School of Social and Political Science

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Emma is in her fourth year studying International Relations. She tells us a little about her experience so far at the School, on her course, and what it's like to live in Edinburgh. 

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Studying at the School of Social and Political Science

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh?

The biggest draw to Edinburgh for me was the ability to study really broadly in my first and second year. I remember being impressed by the sheer amount of flexibility that my programme afforded me, and I was able to take a range of different courses, including Middle Eastern history; Chinese history; beginners German; beginners Arabic; European Social Policy; and African Studies. Now that I’m in my honours years, I’ve got less flexibility to pick courses outside of my department, but instead, I have a huge amount of flexibility to choose different Politics and International Relations courses that I’m interested in.

How have you enjoyed your programme?

I’ve enjoyed my programme a lot. In my first and second years, I enjoyed being able to study really broadly and explore different subject areas. Now, I’m enjoying taking very specific IR modules that I’m particularly interested in. 

What has been your favourite course?

It’s really hard to pick just one! I think one of my favourites was Nations and Nationalism, which I took in third year. I enjoyed it a lot because the course content was really fascinating, but it also allowed me to explore my own interests in the end-of-semester essay, where I compared Welsh and Turkish mid-20th Century nationalism! A special mention also definitely goes to Global Security, which I really enjoyed and has definitely shaped the courses I’ve picked in my fourth year, and what I would consider as a career in the future. 

Aims for after University?

In the summer of my third year, and with a lot of support from the Careers Service, I did a three-month internship in the UK Government Engagement team of an American technology company. I really enjoyed my time there and it was a good introduction to the corporate world. Now, I’m really hopeful that an offer of a graduate job will come out of it. In the meantime, though, I’m in the middle of applying for similar graduate schemes in the banking and financial technology sectors.

University of Edinburgh Careers Service

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

As a fourth year, I don’t have a lot of teaching hours, and instead do a lot of self-guided study. So, on a typical day, I’ll walk to campus for around 10am to find some study space in the library and work through the required reading for one of my courses. I much prefer working on campus to working in my flat, and so I’m on campus whenever I can be.

I’ll head to the Students’ Association for lunch, and then in the afternoon I’ll head to another study space on campus to work on my dissertation or on an essay. Sometimes I’ll book out a teaching room so my friends and I can all study in the same place.

I try to be finished no later than 5pm, and then my evenings are my own for society meetings or for hanging out with friends. 

Knowing what you do now, what would you say to your past self before starting the course?

I think I definitely had a mistaken idea about what University was going to be like before I arrived, and it took me a while to find the right work-life balance. I’d definitely tell myself to make better use of the support systems available to me (like teaching staff office hours, and PALS), rather than expecting myself to always understand things first time around. 

University life

Are you involved in any student societies?

Yes! I’ve really enjoyed getting involved with societies and I’ve tried to find something new every year of my degree. This year, I’m on the committee for the Theatre Company, and I’m lighting a production of Legally Blonde for the Savoy Opera Group. I write for the student newspaper and go along to workshops organised by FinTech (Financial Technology) society. In my second and third years, I was an Officer Cadet at the City of Edinburgh Universities’ Officer Training Corps, which is part of the British Army reserves.

I’d recommend getting involved in any society that catches your interest and remember that it’s never too late to get involved. You can absolutely try new hobbies and join new societies in second, third or fourth year.

Where have you lived while studying at Edinburgh?

After moving out of a small, self-catered halls of residence at the end of my first year, I’ve privately-rented in the city ever since. In my second year I lived with my best friend in a small flat on the Royal Mile, which was definitely a great location but could get very noisy. Now, I live with another friend in Marchmont, which has a very different atmosphere, but I enjoy living on a more typically residential street and getting to interact with the community. That being said, Edinburgh is such a student city that you’re never that far from other students or the amenities (like coffee shops!) that students like.

What has your University experience been like, in just three words?!

...half-price Teviot Nachos!

If you recommend ONE thing to do in the first semester what would it be?

If I had to pick just one thing, it’d be to take some time to get out of the ‘student bubble’ and explore Edinburgh as it exists outside the University. I’m so grateful I decided to get involved in a community volunteering programme in my first semester, because it gave me a more tangible connection to the Edinburgh community and made me feel like I was giving something back to the city which had welcomed me so warmly. Even if it’s just going for a wander through an ‘out-of-the-way’ neighbourhood or park, it’s definitely worth getting off campus from time to time and seeing the ‘real’ Edinburgh. If you'd like a park recommendation, I adore Braidburn Valley Park in Greenbank. 

The City of Edinburgh

What are your favourite things to do in Edinburgh at the weekend? 

I try really hard to not do any academic work during the weekends, so I have time to myself to relax. Most weekends, I’ll try and go for a swim at the Royal Commonwealth Pool with a friend.

Since lockdown ended, I’ve also got really in to going to the cinema, so I’ll go a few times a month, either on my own or with pals. There’s a couple of pretty big cinemas in and around the city centre, which show a mix of older films and current releases. 

City of Edinburgh top tip or hidden gem?

Craiglockhart Hill! I think a lot of people know about Arthur’s Seat, or Blackford or Calton hills, but Craiglockhart Hill gives you wonderful 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding countryside, whilst being a lot quieter than the more ‘city-centre’ hills! 

Have you had a part-time job while you’ve been in Edinburgh? 

Yes, I’ve worked a couple of different part-time jobs while I’ve been at Edinburgh. In my first year I was hired as a Student Ambassador for the University, giving tours of campus to prospective students and helping out on open days, and I still do that now.

In my second year I was also hired by the Students’ Association as part of their Technical and Production Events Crew. Both of these roles are really good for a student because they can be super flexible. During quieter months, I can take on extra shifts to earn a bit more money, but in months where I have lots of deadlines, I can take a step back and focus on my academic work.

My top tip would definitely be to find an employer who’s willing to be flexible.