"I was curious to try out the role of a researcher"
Simon Strömqvist completed the Master by Research in tourism in 2023. Now he works as a research assistant.
Name: Simon Strömqvist
Programme: Master by Research in Tourism
Period of study: 2021-2023
Why did you choose the Master by research in tourism?
I first studied the bachelor programme in Tourism and Destination Development here at Mid Sweden University and really enjoyed it. I was also curious to try out the role of a researcher so it felt natural to continue with the Master by Research. I joined the programme because I had thoughts of doing a PhD, and wanted the opportunity to try being in the environment that a researcher is in.
How would you describe the programme?
During the programme, you have a supervisor who is a researcher and I found that very reassuring. My supervisor had just started a research project in accessible natural environments to promote the health and well-being of the elderly, and I was able to participate in that project because I had written about that topic in my bachelor's thesis.
Part of my research during the programme was to investigate how cities and communities create good conditions for elderly people to live in, and the cities I looked at were Östersund in Sweden, Trondheim in Norway and Imperia in Italy. At the end of the programme, it was natural for me to also focus my master's thesis on this topic.
Another thing that is good to know is that the Master by Research programme focuses on two different parts - one part is the actual research and the other is teaching. So in addition to acting as a research assistant with all that entails, I also got to try teaching a course. I developed the lectures, decided what material would be included in the course and designed the exam.
What would you say to other students who are thinking of applying?
That the programme is really good if you are curious about research and doctoral studies. It is a great opportunity to gain insight into both the role of a researcher and research in general and more specifically how a research project works. So I really recommend the programme to those who want to know more about that.
It also feels very special to do this kind of master's programme because you get to be part of a research project and work closely with my colleagues in the project. I found this very rewarding and a valuable social experience.