The Badger’s own, Ajman Adil Nakib, sat down with Master’s student, Albert Davies-Smith, in the first of his written series exploring the lives of Master’s students at Sussex.
Which course are you currently studying?
I’m currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Migration and Refugee Studies.
How has your academic experience been so far in your course and in the School of Global Studies?
My experience has been excellent. The professors and lecturers clearly know what they are talking about. They have vast knowledge about different pressing issues of the world and their teaching is very interdisciplinary. You get to learn different ideas and concepts from professors from different schools, different traditions from students from different parts of the world. The school and the whole university itself is very international and it definitely opens up opportunities for networking with people from different backgrounds.
Do you think Sussex is unique in its international aspect?
Maybe not unique, but there’s a distinctive international aspect in Sussex, especially regarding how welcoming Sussex is to students from different backgrounds and experiences. It is a joy to just be a part of people from different countries and cultures. Most of the professors, students and staff members I had the opportunity to connect also happen to be very progressive.
Among all the other universities you could choose to do your MA in, why did you choose the University of Sussex?
Firstly, there are not many universities that offer the program I am pursuing right now, which is Migration and Refugee Studies. It’s a relatively new academic sphere if you think of specialising in this arena. As I mentioned, Sussex is known for being quite a progressive space. The university itself is very international and forward thinking. It also has a very good reputation both nationally and internationally. It’s not like there weren’t many interesting options. But Sussex felt like the best fit for me. Alongside all these academic aspects, it also has a nice campus and Brighton itself is a very vibrant, welcoming, happening and diverse city.
How did the School of Global Studies shape your experience in Sussex?
The School of Global Studies has its own unique elements that make the students feel at home. Here, you have colleagues and classmates who study diverse disciplines, like development, anthropology, international relations and the list goes on. Many of them joined the masters program immediately after their bachelors. But many others came here with work experiences that involve shaping different global issues that are affecting people everyday. The work that they did before coming here, and the work that they’ll do after graduating, I wholeheartedly believe that they do it from their heart. Being able to share the same space with them is an experience itself.
How supported did you feel by the university administration?
I would say, from my experience, the university administration has been quite positive and welcoming. If you’re struggling, even the professors help you out by guiding you to the relevant authority. But personally, I haven’t faced any issues so far. But I know that if I need extra support, I can go to the professors and they’ll help me sort it out.
Is there any arena where the university and the school can do better?
Both the university and the school can always be more interdisciplinary. Maybe we can have more optional courses of different disciplines to choose from. Also, I believe, being able to communicate and connect with the communities we learn about in our classes will give us new perspectives about what we study outside of our academic spheres. In my case, maybe having conversation with a migrant or refugee who were forced to flee their own country will add new perspectives in my way of thinking.
In the time you spent in Sussex, is there anyone who inspired you the most?
Every single one of my classmates inspired me a lot to be honest. They were involved with important work in different parts of the world. From El Salvador to Turkey, Syria and many other countries where people faced forced displacement, they contributed to different capacities. Seeing my peers supporting migrants and refugees to have a fair chance in the world and to get access to basic human rights inspires me everyday.
Another article you might enjoy: https://thebadgeronline.com/2024/10/underconsumption-core-use-less-live-more/