Is this programme right for you?

Why did you choose this programme?
– Originally, I studied history, but I did two semesters of gender studies during my Bachelor's and wanted to continue with that. The Master’s programme in gender studies had very interesting courses, and that’s why I chose this programme.

What was your first impression of the programme?
– It was very different from my previous experience – students at the Master’s progamme in gender studies get a lot more space to discuss the different texts and different ideas and that has been really empowering for my development and critical thinking.

What is the best thing about studying for a Master's in gender studies?
– You get in contact with, and exchange ideas with, people from several different disciplines. I have met people who come from sociology, psychology, math and biology for example – but we all have a common interest in gender studies. Another thing that I like is that the classes are not too big, which means you get to know everyone and get the chance to speak during the seminars.

What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time?
– I’m very interested in disability studies, contemporary history and sociology-oriented subjects – and gender studies gives me the opportunity to explore all these things, which is really fun. I hope to do a PhD sometime in the future. I think the programme prepares you really well for doing further research.

Describe student life in Uppsala.
– There are the student nations, they have a lot of parties but they also have study spaces and libraries that you can visit. And they have cafes and pubs and always something going on. Some of them even have sports clubs and things like that. There's something for everyone.

What is your favourite place to study on campus?
– I really like the Karin Boye library in the English Park, it's very cozy and they have a lot of gender studies literature.

Name three things that you are doing this week.
– I am writing my Master’s thesis right now, so that's kind of all I've done this this week! I've talked to my supervisor, I've written the ethical framework for my thesis, and I've restructured my analysis section.

Spring 2025

How did you find out about this programme?
– I had been looking for a Master’s programme in gender studies, but also wanted to have an experience abroad. I found this programme interesting because it explores a wide range of topics. Uppsala University was my first choice and, luckily, I got in!

Do you feel like the programme has lived up to your expectations?
– I think it has given me even more than I expected. Because, of course you can see the course titles and the material that you'll be reading beforehand, but you don't know the discussions that you’ll have in class. There are a lot of different people from different backgrounds in this programme, so you gain a lot of insights not just from the material but you also learn from each other’s experiences.

Do you remember your first impression of your first lecture or seminar?
– The very first meeting was just with the first year Master’s students and then we had lunch afterwards with the second years. I was a bit nervous, but it was really nice. I also remember thinking that the Centre for Gender Research was in a really cool location, right in the botanical gardens.

What's the best thing about studying for a Master’s in gender studies?
– It might seem weird, but one of the best things is that it makes you question almost everything you know. You start looking at things in a new way. Most people think gender studies is just focused on gender, but it's so much more than that. We discuss education, racism, disabilities and many other things. You gain new so many new perspectives.

Can you describe student life in Uppsala?
– The student nations are a big part of student life in Uppsala. There are several different ones and they all offer different activities and experiences. Personally, I’m not one to go to many parties, but there are also nations that offer walks in nature, sporting activities and crafts activities. I often go to RFSL as they have a weekly fika that anyone can join. But it's also easy to explore different cities. It's only 45 minutes to Stockholm, for example. So, there's a lot to do. And it is really easy to make friends here.

What's your favourite place on campus?
– For studying, I love the library at the Nordic Africa Institute, which is in the same building as the Centre. But I also like to go to the Karin Boye Library at the English Park campus, which is a 5-minute walk away. When I hang out with friends, we might go to one of the many cafés in town, or hang out at somebody's place for a wine evening or something.

Name three things that you are doing this week.
– I am doing a lot of studying. I'm currently working on my thesis so I'm quite busy with that. I will hopefully go to RFSL fika, and I will do my groceries.

Spring 2025