I felt that I already somewhat specialised in gender and sexuality within my sociology undergraduate degree, so really wanted to dig further into that niche for my postgraduate degree, as it is more specific to where I want my career path to go. I like that sociology set me up with the basics of the field and now my MRes allows me to take that interest and curiosity to the next level.

My research area looks at the identity formation of LGBTQ+ individuals, specifically lesbians, and how society’s heterosexual norms impact their processes of self-discovery.
I chose Birmingham because the staff in the department provide the perfect support for my project. My supervisory team is very helpful with conducting this research and their research interests align very closely with mine, meaning their experience and expertise comes massively in handy.

My career goal is to hopefully make a difference in UK policy making specifically related to gender and sexuality, for example through working in the research side of the Civil Service.
Birmingham is helping me reach this by providing me with research skills and a supportive environment for exploring critical social issues. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning ensures that I am well-prepared to contribute to policy development and make an impact.

The University of Birmingham stands out due to its academic excellence combined with its vibrant campus life. The stunning campus creates an inspiring environment for learning and the academic staff are incredibly supportive.