When first looking at the University of York, what caught my eye in the Department of Sociology was the bold and beautiful Centre of Women’s Studies.
Before I applied, I was living in the U.S. and needed a big change. I was drawn to the idea of what life might look like in the Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS). Taking a chance, I applied. I crossed my fingers, made a wish and ended up flying across the world, where I am now actively living life in the Department of Sociology and the Centre for Women’s Studies. As a Women’s and Gender Studies student, the majority of my teaching is within CWS. However, I also get a large amount of support in my academic and personal life from the Department of Sociology.
What does life as a postgraduate in the Department of Sociology and the Centre for Women’s Studies look like? It looks like community, engaging modules, and extra support when you need it. I’m excited to share my experience with you throughout this blog!
Community
The best part of life in the Department of Sociology and the Centre for Women’s Studies is the community. I was nervous to start my masters as an international student at the University of York. But from week zero of semester 1, the Department of Sociology and CWS created spaces to build connections with other students and staff in the department.
Studying somewhere new or even just moving into postgraduate education can be a big adjustment. At least it was for me. But because there were welcome back socials put on by the Department of Sociology, and weekly department lunches and get-togethers held by the Centre for Women’s Studies, I was able to start the process of making friendships and building my community more easily.
I ‘ve been at the University of York for just a semester now, and every single day, I feel lucky that I already feel a strong sense of community. I truly feel like it’s rare to have a community so strong, but the Department of Sociology has created something extremely special.
Engaging Modules
The Department of Sociology has some amazing modules on offer. This makes life as an MA student extremely fulfilling as well as academically and personally engaging.
The modules I’ve taken or am currently enrolled in and thoroughly enjoy are:
- Women, Gender and Feminism: Key Issues
- Feminist Research Methodologies
- Ways of (Feminist) Knowing
- My CWS Dissertation module
These modules are all taught by the amazing Centre for Women’s Studies and are open to other Department of Sociology students too. These specific modules have been seminar-based. This has created spaces for engaging conversations and close analytical discussion of the readings provided.
Some other Department of Sociology modules that sound extremely interesting and I can imagine would be worth taking include:
These are just a few in a full catalogue of engaging course material.
In my opinion, regardless of what modules are on your timetable, you’ll be in a supportive and encouraging space which will help you thrive academically.
Extra Support
The Department of Sociology is great at providing extra support throughout term time. This is through post-grad skills sessions, dissertation support and wellbeing support. There are also amazing supervisors who provide academic, professional, and personal support. Their support allows me and other students to thrive during the year.
The Department of Sociology and the Centre for Women’s Studies also provide spaces on Campus East that are perfect for studying, collaborating and spending time with the community. In the Law and Sociology Building there are many seating areas that are perfect for conversations before or after seminars. There are also plenty of study spaces for when you’re working individually.
The Centre for Women’s Studies has designated spaces like a feminist library, archive space and a kitchen specifically for CWS students. Having these spaces has been crucial in supporting me. Whether I’m finishing readings, assessments, or even if I just need a space to relax and spend time with my friends.
Life with Community, Engaging Modules, and Extra Support
My life in the Department of Sociology and the Centre for Women’s Studies has been consistently full of community, engaging modules, and extra support. This has been the case even from my first weeks at the University of York. I’m grateful for this, because it’s made me more confident in my ability to succeed and produce work I’m proud of. They always go the extra mile for students, which has helped make life at the University of York unforgettable.
Read more blogs from students in the Department of Sociology.
Leave a Reply