Aaron Robinson
MA Visual Anthropology
Why did you choose Manchester?
I visited Manchester many years ago as a tourist from America. Something about the city struck me and I felt this pull to come back. I remember wandering through the University’s museum back then and I thought that if I pursued a graduate degree then Manchester would be at the top of my list.
Why did you pick your course?
The Visual Anthropology course at Manchester is world renowned as the best place in the world to study. The professors are top notch and it’s always to a thrill to meet the people you’ve read. Plus the whole department recently hit #1 in the UK!
What are the best things about your degree?
Aside from the excellent teaching staff and students, having access to real world equipment has been a blast! I also really love the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology library that gives us great access to material.
Are there any modules / teaching you’ve particular enjoyed? What made it stand out?
Last semester, I really liked Vision, Senses, and Memory. It really tackled a diverse set of theory and applied it to anthropology.
What benefits do you think your course/the university will bring to you on graduation (eg skills for employability)?
The Visual Anthropology course gives one real practical hands on applications of theory. It’s one thing to read and write but a whole other to go out into the field, research, and bring back tangible material. Learning to make films, photographs, and sound recordings to prove a theoretical point has been really enlightening. I think that being able to show work I’ve made on professional equipment will be an excellent calling card when I start looking for work.
Please can you give details of any extracurricular activities/societies you’ve been involved in?
I often go to the Monday lectures in the Arthur Lewis Boardroom. I also go to the fieldwork and film work presentations on Wednesdays, along with film screenings whenever they are announced.
Why should a prospective applicant choose Manchester?
A prospective applicant should choose Manchester for a variety of reasons. First, if their prospective course has a strong history at the University or one of their academic idols is teaching here. Second, if they want a rigorous course that will set them apart from others in the field. Thirdly, if they want to be in a city with lots going on and an excellent music scene.