Iliana Depounti
MSc Social Science Research (Communication and Media)
Iliana is a Postgraduate student on our MSc in Social Science Research, as part of the 1+3 ESRC PhD studentship she has been awarded.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the optional modules I have chosen. They are structured as intensive workshops and the material and lectures are very rich and interesting. They cater towards specific research interests, which is exactly what I needed as a young researcher.
Studying for a Masters degree
This is actually my second postgraduate course. I also hold an MA in Digital Media Management from Birkbeck, University of London. I think that at this level, students are encouraged more to think critically and do their own reading and research as opposed to undergraduate studies. It's also about finding the one thing, either a piece of research, an academic, or framework, that speaks directly to your own understanding of the world and how you see yourself in the future. You also make great friends and interact with people from diverse backgrounds and stories, which is always the most exciting part of postgraduate courses. Ultimately, it's about challenging everything you know and stepping out of your comfort zone.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the optional modules I have chosen (Content Analysis and Applied Ethnography). They are structured as intensive workshops and the material and lectures are very rich and interesting. They cater towards specific research interests, which is exactly what I needed as a young researcher.
A typical day starts at 7 am with a great cuppa and jam on toast, catching up on Twitter and the news. After a lecture, I might then grab lunch with colleagues. The rest of the day is purely for studying, either at home or at the library. On Fridays, we also do special quiz nights on MS Teams or in-person (when it's allowed). The MSc has been great to connect with peers and make new friendships.
Staff have been really nice, understanding and helpful. It's good to know that you can pick up the phone and reach out to IT Services and have all your issues solved within seconds. I had really positive experiences with the IT support staff. In terms of academic staff, I really appreciate the great efforts of the lecturers to make the classes interesting and engaging online. It's a tough time for everyone, but at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, I can see the commitment towards caring for each student and their wellbeing.
Extracurricular opportunities
I recently attended the Wellbeing Fortnight organised by the doctoral college, which was very well organised. There were some great speakers and all-around very helpful tips and advice for PhD students. I also attend the weekly meetings of Heads Together, a peer-led peer support group. It's a magnificent initiative and I think everyone should join to support each other. It's always good when people come together and share their knowledge.
Life after graduation
As I have been awarded an ESRC studentship, my dream is to have a career in academia and I'm happy that I have been given this opportunity from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and the Midlands Graduate School (MGS). This has been a life-long aspiration really.