Hi everyone, my name is Belques and I’m currently studying an MA in International Relations and Human Rights at the University of York. I’m an international student from Yemen, and I also work as an International Student Ambassador here at York.
When I first started looking for a postgraduate degree, I wasn’t just choosing a course, I was choosing the direction of my future. I wanted a course that would challenge me intellectually, connect with my personal experiences, and help me understand global politics beyond headlines and theory. That search led me to the University of York and the MA International Relations and Human Rights.
Finding My Academic Home
Studying in the Department of Politics and International Relations immediately felt like the right fit. The department combines strong theoretical foundations with real-world application, which was exactly what I was looking for.
Rather than treating international politics as abstract concepts, the course encourages us to apply frameworks to global challenges such as conflict, migration, inequality and human rights protection. As someone deeply interested in peacebuilding and global justice, this approach really resonated with me.
This semester, I’m taking three modules that reflect the diversity of the program:
Each module pushes me to think critically about how power operates globally and how rights are protected (or sometimes violated) within international systems. What stands out most is that you’re taught by academics who are actively contributing to research in global governance, security, and political ethics.
The York Academic Community
One of the reasons I chose York was its academic culture. Seminars are discussion-based, which means your voice matters. You’re not just listening, you’re debating, questioning and building arguments alongside your classmates.
I value spaces where disagreement is productive and where complex issues are unpacked thoughtfully. The diversity of perspectives in my cohort makes conversations richer and often challenges me to reconsider my assumptions.
This degree has helped me develop a wide range of transferable skills, including:
- Independent and reflective learning
- Communicating complex ideas clearly
- Interdisciplinary awareness
- Project and time management
- Critical analysis
Beyond the classroom, there are regular events, guest lectures and research seminars that connect theory to practice. Being exposed to ongoing policy discussions reinforces the feeling that you are part of a wider intellectual community, not just a classroom.
Life at York: More Than Just Studying
Being a postgraduate student here is about more than essays and seminars. As an International Student Ambassador, I engage with students from around the world and represent international perspectives within the university. It has helped me build confidence and feel part of a truly global academic environment.
York’s campus has become a special place for me. Walking around the lakes, watching the swans and geese glide across the water, and seeing squirrels running between trees gives me moments of calm during busy academic weeks. As someone who loves nature, these small pauses make a big difference.
Living in York also offers the perfect balance. The city is historic yet welcoming, and it’s easy to move between campus and town. Whether it’s walking along the city walls or studying in one of York’s independent cafés, there’s always space to reflect and recharge.
Preparing for the Future
Ultimately, I chose this program because I’m thinking beyond the degree itself. I’m thinking about a future career in policy, peacebuilding or international organizations.
The skills I’m developing in research design, policy analysis, persuasive writing and critical thinking are directly transferable to professional contexts. More importantly, the course encourages us to think ethically about global responsibility.
More than anything, I wanted a course that would equip me not only to understand global politics, but to engage with it responsibly and thoughtfully. York has provided that intellectual challenge, academic support and global perspective.
For me, choosing York wasn’t just about studying politics. It was about committing to understanding (and hopefully improving) the world we live in.
Read more blogs from politics students
Leave a Reply