School of Social and Political Science

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How have you enjoyed your programme?

I enjoyed the programme, it focused on showing me the politics, ethnicity, culture and international relations of the Middle East. The curriculum was also very well thought out, with both grounded theory and discipline-specific features.

Find out more about MSc The Middle East in Global Politics

What does a typical weekday look like for you as a student at SPS?

Our classes are generally set at the George Square and Moray Campus, in the centre of Edinburgh. I usually walk to my classes, the main library is also near here, and if I have time I will go. The classes are surrounded by Starbucks and other speciality cafes, so it's easy to get something tasty. Meadows is nearby, I can go for a walk when tired, it's very nice.

Describe the support you get from academics

Every faculty member here is very positive and enthusiastic. Whether it is in study or life, you can get the patient support and help from them. My supervisor, Dr Jamie Allinson, has given me comprehensive guidance in choosing and writing my dissertation, and has helped me to grasp the crux of the problem when I was confused. As well as Dr Ewan Stein and Dr Lucy Abbott, when I had to miss classes due to medical reasons, they gave me full support through videos and emails, and answered my confusion in my studies. I am very appreciative of them.

Find out more about SPS Staff

How flexible is your degree programme?

The curriculum generally consists of compulsory courses and elective courses, while the compulsory courses are relatively fixed, the rest of the elective courses are very flexible, ranging from language courses such as Turkish and Persian, to specialised courses such as Gulf Politics and Political Contestation in the Middle East.

What are your highlights from your time at SPS?

I really enjoyed the course Gulf Politics and I was grateful the lecturer, Dr Lucy Abbott. When I started here, I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue my studies in the Middle East, Dr Lucy Abbott shared her journey with me and helped me to find my way forward in confusion. I found the direction I wanted to continue my studies through this course, which was very meaningful to me personally.

(Written in 2024)