A conversation with Janja

I realised it was the right time to pursue this programme when I first explored the course handbook.

I was particularly impressed by the structure of the curriculum, the diversity of modules, and the range of assessment methods used throughout the course. The interdisciplinary scope of the programme immediately stood out to me, and I felt that engaging with topics from multiple fields would not only strengthen my academic profile but also enhance my practical skills and employability.

Contrary to what I initially expected, I began the programme feeling confident and genuinely excited.

Having already become familiar with online learning during the COVID period, the transition felt quite natural to me. From the very beginning, I was introduced to my student advisors, who made sure I was fully prepared before the first module started and regularly checked in to see how I was progressing.

Their support was incredibly important, as it helped me feel part of a wider community. Studying from home can sometimes feel isolating, but their regular contact and encouragement made the experience much more connected and supportive.

The learning platform, KEATS, was also very well organised and easy to navigate. Each module was clearly structured, and most of the resources needed for the programme were readily available online, which gave me a great sense of reassurance and allowed me to focus fully on my studies.

During the first few weeks of the programme, I dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to my studies, as I felt that this initial period was crucial for finding the right pace and becoming familiar with the structure of the course.

I closely followed the programme's weekly structure, focusing each week on a specific lesson and topic, and exploring the material further once I had completed both the core and recommended readings.

For the first module, I was even able to complete my summative assessment two weeks before the deadline.

As I progressed, I realised that the programme was very well suited to balancing studies with work and social life. This gave me the confidence to organise my study routine in a way that worked best for me, usually by dedicating a few hours each day. Overall, managing the workload felt very achievable.

I actually feel that these moments happen quite regularly throughout the programme—not only during lectures or while working on assessments, but also in everyday situations when I find myself applying what I've learned.

One thing that has been particularly striking to me is the steady improvement in my assessment grades, which tend to increase by a few points with each submission.

For me, this reflects how much more confident I've become in writing academically in English, which is not my native language, as well as in structuring and developing my essays more effectively.

Now that I am nearing the end of my journey at King's, I sometimes revisit essays from my first modules, and it is really rewarding to clearly see how much my writing, analysis, and overall approach have developed over the course of the programme.

The biggest challenge I faced during my studies was essay writing.

I've always struggled with staying focused on a single topic, as my thoughts tend to wander, which became especially noticeable at King's given the wide range of perspectives, concepts, and theories we were exposed to.

Often, I felt I knew more than I could express within the strict word limits.

In this context, the detailed feedback I received from my professors was invaluable. Their comments were always precise and constructive, helping me learn how to express more with fewer words and stay focused on the topic at hand.

Over time, I developed this skill, which I consider not only a major academic achievement but also a tool that will be highly valuable in my future career.

One of the most valuable skills I've developed at King's is learning to question my own assumptions by asking:

"Is this really what I think, or is this thought shaped by my environment, the books I read, the films I watch, or the music I listen to? Would I think differently if I had grown up elsewhere or had a different educational background?"

I first directly applied this skill while working with people through my charity organisation.

In team discussions, it helped me recognise the limitations of my own perspective and remain open to others' ideas and experiences. Rather than jumping to conclusions or insisting on my own viewpoint, I learned to listen actively, consider alternative approaches, and collaborate more effectively.

This not only improved teamwork and communication but also led to more thoughtful, inclusive decisions in our projects.

The lasting impact of this programme on me has been a fundamental shift in how I approach problems. I now think more critically and systematically.

Before this course, I tended to take one side in a debate and focus on proving my point. Now, I first pause to question the debate itself: Where did it come from? What was the context in which it developed? Why is there disagreement? What limitations does it have, and which perspectives are missing?

I've realised that the value of a debate isn't in identifying a "right" or "wrong" answer, but in appreciating the multiplicity of approaches to any issue.

As the world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, I feel equipped with the analytical tools and mindset to understand and navigate problems thoughtfully, adaptively, and in a way that considers multiple viewpoints.

I would tell any enthusiastic and motivated student that this programme is incredibly rewarding, but it does require dedication, self-reflection, and sometimes small sacrifices of time and energy.

The effort you put in will pay off — not necessarily in immediate, dramatic ways, but when you look back at yourself at the end of the journey, you'll be able to see just how much you've grown, both academically and personally.

My advice is to invest fully in yourself, stay patient, and trust the process — the growth you achieve will make every challenge worthwhile.