Mie Astrup Jensen was awarded her PhD in Gender & Sexuality Studies and Hebrew & Jewish Studies during the summer of 2024. She now works as a Senior Researcher at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).

I joined UCL in 2020 after I had completed an MA in Sociology and an MRes in Social Research at the University of Aberdeen. My ESRC-funded PhD was in Gender & Sexuality Studies and Hebrew & Jewish Studies (departments of SELCS-CMII and HJS), where I conducted a qualitative study with 40 queer Jewish women on their lived experiences and practices.

Why do social research?

I have for most of my life been interested in society, culture, lived experiences, and social behaviour. I am very fascinated by the relationships between the social and the personal – for example, how social norms influence how people view themselves. Social research seeks to understand the often complex and nuanced ways people live their lives.

During my undergraduate degree, I became interested in the intersection of religion, sexuality, and gender, which is an area that is under-researched. This intensified during my master’s degree, where I, among other things, interviewed progressive rabbis on making synagogues LGBTQ+ friendly. This laid the foundation to my PhD research.

Social research has the potential to influence lives in so many ways. This includes presenting under-examined lived experiences to difference audiences, working with communities, and engaging with policy changes.

How I got into my PhD programme

• Research proposal. Start your background reading, identify a literature gap, think about your research methods and the value of your topic. This document will not be perfect the first time – you will probably write many drafts and your supervisors will help you!
• Identify the university and departments. I created a list of universities that I was interested in. Then, I checked these universities’ departments and went through the staff list to read about the staff members’ specialities. This was especially important because my research topic was very niche.
• Contact the graduate tutors. I sent the graduate tutors of my two departments (SELCS-CMII and HJS) my CV and my draft research proposal. We discussed the programme, and they helped me identify and connect with my supervisors.
• Apply for the programme and funding. Finalise your research proposal and apply for the programme. Identify with your supervisors and programme directors funding that you are eligible for and submit your funding applications.

Helpful tips: be open to suggestions (your supervisors will be experts in your field) and start the process in good time.

Experiences of doing a PhD in the humanities and social sciences

A PhD is a very unique learning experience. It’s a large piece of work, which takes years to complete. It will most likely feel overwhelming at times. Your supervisors and colleagues will be there to support you.

A PhD in humanities and social sciences equips you with wonderful transferable skills that you can use in academia and beyond. Throughout my PhD, I had the chance to research something I am incredibly passionate about. I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conduct in-depth interviews in the field, and write up really valuable insights, which have already had an academic and communal impact – from presentations, academic and public-facing pieces of writing, to speaker events.

Find out more about applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL

Find out more about Mie Astrup Jensen (PhD) – Senior Researcher – National Centre for Social Research | LinkedIn

UCL Spanish & Latin American Studies BA second year student Molly Taylor shares her tips on managing your finances while at university. 

I’m Molly, a first-year Spanish & Latin American Studies student at UCL. The prospect of moving to a city renowned for being expensive can be scary. However, here are some ideas to help you manage your finances effectively so you can make the most of UCL and London. 

Picture this: you’ve just arrived in London, buzzing with excitement for your new academic adventure. Amidst the thrill, however, there’s the inevitable question of finances – tuition fees, accommodation costs, daily expenses, you name it. It can feel daunting, but fear not; with strategic planning, you’ll soon find that there are many ways to budget as a student. 

First things first, get a grip on your expenses. If you can, accessing a student loan is a great way to take the pressure off tuition fees. Other costs will probably include rent, travel, food, study materials, and, of course, social life. In my experience, taking the time to understand these expenses upfront has been key to crafting a budget that works for me. 

Budgeting is your new best friend. Assess your income and expenses, ensuring you allocate funds for essentials while leaving room for a bit of fun or an unexpected expense. Currently, I find that setting aside a specific portion of my income, after rent, for groceries and transport, keeps me on track without sacrificing the occasional treat or night out with friends. I’d recommend using a spreadsheet or budgeting app to keep things organised and simple. 

Meal planning and cooking at home can work wonders for your food budget. Also, using student discount platforms like UniDays and Student Beans can save you a lot when shopping. Top tip – get a Student Oyster photocard for discounted travel on public transport. In addition, exploring part-time job opportunities can provide you with extra income to support your studies and lifestyle. Last year, I found that working just a few shifts a week helped alleviate some of the financial pressures of university life. 

Living and learning in London may throw some financial hurdles your way, but it’s also a chance for personal growth and adventure. Embrace the experience, and remember, there’s a whole network of resources here to back you up. UCL offers financial support for students who need it, so make sure to reach out for assistance if you are struggling. 

Understanding university finances isn’t just about crunching numbers – it’s about taking charge of your financial journey and making informed decisions along the way. By cultivating good habits and reaching out for help when needed, you’ll thrive both academically and personally during your time at UCL.