Ashish Dwivedi

My MPhil research at the College of Arts and Humanities focuses on animations, especially from Japan, and how these animations can offer fresh spaces for children's socialization. Before I came to Swansea, I completed my Masters in English Literature & Language from the University of Lucknow in India.

I was attracted to come to Swansea University because of my supervisor, whose research interests (in science fiction and digital humanities) easily coincided with mine. He has been extremely supportive and patient in our meetings, whether they’re in person or over Zoom.

The international community here at Swansea University is massive. And the University leaves no stone unturned in making sure that international students here are having the best time possible. It makes a huge effort to celebrate its multicultural community.

I’m a person of mixed tastes, so Swansea, as a location, is paradise for me. It’s neither too urban nor too rural – it gives me exactly the sense of peace and fun that I want. I fell in love with the city at once. It has a cultural flavour to it, you have Mumbles and the Gower, the story of Swansea Jack… and I didn’t know the University was that close to the beach!

One of the first things I also noticed about the University was the number of social and academic societies it has – there are over 100. I ended up becoming an active member of the Shoreline Theatre Society. We perform plays written by our own members or classic plays, such as Hamlet. It has been a great way to meet new people, as all the theatre enthusiasts come together on one stage!

The postgraduate research community here often organises coffee socials to discuss your research with other co-researchers, or even to just have a quick, intellectual chat. The community is filled with amazing scholars, from a range of disciplines, who have their own powerful voices and perspectives.

I have participated in almost all of the postgraduate research training available here, which I found inspiring. Swansea University’s training and support is both focused on improving your research skills and employability.

Among my favourite moments here was when I was elected as Student Ambassador, and then PGR Subject Representative. These roles helped me to better understand how the University works, and enabled me to become the voice of the student body.

I was also able to explore my professional interests in the College of Arts & Humanities at Swansea University. I volunteered at the Being Human Festival, organised by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council & British Academy, which led to me applying for a paid SPIN-internship with the Cultural Institute, working on the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize.

I would love to come back to this University to work in the future!