Global challenges require more than one perspective
“Interdisciplinary thinking is often messy, complex, and even contradictory. Nevertheless, it is also an incredibly rewarding, enriching, and enjoyable experience,” says Bella Nathania, a student on the Master’s Program in Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. She particularly values the program’s focus on research methods and how lecturers encourage creative and critical thinking.
Why did you choose the Master’s Program in Global Studies?
"I was looking for a program that offers an interdisciplinary perspective and also a strong research method course. This program offers what I looked for. Coming from a law background, I have come to realize that many societal challenges cannot be fully understood through legal texts alone. Issues such as corruption, inequality and institutional disconnection often shape how laws are created and implemented, sometimes preventing them from realizing equality. These problems require broader understanding of political, economic, social, and environmental factors that influence them. Therefore, I am interested in learning how to address global contemporary problems through interdisciplinary thinking by drawing on disciplines such as international relations, political economy, and environmental social science. At the same time, I also value the program’s strong emphasize on research methods, as it will equip me to think systematically and develop evidence-based solutions to complex global issues."
What have you enjoyed most about the program so far?
"I enjoy the freedom and encouragement provided by the lecturers to think creatively by combining different theoretical frameworks from various disciplines and applying various research methods to address global contemporary problems, while also maintaining a systematic approach to analysis. I think balancing these two aspects is not always easy, as exploring different disciplinary perspectives requires us to question our assumptions and find ways to bring different approaches together. However, the program’s course design and lecturers are exceptionally well-equipped to guide students through these complexities. They create an environment that encourages intellectual exploration while ensuring rigorous and systematic thinking at the core of the learning process. This combination makes the program particularly enjoyable for me."
What are some of the most interesting things you’ve learned?
"I have learned many interesting things throughout the year, but if I had to choose one, I would say research methods. I have always felt that the most challenging part of conducting research is formulating a strong research question and deciding the right research method to apply. Learning about different methods and applying them directly through the research methods course has been an eye-opening experience for me. Furthermore, it has made me more aware of how reflexivity could influence both the research process and its outcomes."
What would you like to do after you graduate?
"I would like to continue my education by pursuing a PhD, as I enjoy conducting research. However, at some point I would also like to come back to my previous work as an environmental lawyer to assist impacted communities affected by environmental degradation."
What’s it like being a student at the University of Gothenburg?
"I really enjoy it. The lecturers are encouraging students to be creative and solution oriented while providing support throughout the learning process. I am still amazed by how most lecturers always give students a clear instruction on every assignment to ensure that students could successfully nail the assignment. I also like the Social Science Library in Vasagatan, it is a really cozy and beautiful place to study."
Do you have any advice for students considering this program?
"If you enjoy interdisciplinary thinking, this is the program for you. However, it is important to approach it with an open mind, as your previous discipline may influence the way you think. Through interdisciplinary thinking, you would be challenged to consider alternative perspectives that may help you better understand and address global contemporary problems. And throughout this process, do not be afraid to fail or make mistakes. Such experiences are inevitable, as interdisciplinary thinking is often messy, complex, and contradictory. Nevertheless, it is also an incredibly rewarding, enriching, and enjoyable experience."
Read about the program here: Master's Program in Global Studies