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Introducing Marco

Hi! My name is Marco and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Sociology of Law. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits.

About the programme and the teaching style

Why did you choose ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ?

"My decision emerged during the process of writing my undergraduate thesis, which was a study of the legal profession from a sociological perspective. After defending my thesis, and since I was interested in further specialising in the topic, I looked into where some of the authors I had cited were teaching. One of them was affiliated as a professor at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ, and from there, I discovered the Master's programme in Sociology of Law, which explicitly listed the study of the legal profession as a specialisation. I reviewed the syllabi, and it was exactly what I was looking for."

What do you think of your programme so far? Does it meet your expectations?

"As a graduate from a law school, I was expecting to learn about social science frameworks and methodologies. For example, I was aware of the importance of Michel Foucault, but I had never had the opportunity to take a class on him or read about his approach in depth. The programme has allowed me to do so, along with exploring other perspectives."

What is the best thing about your programme?

"The best thing is that there are no parallel courses, so you can fully focus on the content of each class. This structure allows me to go through both classic and contemporary research in sociology of law in a more in-depth way, and I really appreciate that."

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?

"Most classes are divided into a lecture component and a seminar part with group work. While some courses are taught by a single professor, others have multiple professors who rotate depending on the session. In general, the professors make a great effort to present the assigned readings in a very accessible way."

How international is your programme?

"You can find students from various countries in the programme. While there is a clear majority from European countries, there are also students from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Additionally, I would highlight the research seminars they organise, where they invite scholars from different countries to discuss current socio-legal topics." 

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies?

"The skills needed for conducting empirical research are not something one typically acquires in a law school, but here I am taking courses that train me in this aspect. For example, in a course on documentary research, we practiced coding a text during a seminar. This was very useful. For someone who wants to become a researcher, these practical skills and knowledge are essential."

Why should prospective students choose this programme?

The programme is an excellent option for those interested in exploring the intersection between law and sociology. The fact that it is housed within a Faculty of Social Sciences allows students to engage with data collection techniques, which are indispensable for anyone looking to become a researcher in this interdisciplinary field.

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund, spare time and tips for prospective students 

What is it like being an international student at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ?

"Since this is my first time outside my home continent, it has been an interesting experience. You get to interact with people from countries you never imagined you would have contact with."

What do you do in your spare time?

"I found a very quiet place to read at the Faculty of Engineering study centre. I spend most of my time there."

What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund?

"One of my most vivid memories from my first months in Lund was when it snowed. It was the first time I had ever touched snow, and I really enjoyed seeing how the city completely transformed."

Do you have any advice for students that are considering coming to Lund? 

"I recommend making use of all the information available online about the city and the university to make an informed decision. In my case, it was very helpful that the syllabi were available online. There are also videos and discussions in online forums that give a good idea of what life here is like."

Have more questions for Marco?

You can chat with him and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.