What master did you do? And where?
I currently follow the master’s degree of Communication, Health & Life Sciences at Wageningen University (WUR), in Wageningen.

Were there any admission requirements? 
Yes, I had to have a GPA of at least 7. Additionally, before I could start my master’s degree, I had to take certain courses (so I wouldn’t have to follow a pre-master). I had to send my grades together with a motivation letter. Fortunately, I was immediately admitted and did not have to follow a pre-master.

Why did you choose this master?
I have supported and liked my choice for Communication and Information Sciences from the very first lecture in Tilburg. I just love communication! But towards the end of my bachelor’s, I noticed that I was missing more in-depth knowledge. I found it hard to imagine how my academic background could help me do exactly what I wanted to do: solve social problems. Attending courses on nutrition and health during my minor abroad also played a role. I realized that I would like to do more with food, the environment or animal welfare and typed in “master communication nutrition” on Google. That immediately revealed this master’s degree!
In the introductory section on this master’s website, I read that you will learn how to solve communication problems in the field of environment, nature, animals, food or another so-called ‘life sciences’. I knew right away that this would fit me perfectly.

What courses did you do?
A number of general communication subjects, such as ‘intercultural communication’, ‘communication strategies in everyday life’ and ‘innovation management’.
I also had to choose one theme of which I would follow two courses. I chose ‘sustainable, animal production’ and followed a course about fishing and a course about insects as food for people and animals. I was completely pulled out of my comfort zone and suddenly I found myself baking insect biscuits and dissecting fish in a lab. Certainly a challenge for a social scientist, but cool to do!

Did you have to move for your studies?
It wasn’t a possibility to stay in Tilburg, so I moved to Wageningen.

How did you like it?
Very good. I enjoy going to lectures, quickly felt at home in Wageningen and learn the most interesting things every day. If you are someone with a heart for sustainability, the WUR is the perfect place for you. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!
I also just finished my internship at Natuur & Milieu, a non-profit organization in Utrecht. My master’s programme lasts two years, and doing an internship is part of the curriculum. My internship was incredibly educational and valuable, so that alone made it worth the switch.

Was it hard to switch?
The way of teaching and studying is different at every university, so I had to get used to that. Fortunately, there were only ten people in my year, so I received a lot of individual attention from teachers and help from fellow students. This made the transition quite easy.

Did you know someone else who did this master?
No. I had arranged an experience day, during which I could ask all my questions to a student who followed the same master’s. This gave me a good insight into how things would go.