Undergraduate Profiles

Why did you choose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

The most important for me was the department's history and the fact that it was the first international relations department ever established. Additionally, since my interests are in security studies, I‘ve chosen Aberystwyth because it provides a significant number of modules related to security issues.

 

What are the highlights of studying your course so far? 

I like that I receive feedback about all the essays I’ve submitted. The feedback is usually very extensive and beneficial because it shows what I can improve and what I am already doing well. It helps with developing the skills of writing papers, either academic or non-academic.

 

How do you find living in Aberystwyth?

Despite being a small town, Aberystwyth offers many different social activities, from pubs and clubs to theatres and symphonic orchestra concerts. So, everybody will find what they like. Aberystwyth's landscapes and nature are incredible, although sometimes the weather might be harsh. But, I generally enjoyed my three years of living here and never regretted my choice.

 

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the department?

You won’t regret your studies here because the professors are very passionate about what they do and are always happy to help. The programme is also very qualitative and encourages you to think about the issues you would never think otherwise. Regarding work-life balance, I’ve never had any problems and always had plenty of time to relax or socialise. So I highly recommend you to study at Aberystwyth University.

Why did you choose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

When researching the degree schemes offered by the Department, I was very impressed by their student satisfaction scores, and even more impressed by the range of modules I could choose from to study.  Now that I am here, one of the things I value most about studying in the Department is the support I receive from lecturers, in particular my Personal Tutor.

 

What are the highlights of studying your course so far?

The opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities that have expanded my area of interest! In particular, I have really enjoyed engaging with events and activities that the Global China Research Group put on. My favourites have been a documentary viewing with an introduction by the Department’s Hong Kong expert Dr. John Wood, and a talk that the Group recently held with a guest speaker from the University of Pécs.

 

How do you find living in Aberystwyth?

I really like it! I have stayed in student accommodation for the duration of my degree because I think it is good value for money and very safe. As for Aberystwyth itself, it is the perfect university town – not too big, not too small. You generally see someone you know when you are out and about which really lends to the community feel we have here.

 

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the Department?

Take the leap! I remember feeling intimidated by the prestige of the Department, knowing that the teaching staff are truly experts in their fields. But the Department has been extremely welcoming, and is a place I feel at home to learn. We have a wonderful community at the Department, and this is somewhere you can and will belong to as we work to expand the boundaries of knowledge in the field.

Why did you choose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

The location of Aberystwyth University along with what the department had to offer made Aberystwyth my firm pick. Beyond being able to study in rural Wales, the Department of International Politics has an amazing reputation for its own history and, the quality of teachers and former students.

 

What are the highlights of studying your course so far?

On my course of Strategy, Intelligence and Security I have enjoyed the opportunity to study a variety of topics. My personal highlights are nuclear strategy, Russian intelligence, and the history of propaganda. These modules in particular inspired me to create my best work for my undergraduate.

 

How do you find living in Aberystwyth?

I’m glad to say you’ll find more ‘ups’ than ‘downs’ living in Aberystwyth. I’ve lived on campus and within the town at the bottom of the hill, and I can say that the town is very pleasant. Sometimes there isn’t much, but that’s made up for its location along the Welsh hills and the seaside.

 

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the department?

My advice for prospective students is take advantage of opportunities offered by the university while applying for and during your course. There are many opportunities that can at worst take up a bit of your time, and at best gives you rewards and skills to add to your CVs. For me this was the Merit Award Exam and the Lifelong Learning language courses offered by Aberystwyth University.

Why did you choose to study in the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

Because the department offers a wide range of contemporary modules that are taught through the medium of Welsh. In other universities many Welsh modules have English lectures and Welsh seminars, and as politics was a completely new subject for me, I felt it was important for me to learn the terminology through my mother tongue.

 

What are the study highlights so far?

My study highlight so far has been having a lecture by Dr Gwenole Cornec in the module Politics in Diverse Societies. Dr Gwenole gave us a lecture on speaking Breton and a look at the French Republic 'from the margins'. The lecture was extremely interesting, and as Dr Gwenole has learned Welsh and now lives in Aberystwyth she made very interesting connections to the Welsh language.

 

What is it like to live in Aberystwyth?

I feel very at home in Aberystwyth. I got to know the area very quickly by walking around the town. My favourite thing to do in my spare time is running and walking and Aber is a great location to do this. I feel safe running on my own and enjoy the beautiful views along the prom. My favourite thing to do in Aber is taking part in the parkrun on Saturday morning. There is a community feeling to the parkrun and very often after finishing a run my friends and I find ourselves in Medina having a cuppa and a cake!

 

What is your advice for students considering studying in the Department?

My advice to any students considering studying in the Department is to look at the modules. It is very easy to choose a university without giving real consideration to the modules the departments offer. Also I would contact one of the lecturers. Before starting at Aber I had been in contact with one of the Welsh-medium lecturers and felt so much better about starting in the department in September. Open days are also a great opportunity to get to know some of the lecturers and students who are at the University.

Why did you choose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

I chose to study at the department of Interpol at Aberystwyth due to its longstanding reputation of being a hub of academic excellence, having fantastic student support services, and being home to the first international relations department of its kind in the world! 

 

What are the highlights of studying your course so far?

The highlights of studying my course so far have been having the opportunity to attend an in-person Q&A panel with Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, co-editors of the Washington Post, and applying to the department's prestigious parliamentary placement scheme. 

 

How do you find living in Aberystwyth?

I absolutely love living in Aberystwyth! It is the perfect balance of vibrant and calm, with a busy campus and nightlife, while also being placed in a beautiful seaside location with access to endless natural beauty.  Aber is a safe and tight-knit community, with friendly and familiar faces everywhere you go!

 

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the department?

