Megan Richards

Can you tell us a little bit about the programme in your own words?

My course is both vocationally and theoretically oriented. What I love most about this programme, is that the skills we are learning go beyond the classroom. We are being trained to collect and create qualitative data, and construct ethnographic research, and we are equipped with the tools to go and carry out our own research, and our own projects that are important to us. Research-based teaching has bolstered my confidence and I am really excited to get out into the field and start my own work, which will take a qualitative approach in considering the relationship between sport and Islam for Muslim girls in Wales. We are very fortunate at the Centre that we have regular contact and support from academics outside the field who have come to our public seminar series, as it is an acclaimed institution. Our lectures and seminars are very collaborative with contributions, discussions and debates between students and lecturers, we have great relationships with one another and it makes the whole process.

How has the Jameel Scholarship helped you to fund your studies?

The Jameel Scholarship has given me so many incredible opportunities and I am so grateful and proud to be presented with such a prestigious award. I first found out about the scholarship when my dissertation supervisor Mansur Ali encouraged me to apply when I was writing my undergraduate dissertation on feminism and Islam. Although I would regard myself as a generally confident individual, without the support and encouragement from Mansur I don’t think I would have believed I was capable of the scholarship. The support from staff throughout the whole process has been incredible. The application process was really straight forward, although it did definitely prepare me for the content of the programme. I knew the area that I was passionate about, and so writing a proposal about this was enjoyable. At the interview I was also put at ease, the staff made me feel so comfortable and I knew they wanted to get the best out of me. When I found out I was awarded the scholarship I was ecstatic, and it has really pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and be more confident in my abilities.

What were your motivations for undertaking a postgraduate degree?

I knew that furthering my study would open up so many opportunities for me. I know the skills I am gaining from my masters can be applied to so many different careers, the opportunities are endless. I feel really supported by staff to explore different career routes and paths.

Why did you decide to do your postgraduate degree at Cardiff?

Having completed my undergraduate degree here I knew the quality of staff and the facilities here. Research-led teaching and the range of different opportunities and placements really appealed to me.

What are your main highlights so far from studying in Cardiff?

There have been so many highlights, being awarded the Jameel scholarship after being so encouraged by my tutors was definitely a highlight, but the experience as a whole has been thoroughly enriching. I have tried my best to make the most of the opportunities here at the university, throwing myself into everything I can. I’ve been working with the Islam-UK centre on the new online course for the general public, that has been really great. I hadn’t had much experience in filming and talking on camera, and it gave me the chance to really improve my public speaking and communication skills, which I know will be of huge benefit for my future career. Attending academic and public conferences and networking with academics and public leaders has been inspiring and so rewarding, I have made some great connections here. In terms of social life, there is so much going on here and plenty of support for all students. I have played netball and continue to do so, my lecturers really support this and are always keen to hear how I get on on a Wednesday afternoon. Lecturers genuinely care about our well being and progress, I feel really valued, and always want to do my best to make the staff here proud.

What do you think of Cardiff as a place to live as a postgraduate?

Living in a capital city is just fantastic. There is always so much going on, and so many great opportunities to network, gain work experience, or attend interesting events, and the university definitely encourages this. I’ve worked for a local MP and built some great connections in the Welsh government, coming from a small rural town in south-west Wales, the close proximity to the Senedd is just one example of how living in a capital city can bolster work opportunities and open up so many doors.

Has studying for a postgraduate degree at Cardiff University lived up to your expectations?

I would say that a postgraduate degree has gone further than my expectations. I knew that further study would be challenging, but the support from staff is second to none, and I feel so much more confident and independent in my own work. Being given the freedom to lead my own research project on matters that are important to me is fantastic, and I can see myself developing more as an independent researcher each week. The only way I think the experience could be improved, is ensuring sport facilities such as clubs and societies are advertised more to PG students. As I spent 3 years previously in Cardiff University I was aware of various societies and clubs, but I don’t think all PG students are aware, as much of the advertising material is aimed at freshers.