What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why?
Within the Master's programme itself, there is plenty of room for deepening and/or broadening in a wide range of subjects. If you are not sure which direction you want to take, there is plenty of room to explore it. And when you already know, you can focus on that subject and choose the subjects that will help you most in your career.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
Contact between students is of course always a matter of waiting and seeing, but for myself I ended up in a group of students who were all new to the Radboud and therefore did not yet have any friends in Nijmegen, which ensured that we soon formed a close group together. I noticed that lecturers are accessible and you can always turn to them when you take that step yourself. But because you follow many different ‘subjects’ for a short time, you don't get to know teachers and researchers very well.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
Everyone first follows the same compulsory courses, here you really form a group together. But then everyone goes their own way and you have to find your own way again and make your own choices about what you want to do and what you find interesting.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
As I write this, I have yet to start my first internship, which I will do at Utrecht University. Looking for an internship is a process in which you get some guidance, but you really have to find out for yourself. Within the Radboud(umc) there are many different options, if you want an external internship outside of that, it is more difficult to get in between (but with a bit of perseverance you will succeed).
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
I want to do the Science in Society specialisation next year. We all noticed the importance of good science communication during the pandemic; I myself am very interested in how this can be improved and in the importance of scientists in society and their responsibility in this. Furthermore, I think that the regular Master's in medical biology also offers a lot of extra knowledge and experience that gives students just a bit more tools besides the Bachelor's. This can be in-depth knowledge of a subject but also extra knowledge in, for example, data processing, leadership or other specific skills.