My advice to anyone who is considering coming to study in the department at Aberystwyth is to go for it! You can feel confident that you will have a second-to-none student experience, supported by lecturers who are experts in their fields, all based in an unbeatable location. You won’t regret it! 

Why did you choose to study in the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

The ability to continue studying through the medium of Welsh was extremely attractive to me, especially as there is such a good variety of modules offered through the medium of Welsh each semester. The department's status as the world's first Department of International Politics was also important, as well as the standard of support offered by the department, and the wider University. 

 

What are the study highlights so far?

Without a doubt, the biggest highlight was having the privilege of attending the trip to London and Brussels, where I had the opportunity to visit government institutions and chat with staff working across a variety of areas. As someone with a keen interest in Politics, the trip was a great opportunity to learn more about British and European politics, but also a golden opportunity for me to see the different types of careers that would be available to me in the political world. The experience of working as an ambassador during open days and meeting prospective students has also been a pleasure, and a great opportunity for me to share my enthusiasm for the Department and Aber.  

 

What is it like to live in Aberystwyth?

It's an incredibly welcoming town and is the perfect size to taste independence from your parents for the first time, but also feels safe enough. Making friends is easy and it's small enough that you always see people you know around the university, the town and on nights out.

 

What is your advice to students considering studying in the Department?

Come and visit the Department to talk to staff and ambassadors and get to know the Department better. Once in Aber, I would really recommend that students take every opportunity they have to participate in university life, academically.

Why did you choose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

I chose to study in the Department because of its strong academic reputation and history, the first ever International Politics department! I also found there to be a really interesting and varied mix of modules which stood out.

 

What are the highlights of studying your course so far?

I absolutely loved working together with other students in the refugee simulation module and the annual crisis games! It's also been fascinating to learn from leading International Relations experts in lectures, and engaging in thought-provoking debates in the seminars.

 

How do you find living in Aberystwyth?

Living in Aber has been amazing. I love the history and the scenery, it's so walkable! Some of my favourite moments away from studying have been walking along the seafront and through Penglais Woods.

 

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the department?

Get involved! The department offers so many fantastic opportunities: the Parliamentary Placement Scheme, Interstate Journal, Interpol Society, annual crisis games, being an academic rep. I genuinely believe that university is not only about academic learning, but developing as a person too!

Why did you choose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth? 

I chose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth because the International Relations course offered a lot of options to pick from within politics. Throughout my course, I've learned about the political aspects of climate change, history, social media and many other sectors relating to politics. This helps to analyse how politics effects everything and everyone, even if it doesn't look that way.

What are the highlights of studying your course so far?

A major highlight for me is learning new and valuable information in my modules that I can apply in other classes or outside of my student life. In a previous module, I explored the issues of Laïcité for the first time. After further research, I was able to apply Laïcité to a later module when discussing the topics of feminism and religion. 

How do you find living in Aberystwyth? 

Aberystwyth can be a fun, socially active town to some and a cozy town to others. For me, it’s definitely the latter, although it can be tedious to travel to and lacks some shops I’m used to, it makes up for it with its beauty. 

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the department? 

My advice for students who are considering studying at the department would be to remember to set aside time for yourself vs your studies. Time management is essential for me as it helps me to have time for myself and avoid burnout. 

Why did you choose to study at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth?

I picked Aberystwyth's IR department because it's where the whole subject began, and honestly, where better to learn how to shake up traditional politics? Their radical approach and amazing lecturers gave me the perfect space to explore the realm of International Relations.

What are the highlights of studying your course so far? 

I had the opportunity to take part in work experience at the House of Commons with the research team of Plaid Cymru. I presented and authored many conference papers and awarded as 1st runners up in Global South Hub competition and organised a conference for the students in Aberystwyth.

How do you find living in Aberystwyth?

I absolutely adore the community in Aberystwyth it’s a place where I feel I truly belong. From the moment I arrived, I’ve felt at home here, embraced by the warmth and spirit of this wonderful town. Aberystwyth isn’t just where I live; it’s where my heart is.

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the department?

 Embrace the joy of learning, connect with those around you, and make the most of the freedom to create and organize events. Contribute passionately to the field of education, and never hesitate to engage with your lecturers they will always find a way to support your growth. Seize every opportunity, and keep moving forward with purpose, courage, and determination toward your dreams and aspirations.  

Why did you choose to study at the Department? 

For me, I had known about the university since I was a child and was coming on holiday to the area quite frequently, so it had been on my radar for quite a while. When I knew I wanted to study History and Politics at University I decided to look here. Aberystwyth stood out beyond the others in part because of its location and the overall feel of the campus as some universities I had looked at were like soulless boxes in the middle of big cities such as London. But largely the course is what sold me to study here, Aberystwyth is only one of five universities in the UK to my knowledge that has Military History and International Relations as an option so that sealed my interest.

What are the highlights of studying your course so far?

The biggest highlight so far is getting my first grade that falls into the first class criteria, when I opened the blackboard page and saw the first number started in a 7 I couldn’t have been happier, it was one of the assignments that while writing I may not have been confident due to the complexity of the question but looking back was one of the best academically challenging pieces of writing I have done. 

What’s your advice for students considering studying at the department? 

In terms of selecting the university or the department, pick what it would be like to work outside of the allocated lecture times. Lecture halls vary from semester to semester and year to year, but if you can find somewhere to sit down and get work done outside of your accommodation, then it will do wonders. In terms of the study and the work people will be doing, I would say to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. For example, for the Counter Terrorism module, I had to write about a nationalist group that used terrorist tactics. While planning, I immediately thought of the same group most people would if they read the question I had to answer. Still, I kept thinking and pushing myself to find nationalist groups through history, and it resulted in my most enjoyable essay writing time yet.