Julia Gay has recently graduated in MA Migration and Intercultural Studies from the Department of Languages and Cultures.
Choosing Reading
Julia explains why she chose this postgraduate programme over others she considered elsewhere:
‘The interdisciplinary nature of this MA is initially what captured my attention, and the linguistic element of the course peaked my interest, as it was an approach that I had not previously considered or encountered when looking at other migration studies degrees.’
It was not only the MA that attracted Julia to Reading, but also the setting and facilities:
‘I was drawn to Reading because of the course, but since moving here, I am grateful that I chose a university with a green campus, great sport opportunities, and an awareness of the environment and improving sustainability.’
Diverse range of topics
The MA is a truly interdisciplinary programme with tuition from expert staff across the University. The wide-ranging topics offer students a firm understanding of social, cultural, and linguistic issues surrounding migration plus the opportunity to develop their language skills.
Here Julia tells prospective students more about the course:
‘The Introduction to Migration Studies module is my favourite; Federico Faloppa and the guest lecturers we have had the opportunity to engage with are so knowledgeable, passionate, and interesting. This module has provided a solid base knowledge in migration from which we are encouraged to build upon through assignments and research. The in-class discussions challenge assumptions we may have had about migration and assist us in having a more critical academic approach.’
Enjoying study and life at Reading
The University prioritises delivering a sense of community for its students and staff and has recently invested significantly in the modernisation of the main library and other facilities.
‘The standard of teaching I have experienced is exceptional, the lecturers are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that students have a good understanding of what is discussed in class and offer extra support if necessary.
The library is another positive feature of Reading, the staff are very helpful and there is access to so many resources.’
Preparing for the future
Julia is currently working as a Supported Housing Officer at Launchpad, in Reading:
'I work with clients who have experienced homelessness in Reading and support them to find independent housing whilst building skills to live independently. The work we do isn’t simply housing based, we support clients to gain support with their mental and physical health, substance use, and the ability to manage money.'
Julia chose the MA because she felt that its wide-ranging studies plus development of linguistic abilities would provide her with a variety of career options. Before graduating she said:
‘This MA has opened my eyes to new career paths that I wouldn’t have considered previously.
My experience at Reading has outweighed all of my expectations, I was hesitant about postgraduate study after the completion of my undergraduate degree and took a year out of education, but I am so glad that I am at Reading studying a course that I love.’
Find out more about the Department of Languages and Cultures