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Rebecca
Last changed: 18 October 2024
Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife – Master’s Programme
Country: Germany
Why did I choose SLU?
- During my bachelor’s practical semester in Switzerland, I accompanied a wildlife warden and was involved in gathering game population statistics for the canton where I worked. That’s when I decided to study wildlife management. The next question was: where do I want to study it? I started by narrowing down my options, first by choosing a country, which led me to Sweden. I had been there for holidays and enjoyed the landscape. Additionally, Scandinavian countries have a great reputation in Germany for their educational systems. So, how did I end up in Umeå with SLU? That was an easy decision because SLU has the wildlife management master's programme and a great international reputation, particularly in the forest sector, which my academic background is in – it was the perfect fit! Another bonus: I’m a winter person, and northern Sweden promised great winter adventures. On top of that, a former Erasmus student and colleague recommended the programme to me. SLU was my top choice when applying for my master’s, and I’m so glad it worked out!
How is the lecturer-student relationship in my programme at SLU?
- At first, I was surprised by how lecturers interacted with us students, but now I couldn’t imagine it being any different. What do I mean? The lecturer-student relationship isn’t like what I knew from Germany, where there was a strong top-down hierarchy. One of our first lecturers put it well: “We (the lecturers) don’t only see you (students) as students - but as future colleagues.” In practice, this means you call your lecturers by their first names, just as they do with you. Sometimes they even join you at the student table in the cafeteria, and you chat about what you did over the holidays – just like colleagues. I feel that our questions and efforts are genuinely valued at SLU, and most of the lecturers, researchers, and professors take the time to support you as much as they can. This might also be due to the student-to-researcher ratio in Umeå. There are fewer students than at some larger universities, which means more time for each individual, and I really appreciate that!
What do I like about my programme and SLU's examination style?
- Examinations - usually not something to look forward to, but here at SLU, it’s different, at least for me. Of course, it can be stressful, and I’ve had my challenges, but I really enjoy the style of most of my exams, which have mainly been assignments. These assignments are designed so that you’re not just memorizing facts to “spit out” on paper. Instead, you apply your knowledge and work with the diverse perspectives of your groupmates. Sometimes you can even choose the specific topic of your assignment, which allows you to tailor your learning to your individual career goals. That’s a huge motivation boost!
Choosing your own path?
- I’m in my third year of a two-year master’s programme, because this is my path, and SLU is open to it. Instead of starting my thesis after the mandatory courses, I was allowed to take some courses from the forestry sector, which aligns with my background. In these courses, I learned about Europe’s Indigenous Peoples and even had the chance to interview a former Minister of the Environment. Afterward, I decided to pursue a 60-credit thesis and finish my studies with an Erasmus semester at one of SLU’s many partner universities. This path wouldn’t have been possible at universities in my home country, but here, I’ve been able to carve out my own way. Where is your path taking you?
Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife – Master’s Programme