Studying at the CWS
We've gathered together some students' experiences so that you can get a feel for what it's really like to study here at York. The selection of testimonies come from students from different interdisciplinary backgrounds and stages of life.
'Studying at the Centre for Women’s Studies at the University of York was an incredibly transformative experience. The program offered a powerful combination of rigorous academic engagement and critical reflection, prompting me to continuously challenge my existing beliefs. What makes the Centre unique is its supportive academic community. The staff are very accessible and ensure that students receive the assistance they need on their educational journey, while genuinely valuing diverse perspectives. The teaching is intellectually stimulating and grounded in care, reflexivity, and social justice.
One aspect that stood out to me the most was the personal supervision provided by the Centre. I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, such as housing and post-study options, with my supervisor, which I found to be insightful and helpful. Finally, there is a healthy balance between academic work and social activities, as we had chances to refresh ourselves during the induction and end-of-term social events.'
Blessing (MA student)
'After having been a student in the U.S. and Europe, I was curious what the U.K. Masters experience would be like—in particular, I was apprehensive about the purportedly large amount of independent study. But I shouldn’t have worried, because I really enjoyed my experience at CWS and the University of York (including the balance of class and self-study. We covered a lot of ground!). It’s been a huge pleasure being part of the CWS community, which is big enough that there is always someone new to meet, but intimate enough that you never feel like a number. Entering into a group of feminists is a treat in any case, especially such an international one, as you get to learn about everyone’s individual journey into feminism. For us GEMMA students, there was the risk of feeling somewhat alienated from the MA students in the second semester, but luckily that never happened. Teaching and supervision was proactive and caring, with lots of useful feedback on assignments. Beyond CWS, the campus is extremely tranquil and beautiful, with tons of resources and an active calendar of both academic and recreational activities. Would recommend :)'
Kelly (MA student)
'I enrolled in the Master of Women’s Studies as a mature international student, curious about the
possibility of a new experience but also scared by a decision that took me away, at 34 for the first time,
from my native country and language and that led me to leave, after several years, also my job as a
teacher. At CWS I understood how the non-linearity of a path can be decisive in re-orienting not only
one’s desires but also the vision one has of oneself (and of the system). Here I found a new feminist me
and new perspectives, as well as new friends and...many new books to fatten my library and my dream to
change the world.'Roberta (MA student)
'Having the opportunity to study at CWS has been, for me, the fulfillment of a dream.
Crossing an ocean to study in a country I had never set foot in was frightening. But from the very first day, I felt held in a safe space — one that not only supported me but also challenged me to expand how I experience the world.It has been a space that, day by day, brings me back to the question of how to live a feminist life — a space that exceeds the boundaries of the classroom and invites me to ask how to inhabit this world: a world that wounds, but that also offers us the possibility to transform it, and to see — even dance — its beauty along the way.'
Daniela (MA student)
"My experience at the Centre for Women’s Studies at the University of York has been truly meaningful, both personally and academically. Within the CWS community, I found a space where feminism is lived in many different ways, each person speaks from their own context, story, and truth. This diversity creates a rich and supportive environment, where we can all grow by learning from each other.
The Master’s programme brings together feminist theory and real-life experiences, looking at issues from different parts of the world. This has helped me understand how important it is to listen to different voices and to think about how each context shapes the way we respond to challenges. It has opened my mind and helped me see things from many angles.
Living in York has made the experience even more special. It’s a small and peaceful city, full of nature and history. As an international student, I’ve felt welcomed and safe here, and I’ve enjoyed how easy it is to get around by bike.
This has been a truly transformative time in my life: an experience that has shaped how I think, feel, and connect with others. I feel lucky to be able to share it."
Silvana (MA student)
'The Centre for Women’s Studies has created a place of safety, harmony and community on the Uni of York campus. Me and my friends from the department would come to community lunches and talk about how we are in our favourite bubble; one of compassion, solidarity, and innovation. Your experiences are valued in CWS, and everyone is listened to and encouraged to partake in discussion. The teaching has many elements of mutual learning, which means that we always feel like what we say matters and helps to create a more inclusive space for others as well as ourselves. CWS organises events across departments and student bodies, and engages in conversations that aren’t accessible in other places on campus. I have yet to find any other place or department on campus that is as responsive to its students’ individualities and also manages to maintain a community, and in times where we face a devaluation of our coherence and power as a society, this is completely indispensable. .'
Maya (MA student)