Centre for Cultural Policy Research

 Abdul Hadi Che Hassan, former PhD student

Yesterday marked my first twelve-month journey as a student in this land called Scotland. My passion in communications research brings me here to the prestigious, world class and renowned institution that is University of Glasgow. Since I was small, attending foreign university was on the top of my academic and professional goals and the opportunity knocked on my door at the age of 36. "You are too old for anything like that!" was the immediate response from some friends of mine, but those negative reactions did not stop me although I had to face my inner fears and insecurities. What happens if I can't fit in? What if I let my supervisors down and fail to live up to their expectations? Such questions haunted me yet the last year turned out to be the most exciting year ever in my entire life. 

When I first set my foot at this university, I was completely captivated by the unique design of the building. Everything seems so surreal and I felt like a character in my favourite movie! As a CCPR student, I consider myself very lucky for a lot of good reasons. Since day one, I have been given warm treatment by the staff members and peers who make me so welcome. Strangers became friends in an instant. The centre and its activities has become my favorite place if I need friends to talk. I have to admit, being away from family and friends and ‘home’ won't ever be easy, however their warm hospitality helps me blend well with the new environment easily. 

The most astonishing thing about my time at this university is the ability to fully immerse myself with people from different cultures. This ‘money can't buy’ experience extends my understanding of the cultural spectrum and, as a result, I believe my own personality has been enriched and developed. The limitless cultural exposure makes me value different point of view and appreciate people from other countries more. 

My journey as a student will never be completed without my generous supervisors (students in the College of Arts each get two supervisors). Both of them play a major role in helping me to explore my real potential and they push to see my growth as a student and as a person. Their undivided commitment facilitates a way to see things from different perspectives especially in term of exploring diverse and innovative ideas. I have been treated with respect and huge amount of integrity because they emphasize that the PhD is MY project over which I have ownership. As a result, the learning process becomes easier and enjoyable and I am starting to master some valuable skills that cannot be taught in the classroom. 

The start of my research process was the toughest challenge of my life: I felt so lonely and isolated. My life changed tremendously only after I started to open up about my academic insecurities. My circle of friends develops well and I find my solace and liberation every time I communicate about my struggle to my new friends. This is one of the great things about this institution: besides providing a strong support system, the whole environment is the perfect platform for you to grow as long as you never stop seeking for opportunity to improve yourself.

 Friends, every good story comes with the dramatic part. For me, the first three month in this foreign country challenged my passion to the max. Besides, the issues around academic progress in my research, I have to endure the toughest thing in life – the Scottish weather! Coming from a temperate climate country makes my new world upside down. However this is also the fun part of my experience as I love fashion - I have to learn how to dress up based on the weather. It might sound funny and completely insane but I finally own the skill to suit my appearance with the climate! 

While I’m writing this article, summer season is almost over, and I’m left with some great stories to remember. However, my real challenges are waiting ahead of me. This university trains me to be resilient to all obstacles and turn myself into a real fighter. I will keep my dream alive and I’m absolutely certain that although the new academic year is to bring whole new challenges I’m ready to learn. I’m proud to part of this prestigious university. There can be no other place like this on the face of this planet. I hope to develop myself as a student and effective member of the society. To those dreamer out there, do not let your inner fear conquers your desire. You are responsible for your journey – just be sure to pack an umbrella AND sunglasses.‌

Steven Boyer, former PhD student

I have found the Centre for Cultural Policy Research to be a rich and unique setting ideal for independently-motivated postgraduate students interested in research on media and policy. Bringing together students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and international locations, an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced group of academic staff, and high calibre visiting speakers, the Centre always feels full of people conducting and sharing important research. On an individual level, my supervisors have consistently provided both valuable feedback on my research and practical guidance to keep me on track to complete my Ph.D., while always ensuring that the end product would be my own. I have also had countless opportunities to discuss my work at great length with the other members of CCPR, present it at the postgraduate symposium held with Film, Television, and Theatre Studies students, and even travel to Norway as a part of a regular exchange of ideas with friendly postgraduates there. In all, it has been an extremely rewarding experience to study at CCPR and I am glad to have been a part of one of the very few places doing such important work on media and cultural policy. 

Piyumi Ranasinghe, former PhD student

Having worked at a Management Level in the Media industry in Sri Lanka I came to the Centre for Cultural Policy Research (CCPR) in University of Glasgow looking for a professional master’s qualification in Media Management. I happily discovered that the study programmes at the Centre are designed around lectures with extensive theory delivered by highly qualified teaching staff and seminars on practical experiences presented by top order professionals from all areas of the Media Industry. Once I completed the Masters programme I decided to do my PhD at the Centre. The teaching staff helped and always encouraged me to discover more of myself within the research programme. Four years on at the Centre it has been an eye opener for me in the field I had chosen. With supervisors at the top of their game and the subject matter, my own research has greatly benefited from their vast knowledge and it has been a more rounded experience. Finding myself now almost at the end of this journey, I can say it has been truly worthwhile at the CCPR.