What Minja says about the Master's in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation

Minja from Finland

What is your educational background?

"I have a BA in International Relations and International Organisation (University of Groningen)."

Why did you choose Lund University?

"I chose Lund University because of the DRMCCA Master’s. I was keen to study climate change adaptation but in an applied way and in an interdisciplinary setting. The programme seemed to fit exactly what I was looking for since it combines applied and theoretical knowledge and brings together students from different backgrounds. I did not know too much about Lund University from beforehand, but I found the application process and the information available transparent and easy to navigate – which made me more confident about selecting this education."

Has the programme met your expectations so far? Motivate your answer.

"I have really enjoyed the programme – I have built skills that help me navigate between different disciplines and I feel more confident now that the right path for me is to learn how to design and implement DRMCCA projects. Perhaps more importantly, I have found a passion in exploring a specific sub-field, Nature-based Solutions, and the programme has given me the space to start developing expertise in this realm.

Coming from a Dutch university, I expected that LU would have a slightly different pedagogical approach to teaching – a less competitive atmosphere, less focus on grading and more student-led and discussion-based approaches. These expectations have been met as there has been a lot of room to discuss and take responsibility for one’s own learning. There is a lot of pass/fail subjects, which means that the motivation for learning comes from a sincere interest in the subject area rather than focusing on grades. The exams are few, and we are mostly evaluated by group projects and individual course papers. The atmosphere is supportive and we are very free to focus on topics that are of explicit interest to us.

It is good to know, however, that the programme assumes climate change as a ‘threat multiplier – in other words, we do not focus on climate change as a disaster of its own right, but instead, it is discussed through the framework of disasters in general. Unlike I expected, from the programme side, there is no direct focus on climate science. However, looking back, I am grateful for having been provided with this more holistic perspective into risks and disaster response, as it feels like something that is more easily applicable to a variety of settings – not only climate-induced disasters."

What has surprised you?

"What surprised me the most was the extent of interaction between our department and the students, as well as the amount of support we receive both in study-and career-related matters. I believe this has made us feel valued as students, and our feedbacks and criticisms are taken seriously by the coordinators of the programme."

What do you do in your spare time?

"I am currently working for a Dutch NGO whose aim is to empower people to take climate action. I interned with the organisation in the fall of 2021 as part of the elective ‘DRMCCA in Practice’ and have continued to work for them as a part-time research consultant. Further, I am a writer for a Finnish foreign affairs publication, reporting on political developments in the Caribbean region. Apart from this, I relax by running and doing other sports, cooking dinners with friends, reading, and of course, exploring Lund and Malmö!"

Any other thoughts you have, that you think could be interesting to people applying for this programme?

"I have been so humbled by the motivation, passion and empathy that the people studying and teaching DRMCCA share. There is a strong support network of alumni, who are happy to discuss their experiences with us. Their support has been very helpful in the past two years when I have tried to understand and navigate the field.

Another really cool aspect of the programme is the classroom. We are all different, and many of us have practical experience prior to starting the programme. Sharing these experiences has been a big part of my learning process and inspiration. I am currently writing my Master’s thesis with another student from the programme, and the fact that we have different backgrounds is leading us to explore topics we might have otherwise overlooked."