Melissa Crane

BSocSc Social Anthropology

About your course

Why did you choose to study your course at Manchester?

I have an interest in people, why they behave the way they do, what they want, need and aspire to. I thought The University of Manchester was beyond my reach, this made me want to strive for a place here.

I was particularly interested in academics that would be teaching me. The lecturers are some of the most significant scholars in my subject, not just here, but worldwide. The University also has a great reputation for employability which is something that influenced my decision to study here.

What has been the highlight of your course so far?

I was given a place on the Global Graduates programme, designed for those from alternative backgrounds, such as myself. The programme sends a select number of students to different locations around the world. I was chosen for the Paris and London trip, where I met around 20 Manchester alumni.

Coming from a lower socio-economic background, none of my family or friends has attended university. The trip allowed me to build a network of support which was something I felt I was missing prior to the experience. My aspirations changed during the trip, I decided to aim much higher as meeting the alumni showed me I could be much more than I thought possible.

What has been the most challenging part of your course so far?

My first few months at university were difficult. This was an environment completely different from anything I had experienced before. 

I left school without GCSE's, I am older than the other students on my course and I am also a mum of two young children. I thought this would make university really difficult but I was wrong. I found my place here quite quickly and realised the things that I thought would be a hindrance, are actually an asset. 

Have you undertaken any placements?

As well as the Global Graduates programme, I have worked as a Student Ambassador. This was a really enjoyable experience and allowed me to meet students from all over the world. 

I took leadership roles that that will definitely help with my employability in the future. I also worked as an On-Campus Brand Manager for graduate recruiters, Teach First. 

What area of Social Anthropology are you interested in?

I am particularly interested in the anthropology of Britain.

For many years, anthropologists have studied distant societies and overlooked the significant anthropological knowledge that can be gained right here in Britain. This is something that scholars at The University of Manchester have been leading the way in developing. I have a particular interest in social class, poverty and social mobility.

Your student experience

How would you describe your student experience?

Being a student here has been life-changing for me. My ambitions have been raised tremendously.

I came here hoping I would get a degree which would help me progress. I am aiming for much more than that now. I want to study for a Master's and PhD in anthropological research, taking my studies as far as possible. I would eventually like to work in the area of academia and hope to make a contribution to the field of anthropology, in particular, the anthropology of Britain.

What about living in Manchester?

Studying in Manchester allows students to be embedded in the city and look beyond the student community.

It is unbelievable how many opportunities are available here, from volunteering to internships and graduate jobs, it feels as though the whole world is here in this one city.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

I volunteered as an English tutor at the international society, here I designed and delivered ten week-long courses to international students and staff.

I am also a School’s Project Volunteer. The project involves visiting local primary schools with a giant inflatable Earth. We teach cultural awareness to groups of children, giving them the opportunity to meet students from different parts of the world. I am also a Student Coordinator for the peer mentor scheme. I am a committee member at the anthropology society and currently planning my departments Graduation Ball.

Also, volunteering as a Scholarship Ambassador allows me to meet with some of the University's most significant donors. I was invited to the President's Circle of Philanthropy as a Key Note Speaker. At this event, I spoke to donors alongside Nancy Rothwell and was interviewed on my experience as a working-class person at the University. I have passed all of the criteria for the Stellify award and look forward to receiving this on Graduation.

I would recommend getting involved with as much as you can, being surrounded by so many opportunities is exciting, make the most of it and enjoy it.

Do you have any tips for future students?

I was nervous before I came here, I thought I would be out of my depth, I realised after a while that I was not out of my depth at all.

The University can feel so large and busy at first but it soon feels like home. Make the most of the amazing opportunities here, the careers service have some great regular events. Aiming for the Stellify award helped me to get involved with things that I probably would never have thought of but that I really enjoyed. 

Your future

What are your plans for after graduation?

I have received an offer to study a combined Masters-PhD here in the Social Anthropology department and I am in the process of applying for funding. I would like to stay in academia and research, with a focus on social class and social mobility.

Anything else you wish to add?

I left school at 14 years old and did not sit any exams. I always worked but rarely earned more than minimum wage and usually worked zero-hour contracts with no stability or prospects. After having children I regretted not being able to provide them with more opportunity than I had. That is why I decided to try again in education, I completed my GCSE’s, a pre-access course and then an Access to HE course.

It took a long time to get here but it was 100% worth it. Growing up, I thought university was only for the wealthy and the privately educated but I could not have been more wrong. Lectures are so much more productive with a diverse range of views in the room and on my course, diversity is highly respected. Coming from a non-typical background can be an asset at university, I have found a way to direct my studies towards issues that I really care about which is extremely motivating.