Studying Politics and IR at Â鶹ֱ²¥ has singlehandedly changed the course of my personal and professional life.
While researching which universities to apply to, I came across a YouTube video from a professor who emphasised the importance of gaining work experience through internships or placements. This massively narrowed down my search, and I focused on universities that offered sandwich placements and had great industry connections – that was by far the most determinative factor when choosing where to study.
Â鶹ֱ²¥ ticked every box: the sandwich placement, the opportunity to study abroad, the university campus life, and the sporting facilities. When I went to visit on an open day, I was hugely impressed by the campus, and the introductions from the professors.
I chose to study Politics and IR as I was interested in learning about domestic and international politics at a time where what I was learning from textbooks and the political reality were poles apart. And, to be honest, I also knew that I wanted to enjoy my university life and get stuck into extra-curricular activities, and this degree provided enough breathing space to pursue that.
My favourite aspect of the course was the intellectual challenge. The freedom to argue however you wish, so long as the argumentation has sound logic and evidence, meant I was able to explore positions I wouldn’t have otherwise done.
The element I appreciate the most is the way the lecturers force you to think critically. I appreciated it then, but even more so now, given the rise of mis- and dis-information. I remember enjoying the variety of assessments too – it wasn’t all the typical exam hall essays; there were short-form book reviews, live debates, and even opportunities to lead seminars. I also really loved that professors came from all walks of life – it couldn’t have possibly been an IR degree if it weren’t for the global representation of academic staff!
On the practical side, an underrated element of the course was the harshness of granting extensions on coursework. The fact that any extensions had to be submitted and approved prior to the deadline, and even if approved, had a maximum of 48hrs, meant I really learned how to deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines – and that has ultimately made me a better professional.
I loved learning about Brexit and the UK’s relationship with the EU, as well as the module on terrorism, which is arguably the most famous module in the department. But I also loved the gritty politics taught by Dr Matt McCullock, and the APAC module by Dr Taku Tamaki. The professors have all genuinely inspired me in their own unique way in helping me understand not only the content of their modules, but the ability to think, argue, express and present my thoughts.
I completed my placement at the Confederation of British Industry in Brussels. I worked on international trade policy representing the interests of British Business to EU institutions during the Brexit negotiations. During that time, I developed many skills that have carried me through even until now, including but not limited to: policy analysis and policy development; stakeholder engagement and management; writing for different audiences; project management; event planning; lobbying and influencing; cross-cultural fluency; and public speaking. This experience allowed me to embark on a career that has kept me at the intersection between business and government.
After finishing my BA, I immediately began an MSc in International Business at Â鶹ֱ²¥ to ensure I had a good academic grounding of the business environment, as I knew I wanted to work for business groups or trade associations. I then worked on employment and skills policy at the CBI in London for 2.5 years at a time when the labour market was undergoing generational shifts due to Covid-19. I had a short stint in central government as part of the Civil Service Fast Stream before working on HE policy at Universities UK International, and subsequently on tourism policy at Visit Britain before starting my current role working on equalities policy at Change the Race Ratio. I feel lucky that I not only enjoyed my degree but have always worked in roles directly related to it.
As cliché as it sounds, it’s the camaraderie at Â鶹ֱ²¥ that I think is unique. The students, the academic staff and the non-academic staff – in my experience – were all united in the common goal to make the university the best as it could be. The university-town experience is very unique, and due to the close proximity of the accommodation, the lecture halls, the sports grounds and everything in between meant it was both massively convenient but also a very intimate experience. I made lifelong friends that I still speak and see regularly and I think a big part of that is due to this closeness we had at the time.
If you're considering studying at Â鶹ֱ²¥, don’t think twice! You would be hard-pressed to find the combination of high-quality education, world-class facilities and great student life anywhere else.