Carol Gobbo
Published: 10 February 2025
'Undertaking the Masters degree at the University of Glasgow was essential for opening the academic opportunities I am having now in my country. I hope to create a fruitful connection between my further research and the previous work done in Glasgow.'
Children's Literature & Literacies, MEd
What were you doing before your Masters?
Before my Masters, I was working as a primary teacher and finishing a specialisation course in Children’s Literature in Brazil.
Why did you choose the University of Glasgow?
I believe that the main reason to choose the University of Glasgow was the specificity of the programme I was applying to. I had been searching for a postgraduate opportunity in children’s literature for a long time and the Masters programme at the University of Glasgow encompassed all the topics I was most passionate about. Furthermore, I visited Scotland a few years before applying and fell in love with the country, the culture and the people.
Why did you choose your programme?
I chose the programme firstly due to its uniqueness amongst other Masters in Education. In my undergraduate degree in Brazil, I found scarce opportunities to study children’s literature at an academic level. However, I knew since the beginning of my academic journey that children’s books were my main research interest for further studies. I found the programme while I was still an undergrad and instantly became curious about its topics and renowned professors.
What’s the most important thing you feel you’ve learned?
I learned that children’s literature is a respectable field of study, open to intersections with other areas, such as cognitive theory, posthumanism, and ecocriticism. It confirmed my belief in the relevance of children’s literature in research.
Did you participate in any experiential learning opportunities
I participated as a member of the research team in the project “Reading and Music: Composition and digital picturebook play in a multiliteracies framework”, developed by professor Elizabeth Nelson from the School of Education. The project combined picturebook sessions with the University Nursery children at Hillhead Library and discussions on relevant topics for mediation, such as reader response and multiliteracies. Participating in the project was an amazing opportunity to experience the topics studied in the classes in a practical way and to understand in more depth how research projects are developed. The members of the team could also participate in conferences about the project and collaborate in papers to publish in academic journals. It was extremely enriching for my experience as a young researcher.
What are you doing now? How did your studies help prepare you for your chosen career?
This year, I am starting my PhD in Education at the University of São Paulo, in Brazil. My focus continues to be children’s literature and postmodern picturebooks, in an expansion of my Masters dissertation. Undertaking the Masters degree at the University of Glasgow was essential for opening the academic opportunities I am having now in my country. I hope to create a fruitful connection between my further research and the previous work done in Glasgow.
What was your favourite part about studying at UofG? About living in Glasgow?
I think my favourite part about studying at UofG was the variety of socialisation opportunities promoted for the international community at the University. Aside from only clubs and parties, there were different and fun socials for more introvert students, like me! Pub quizzes, societies , ceilidh dances… I loved to participate in all these events and felt more included.
Do you have any advice for future students?
My main advice would be: enjoy all the opportunities the University gives you. If you are an international applicant, don’t be afraid. Studying abroad may seem daunting but it is an unforgettable and amazing experience!
First published: 10 February 2025
