Rory Wade
Can you tell us a little bit about the programme in your own words?
The programme is theoretically oriented – though lectures have been split in both empirical-based learning and theoretical/research-based considerations – meaning there is a great diversity and variety in what we learn. The study environment has been great as it’s typically been classes of six of us – meaning the opportunity to discuss and enquire during class is much easier to do. The fellow students are all driven and academic-minded people – meaning finally I am having stimulating discussions with students who actually care about the course and what we are learning. This pushes me further to study and understand what I’m learning – more than I did in my Undergraduate. The lecturers are responsive and take any questions we have seriously – I feel respected and of interest to them.
How has the Jameel Scholarship helped you to fund your studies?
The Jameel Scholarship has enhanced my studies an incredible amount. I found the application process to be a rewarding and enjoyable challenge as it made me reflect over all my years of education and volunteering in terms of what I have learnt, gained and stood for. The funding has supported my studies greatly given that in my Undergraduate days I felt held back from investing in books/conferences/resources due to costs. Now I know I can truly explore avenues of learning that I couldn’t before – it should greatly help with the depth and substance of my dissertation. Furthermore I am able to enjoy being a student without having the often distracting or distressing concern about my financial situation like I experienced in my Undergraduate days.
What were your motivations for undertaking a postgraduate degree?
My motivation for undertaking a postgraduate degree began when my Arabic tutor (who had also taught me since first year) told me about the Jameel scholarship and encouraged me to go for it. I was hesitant at first (as I usually am with big decisions), but after reading into it and considering what my best possible way to spend ‘next year’ was, I concluded that doing a postgraduate degree was the best option. I felt that the course in particular would benefit me hugely in challenging my own beliefs or perceptions, exposing me to a diverse community and putting me more in touch with a career ambition of bridging communities and society together. I had felt passionate and interested about the area of study (Islam in the UK) since 2013 – and felt that this was the perfect degree for me to eventually study after so many years of independent research into the topic.
Why did you decide to do your postgraduate degree at Cardiff?
Cardiff has a special place in my heart given that while my mum studied her doctorate here in Psychology – I was a baby at the University nursery/crèche on Park Place! I then grew up in this city and was first inspired to study at Cardiff on a Religious Studies showcasing day at City Hall whilst I was a Sixth Form student. I then had a truly life-changing and self-developing three years for my Undergrad – the best three years of my life as cheesy as that sounds! During my final year, I really felt it wasn’t the time to leave yet – I had such a good community of friends here, a ton of extra-curricular activities and a great support of tutors in my studies. So I barely gave a second thought to choosing Cardiff as my location for the MA.
What are your main highlights so far from studying in Cardiff?
My two main highlights from studying in Cardiff has been the social side and the societies I have joined. I didn’t have the best experience in high school and Uni made up for that with the huge amount of great friends I met. What was better was how Cardiff’s accommodation halls and general student accommodation are so close to each other as is the city centre – so meeting up with friends to do fun activities was so easy. I feel that that is a privilege that you can’t often get at other cities. In terms of societies, I have found that I have developed a huge amount from the experiences of being in and running societies. I was involved in a leadership development society called AIESEC that had me travelling to countries for international conferences and having the courage to speak in front of hundreds of people to get them to volunteer abroad – something I’d never have imagined doing before University.
What do you think of Cardiff as a place to live as a postgraduate?
There is something for everyone in Cardiff in terms of activities and nightlife, and yet it is not overwhelming – it’s like there is just about as much as you need in this city. It’s an easy walk to the city centre from the University and you can live for such a great price so close to the centre also – something I find rare in other UK cities.
How do you think your postgraduate course will contribute to your future career plans?
In terms of my course, I believe its hands-on and experience-based learning methods have really developed skills in myself that some research-only based courses wouldn’t provide. In my course, you can take the lead by leading discussions in our monthly reading group, or by asking questions to the authors of books you’ve read in our Spring Seminar series. It really is a postgraduate course like no other. I have been able to chat with the Sec General of the Muslim Council of Britain and had the option to have dinner with various scholars.
Has studying for a postgraduate degree at Cardiff University lived up to your expectations?
I didn’t give myself many expectations of the postgrad degree – I wanted to surprise myself and take things as they came. But my expectations for how motivated I would be have been exceeded – I haven’t actively found readings so interesting or shared so much in class before.
What have been your biggest achievements as a postgraduate student at Cardiff University?
My biggest achievement as a postgraduate student so far has probably been to pull off my presentation for my dissertation plan after having such a hard time finding and deciding on a topic. I thrived working under the pressure and delivering the best possible speech I could. Afterwards, I almost wanted to do it again!
