Is this programme right for you?

I've been able to make lasting connections with fellow students who have inspired me and challenged me to become a better designer than I ever imagined.

How did you choose your programme?
– I was looking for a programme that hit the intersection of my personal passion—designing analogue role-playing games—with my professional role, designing transformative cultural experiences at scale in the corporate environment. This programme's rigour and emphasis on educational theory are a great match for my unique path.

What is it like to study in a distance programme?
– It can be rough! The time zones can make collaborations a challenge, but the experience of meeting and learning from a diverse, global cohort more than makes up for it.

What is the best thing about your studies so far?
– I've been able to make lasting connections with fellow students who have inspired me and challenged me to become a better designer than I ever imagined. One fellow student from my cohort designed a recreational game that I wound up adapting to the corporate environment. It has had a transformative impact on the teams who have tried it. Additionally, the instructors, especially Sarah Lynne Bowman, are world-class and surprisingly accessible.

Have you found anything difficult or surprising when starting your studies at Uppsala University?
– This programme is a serious academic endeavour that requires a significant commitment of time and energy. I was surprised at how the material and discourse pushed my thinking and abilities.

Name three things you are doing this week!
– Submitting a new game design to the Golden Cobra Challenge, presenting a role-playing game for a team to run at an upcoming offsite, and running a D&D game for a queer and women+ gaming group.

What is your reason for studying, or your ultimate goal?
– I want to facilitate and design experiences that help people realise new possibilities for themselves. I want to help people grow and change in ways that matter to them. That goes for my professional pursuits and my personal game designs.

What is your best tip for distance learning?
– Use tools like Discord to create an asynchronous community learning and connection space. When doing collaborative work, never underestimate the power of collaborating on a great team name!

Autumn 2024