The master’s programme paved way for a PhD in Italy
While studying for his Master’s degree in sociology, Anders Svensson realised he wanted to pursue a PhD. He is now studying for his PhD in Italy, where he is researching how strategies are formed within social movements.
Anders Svensson studied sociology, the history of ideas and science, and psychology at undergraduate level, among other subjects, before deciding to apply for the Master’s programme in Sociology at the University of Gothenburg.
During his studies on the Master’s programme, his interest in sociology deepened, and he gradually came to the conclusion that he wanted to continue on to a PhD.
During the course, I developed greater confidence in working independently and analytically, which made a PhD programme start to feel like the right fit for me
– During the course, I developed greater confidence in working independently and analytically, which made a PhD programme start to feel like the right fit for me, he says.
A flexible role that requires discipline
He eventually secured a place as a PhD student at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Florence, Italy. He has also been able to complete part of his doctoral studies at the University of Gothenburg, where he spent some time as a visiting PhD student.
The research forming the basis of his doctoral thesis focuses on the Swedish and British climate movements.
– More specifically, I’m looking at how different groups of activists think about strategy, how strategies emerge, and what influences the decisions that are made.
Anders Svensson believes the best thing about doing a PhD is the freedom and flexibility, but that the freedom also has its downsides.
– You get the opportunity to work full-time on a subject of your own choosing and you have a great deal of freedom in how you organise your work. At the same time, this is also one of the biggest challenges, as it requires a great deal of self-discipline and responsibility to drive the work forward, he says.
When asked who should study sociology, Anders Svensson replies that it is suitable for anyone interested in social issues.
Sociology is for those who want to understand patterns that go beyond the experiences of individual people, but also for those who want to try to understand how social structures arise and how they can change
– Sociology is for those who want to understand patterns that go beyond the experiences of individual people, but also for those who want to try to understand how social structures arise and how they can change, he says.
