The course has enabled me to learn practical skills and think critically

What was the best or most useful thing about the MA Digital Media and Society course at the University of Sheffield?

The course has enabled me to learn practical skills and think critically. I've learned to use different tools for data scraping, data mining, data visualisations and to conduct research using qualitative and quantitative methods. I then analyse the results from a social and cultural perspective.

I am also enjoying the academic activities and resources provided by the Department. There is a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials and so on, and the teachers are very patient. If we have questions and we ask these by email, they will respond quickly and explain in detail. Overall, I appreciate what my course offers me.

Why did you decide to study at The University of Sheffield?

The course offered at Sheffield attracted me and I think it suits me well. The world is becoming increasingly digitised and I want to have a deeper understanding of digital media from a sociological perspective. 

When I was in China, I heard a lot about The University of Sheffield being one of the world-leading universities and one of the powerhouses of British education. The city of Sheffield is also one of the largest cities in the UK, with good opportunities and environment, so The University of Sheffield is absolutely a good choice.

What was your educational background before coming to Sheffield?

I studied communication at university in China and my major was English broadcasting, so because my major had deep connections with media, I wanted to expand my knowledge to a sociological perspective, so that I can better adapt to a wider range of jobs in the future.

How easy did you find it to settle into student life in Sheffield?

It's a wonderful experience studying at the University of Sheffield; my life is busy, rich and colourful. I think the University really cares for us. There are many services that can help with almost anything, such as buying bus tickets, repairing your computer or improving your CV.

There are also lots of activities at the University, for example, there are hundreds of student societies, and activities are available all week long. There are also lots of activities for international students to help us to better fit in. On Halloween, I was invited to carve pumpkins with other local and international students. It was really unforgettable. 

The facilities here are also great. The libraries are great. The online resources for our courses are also really rich.

Our University Careers Service also provide us with internship and part-time job opportunities. The internships are recommended by the Department, so I can learn a lot from the University.

What do you like most about the city of Sheffield?

The rich opportunities and beautiful environment. There are many companies in Sheffield, which can provide me with some part-time jobs or internships. Some even offer training and I am glad to have an opportunity to study outside of campus. The environment in Sheffield is great; There are many parks. Every weekend, I go to the park or go climbing with my friends and I enjoy the life here.

What are your plans for the future?

I am going back to China after the course ends. My plan is to find a job that is related to the media, so I can use the skills I have gained.

What advice would you give to other international students who may be thinking of studying this course?

Don't hesitate; join us! It will be an unforgettable experience to study at The University of Sheffield and you will learn a lot from the course. Do practice before you start the course, so that you can better keep up with the course.