Online BSc International Relations: Interview with Polina Kopteva

Our online-taught EMFSS programmes empower learners to pursue their educational goals and careers, from anywhere in the world. We interviewed first year BSc International Relations student, Polina Kopteva, to find out about her experience studying a University of London with Academic Direction from LSE degree online.  

The Online Undergraduate Programmes in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences (EMFSS) are awarded by the University of London, with academic direction from London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Building on the University of London’s rich history of providing accessible education around the globe, LSE’s expert faculty have developed world-class academic content that is available online, on your schedule.

Each of these degrees has been designed with flexibility in mind:

• BSc Accounting and Finance
• BSc Business and Management
• BSc Data Science and Business Analytics
• BSc Economics
• BSc Economics and Finance
• BSc Economics and Management
• BSc Finance
• BSc International Relations
• BSc Mathematics and Economics

With four annual programme starts (August, November, February, May) and the ability to attend full- or part-time, learners around the world can access quality education in a format that complements their personal and professional goals, lifestyle, and location.

"The degree I chose was International Relations, I chose it because I really enjoy learning all about philosophers and also I think it's interesting in the 21st century how everything is developing and we have so many things going on in the world and it's great to look at it from the perspective of history and I really enjoy it.” 

“I’ve wanted to start university for a long time, but the problem is that at the moment there are a lot of people that have to work, and this online degree allowed me to still be at a really good university with a good reputation, and work at the same time. I think it's such a valuable experience when you can manage your time and you can study as well as gain experience in the real world. I think it's a lot, even almost more, valuable than just going to university and getting a degree. By the time I'll graduate, I'll already have 6 years of working experience as well as my degree.

Studying online is very flexible. You can always study at your own pace, you can study at night, you can study in the morning, it's really up to you. It's true that sometimes it's challenging and you have to really stay on top of your work and motivate yourself. The videos are great and there's a lot of support from the teachers, they're all really nice. I just love how everything is structured, you're not lost at any point, and you know exactly what you are supposed to do.”

“I think online studying and in-person studying is just different. It also depends on your personal situation, but I would say that in the real world, what really is valuable at the moment is to have that working experience so that when you get your degree you already have some experience. Also the university provides you with internship opportunities so you can do that on top of it. You enrich yourself so much and because of that flexibility, it allows you to do many more things rather than when you're committed to go to class in-person every day.

The only thing that unfortunately doesn't happen when you're online is that you don't have a real-life class. However, there are still in-person events, and I attended one of those in London and met some of my classmates. There are people from all over the world and even different ages. There are so many people older than you, younger than you, and some people have kids. It's a very big community and different from traditional university because usually you tend to be in class with the same kind of age group.”

“Everyone is very responsive, so when you write an essay on the platform, the teacher gets back to you very fast, so that was really cool. I think it's very well structured, you have the modules, you know exactly what to do, and if you want to get ahead you can do that. It's very well done, and I was impressed.”

“We got invited to go to London and see our classmates and teachers and I was really excited because when you meet people on the internet it’s obviously different,: you have never really met them. And so, I got the tickets and I went, and I just loved it. First of all, the campus is so beautiful, and it really inspired me to get my degree done. I felt part of a community that's so well educated and it's great to be part of something like this. We were well received, there was food and drinks and a professional photographer who was taking headshots and photos of you with your classmates. I also met people who are doing the same course but who have already done two years, so it was nice to hear some feedback.”

“I think what's important to say is that people can be scared to start online programmes because it's something that is kind of different and the world is adjusting to the fact that there are online degrees because they were underestimated before, but now there are such good universities like University of London with LSE, which make it possible to get an online degree and study and work at the same time. So honestly, it's a great opportunity.” 

Applications and enrolments are open, with four annual programme starts (August, November, February, May). Read more to discover which online taught EMFSS programme is right for you.