Why did you choose to study at LSE?
I studied at the LSE for my undergraduate degree, in Government and History, and it just seemed obvious that this was a great place to stay on and do my Masters degree. While I was studying for my undergraduate degree, I found myself really enjoying my international history courses and the History of International Relations programme offered me a chance to expand on all my favourite parts of the undergraduate course.
What are the benefits of studying in London?
London offers so many cultural benefits and the access to museums, archives and other great resources is unmatched in the UK (at least in my opinion!). Still, what I’ve enjoyed most about studying in London is that it has allowed me the opportunity to work in a range of interesting jobs - from Parliament to political risk management - alongside my studies. It is possible to have a really varied life as a student in London as you aren’t just part of the LSE community but also a Londoner, with all the opportunities that offers.
Why did you choose to study the MSc you are doing in International History?
The History of International Relations programme appealed to me as it allowed me to expand on all my favourite aspects of my undergraduate studies. I wanted to continue studying international history and had a special interest in the Cold War and this programme offers a host of interesting modules on the 20th century which really appealed to me.
What did you hope to gain from your degree?
I suppose I wanted to gain a firmer understanding of the events of the 20th century and the way that they helped shape the international community and system we exist in today. It’s a bonus that I got the opportunity to learn about the events of the 18th century and how they shaped the international system we exist in today as well!
How did you find the teaching, supervision and social life within the department?
The teaching for this programme has been exemplary and I have been lucky to have really enthusiastic classes for the most part and so have engaged in passionate and well informed debates about everything from Thatcherite policies in the 1980s to the causes of the Decembrist uprising in 1825. And if those debates continue in the pub, well that’s all the better!
What are you planning to do next?
I don’t have a specific plan at the moment - I am very interested in start-ups, especially tech companies, and I’ve worked with companies in those industries when I was helping run a start-up PR company before I came back to the LSE. So, I’ll probably look into some cool new start-ups that need marketing or sales people!