First of all, congrats on getting an offer! It has not been easy, but you actually got an offer to study Politics (or a Politics related subject) at a Russell Group University! Big up! Soon you’ll be studying Politics here like me.
What’s it like to be studying Politics?
Being a Politics student in our current world is a whirlwind to say the least! You probably chose this subject because you enjoy how the world is ever-changing, and how political decisions impact your personal life. Or you were just good at it…. (must be nice).
Regardless, the one thing I will say is that the Department of Politics at York continues to adapt their teaching to the changing political scenery. Recently, they’ve introduced modules such as The Politics of Gender, Border Politics and Green Politics. They’ve also added more work from Black and Asian scholars into the essential reading list.
What have I learnt so far?
In my three years of being a student, there have been a range of topics that I have had the privilege to learn about. Some of which were very new to me, many of which were incredibly important.
Imagine, just last week I was studying the reasons why some African Countries are still paying some European Countries colonial tax. Whilst in another module, I am debating whether targeted killing is an effective counterterrorism strategy.
With all this knowledge, debate and discussion you can imagine it is filled with new opinions, scholarly languages and understanding. But the one thing that will always be a perk is the fact the that lecturers are in the field, studying and publishing on the topics they teach about.
Isn’t that great? The people who are teaching are experts on the actual topic you are learning. From previous NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) officials, to experts who have advised government officials. York continues to make sure that their employees are not only adding to your knowledge, but the field too.
The best thing about studying Politics
The best thing about studying topics that matter is that you realise your voice matters even more. People have come from all over the world, which means your unique experiences could be used to educate others on topics like race, privilege and immigration. These matter the most to me.
You have got to remember, whether you have extensive knowledge or none at all… you were able to get a fantastic university offer! This degree will be so worth it, so don’t let it go to waste.
You will do great!
Use these incoming years to make an impact on the world around you. Every day, I try to say, “Everywhere I go, I will make an impact.”
Hopefully, you can do this too.
For someone who has never studied Politics A Levels yet is due to go ahead and do Politics & International Relations as an undergraduate degree … what do you recommend to read beforehand in preparation? I feel a bit unprepared compared to people who would have done Politics/ similar subjects so they’re more advantaged with the terminology & knowledge, compared to me.
Hey Izzy! In short, yes. But guess what, in the beginning, EVERYONE is actually underprepared. Because Uni is meant to make you think in a more advanced academic way. My advice is to remind yourself that you are capable of doing this degree, especially if you love the subject are willing to do the work. Hopefully, this has helped
Thank you for the heads up, Deborah! Best of luck with your studies too 🙂