What Diana says about the Master's in Media and Communication Studies

Introducing Diana 

Hi! My name is Diana and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Media and Communication Studies. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits.  

About the programme and the teaching style 

Why did you choose Lund University? 

"First, I shortlisted several universities that have the programmatic direction I was looking for. Like other students applying to Swedish universities, I had the chance to select 4 Master's programmes while applying (Editors note: one Master's programme, with the option of adding up to three back-up programmes). However, I ended up only applying to Lund’s Media and Communications Studies programme. I knew it would decrease my chances of getting admitted, but I decided to go for the one option I was really interested in. I wasn’t mistaken."

What is the best thing about your programme? 

"The programme itself fosters critical thinking and helps to look at things and theories from different perspectives and argue them. There’s room for active discussions during the classes and group work. It’s fun!" 

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden? 

"In comparison with the teaching style of my home country, the Swedish style is chill and relaxed! You take your time and space to organise your studies. Lectures are complemented with seminars, workshops, group work, presentations, and an individual assignment. During the lectures you follow through the presentation prepared by the professor, so you don’t have to write down each word, you just take your notes. Then as said, it seems you have a lot of free time, but you also must read, research at your pace, and brainstorm. It’s all about brainstorming both with your group and on your own!" 

How international is your programme? 

"Study-wise, my programme gives you freedom when it comes to the choice of the topic you or your group will work on. Should you be more interested in researching foreign media or media-related topics you are free to do so! 

As a bonus, you get a chance to study in a class filled with international peers with diverse backgrounds. It makes the learning environment brighter and inexplicably interesting!"

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies? 

"The communication and media-related field is so scalable! Universities, Student Unions, and Nations all need some support with that so one could always do some practical stuff by helping them. I personally helped with communications and event organisation with some of the student unions and still do. That’s the perks of being a comms person."

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund, spare time and tips for prospective students 

What is it like being an international student at Lund University? 

"When I was a student in my home country, I imagined that studying abroad meant partying all day, hanging out with a big group of friends and so on - very much like those movies we all watched as teenagers. However, as my first year here in Lund will come to an end in 3 months, I have learned to be comfortable with myself, alone, in my space and to be completely ok with that. It of course depends on your intentions, you can turn this journey into a Hollywood film too, but make sure you do what feels best for you!" 

What do you do in your spare time? 

"I particularly appreciate it when my spare time overlaps with sunny and warm weather. Then I never miss the chance to go out for a walk, sit in the park, meet some friends, go for hikes, explore new places and more. When it’s windy, rainy, or gloomy, I try to do some indoor activities, like baking, cooking, reading, binge watching. Lately, I got involved in various activities just to bond with the community. It helped a lot with winter blues."

What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund? 

"I would say people and new acquaintances have been the highlights of my first year in Lund. Whether they are teachers, mentors, classmates, ambassadors and most importantly people whom I left back home - they have been helping over this period and I really appreciate them. Here, I once again understood that places, degrees, and grades are not that important, it’s all about the people with whom you share your moments." 

Do you have any advice for students that are considering coming to Lund?  

"Make a research-based decision! Read, talk, consult, visit if you can, but make sure you are aware of your intentions. At the same time do not overthink, and if you made up your mind, get warm clothes and hit the road!" 

Have more questions for Diana? 

You can chat with her and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.