell us a little about your journey towards studying the MLitt Media & Communication.
I had always been interested in politics and enjoyed studying it. I completed my undergraduate degree in MA Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen which I started in my home country of Bulgaria. After completing my first year and a half there, I was able to move and finish it in Aberdeen.
As strange as that may sound, the MLitt Media & Communication was a natural progression for me. I've always sought to avoid the traditional manner of doing and being involved in politics, and I regarded MLitt as the finest possibility for future opportunities. I am quite delighted that there is a lot of politics involved in this degree because I am in my own waters, but I have also learned a lot about how the media functions in terms of political concerns. It was beneficial to see how things work from the other side. Communication industries have always piqued my interest, and I've always aspired to work in them.
Tell us about the format of the programme. What were you working on week-to-week?
The programme is intense, which is to be expected given that it is just for a year. The lecturers are great, and they engage and interest everyone in the content.
There were no exams, but there was a lot of research, group presentations, and case study work. Every week, we had seminars for each subject in which we all expressed and debated our thoughts on the topic of the week. It was incredible since each student came from a different background, and learning so much about the many political and media horizons in other areas of the world was nothing short of enriching.
What were the most enjoyable and worthwhile parts of the MLitt?
To be honest, I enjoyed every element of my studies. We always had lively conversations in class, delving into both theory and current concerns. I really appreciated Dr. Michael Higgins' teachings and works, as I admire and enjoy talking politics with him.
The Digital Skills in Media and Communication course was the most practical and beneficial in terms of online tools and platforms to be aware of while performing a large piece of research that requires coding, the use of social media extracts, or simply visualisations for an article. Working on a Strategic Communication campaign was another extremely beneficial experience, particularly if you're interested in PR, marketing, and business.
In terms of theorists, some of the readings I have enjoyed the most belong to Higgins, Foucault, Van Dijk, Couldry, McCombs, Habermas, Wodak, Wood, Boyd and Zuboff - the list goes on.
Telll us about your dissertation research.
My dissertation topic is about the relationship between media and politics in Bulgaria. I am working on the research question: "How does the national media frame the country's political stance on its EU and NATO membership following the Russo-Ukrainian conflict and rising support for the far-right party Vazrazhdane?".
It is engaged with the media's presentation of political concerns in my nation, which are complex due to the long historical links between Bulgaria and Russia. I chose this topic not only because it has been critically important for the world during the last two years, but also because it has a significant impact on Bulgaria's political future. The country's current stance on EU and NATO membership is being called into question by the Russo-Ukrainian war and Vazrazhdane's popularity. These attitudes jeopardise the country's position in the EU and NATO, especially in times of political instability within the country and the lack of trust in both politicians and media organisations.
What has the teaching been like on the programme?
It has been an incredible experience. I have learned a lot and the programme of study has given me a perspective of how I want to continue my development in the future.
The course size is not large, but I believe it is optimal, as it has allowed me to get to know each of the students with whom I have studied. I have made so many friends from all over the world and shared so much experience with them that I can only be grateful for the opportunity. There were people with no experience to those with considerable knowledge in the media, such as copywriting, journalism, radio hosting, and so on.
What would you like to do in the future? How do you feel the MLitt has helped you prepare?
Ideally, I would like to commit myself to my personal cause of helping those suffering from eating disorders. As someone who struggled with anorexia nervosa for years, I have always wanted to share my experience and support others overcome their fears in this respect. The MLitt helped me in visualising how this could be accomplished, and I have even begun to work on it.
Furthermore, I shared my interest with several of my lecturers, and they were very delighted and willing to provide me assistance and ideas on how to develop this into something greater, such as a charity company. In the more distant future, I can see myself using social media channels, or being on a traditional media programme, to produce political analyses.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to the MLitt Media & Communication?
Do it! You will not regret a second of it! It does not matter what university or work background you are coming from; there are so many useful things to learn for everyone. I am glad I decided to go with this degree because the opportunities that stand for me are plenty.
The University of Strathclyde and the teaching staff at Mlitt Media and Communications have had my heart, and I will be forever grateful for being part of their community.