MSc in Volcanology and Geological Hazards, Lancaster University
During my undergraduate geography degree, especially during my second year, I realised that I love the academic environment and that studying at university just feels like home. The academic environment challenged me and my skills every day. I completed a Geohazards module during my 2nd year, which made me fall in love with volcanoes, earthquakes and other geohazards. This led me to the realisation that I want to become a researcher and a lecturer in geohazards.
My undergraduate degree didn’t have many modules that included geohazards, so I thought that a Master’s degree in that area would help me gain more knowledge, experience and skills, which in turn would put me in an excellent position for further studies, especially a PhD. My undergraduate degree was very broad and covered quite a lot of different topics within social and physical geography, so I wanted to pick a topic that I was passionate about and specialise in it to widen my career prospects. A Master’s degree seemed a perfect way to do that. I was most passionate about volcanoes, so I looked for a taught Master’s that would teach me about volcanoes and other geological hazards, while enhancing my academic skills before going into PhD research.
After months of researching degrees, I chose to go to Lancaster University to do an MSc in Volcanology and Geological Hazards. Firstly, because it had content and modules that I wanted to study. Secondly, because during a postgraduate open day there, I felt welcomed by the course director and other lecturers, and the whole department had a very friendly community atmosphere. Straight away, both the Master’s course and the University felt like the right place for me to study.
I loved that there were so many optional modules, which allowed me to pick and choose to study what interested me. It also made this Master’s very personal and tailored to my passions, interests and needs. I loved that I had a chance to create my own dissertation topic and write it on something that I am really passionate about. My Master’s dissertation involved mapping potential volcanic hazards in Tenerife, Canary Islands, using GIS and remote sensing. I produced a series of comprehensive volcanic multi-hazard maps that were tailored to different audiences, to help inform volcanic hazard mitigation and planning, and to educate locals and tourists on existing and future volcanic hazards on the island. I loved that I had a chance to bring all of my interests together into one successful research project. I enjoyed the fact that my Master’s not only taught me more about geohazards but also taught me new softwares and skills, which will help me immensely in future research. It also challenged me every day and taught me more transferable skills, such as how to make decisions, problem-solving, project management, resilience and perseverance.
If you are considering a Master’s, I would recommend taking some time to think about which parts of your current undergraduate degree you like and dislike, as well as which topics you would potentially like to study further, and which ones bring you the most joy or you are passionate about. If something completely different interests you that is alright too! The Master’s that you choose to do doesn’t have to be directly linked to your undergraduate degree. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your tutor and lecturers for help, whilst searching and applying for a Master’s. Once you chose a potential Master’s you want to study, go and visit those universities on postgraduate open days, as it will give you the bigger picture and more information about the course itself, university, support network and funding.