Undergraduate student perspectives

'Studying in the PIR Department has been a wonderful experience. It is a young and dynamic department and the lecturers bring real enthusiasm to their teaching. It is extremely rewarding to be taught by active and accomplished researchers who bring the most recent debates into their courses. And the dynamism of the academic staff is complemented by an active PIR Student Society. I thoroughly recommend studying here.' '- Yvonne Jeffery, BA Politics & International Relations, 2007-2010.

 

Masters student perspectives

'This course is perfectly designed to interpret new political communication, which is an emerging issue in the twenty-fi rst century. The Department includes scholars and researchers who equip us with academic knowledge at global, national and local levels, as well as critical thinking skills. We are exposed to the most up to date and in-depth analyses of theories in the course. The recently established research centres within the department also benefi t students with their research projects and external networks.' - Pei-Hsin Gwenyth Wang MSc New Political Communication student 2008–09 from Taiwan

'I thoroughly enjoyed my experience doing my MSc at Royal Holloway. The world-class teaching staff
create a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for learning on a gorgeous campus. The program is challenging but rewarding, and has equipped me with the necessary skills to pursue a vast array of options.' - Alexis Cawardias MSc International Relations student 2008–09 from Canada

'Current events come alive in every lesson, and the scholars make me feel that I am coming closer to my ultimate dream, a career in politics and international relations. It is an honour and a life changing experience to study in such an exceptional department, I know I will most definitely miss it!' - Nicola Karcher MSc Democracy, Politics and Governance student 2008–09 from Germany

 

PhD Student Perspectives

'I have found the postgraduate experience at Royal Holloway College to be highly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I studied full-time for the Masters in Democracy, Politics and Governance, after having been employed as a political lobbyist for an education charity. The Masters provided me with thorough research training and a firm intellectual grounding in the subject, which I enjoyed so much that I decided to stay on and do a PhD. During my research, I have been supported and encouraged by highly experienced supervisors, whose committed interest and discerning comments have enabled me to grow in confidence. The Department is very friendly, and is particularly active in providing regular research seminars and opportunities for students and staff to meet. Research facilities are excellent, and, as someone with family and voluntary work commitments, I have valued being able to work flexibly and from any location, via remote connection to the college library and databases. Royal Holloway provides a beautiful campus setting, as well as a genuinely diverse student body. Although the life of a PhD researcher can sometimes be isolating, there are numerous opportunities to meet others through courses organised by the Graduate School, and the activities of the Postgraduate Forum. I have made new friends across all age groups, disciplines and from different countries, with the assistance of the College’s very welcoming coffee shops! For anyone seeking a high quality learning environment, Royal Holloway College is an excellent choice.' - Ruth Chenoweth, studying for a PhD in political theory.

'I applied to do a PhD in the Department of Politics and International Relations after completing a Masters degree at Royal Holloway.  My choice to apply here was driven by the department's ability to effectively supervise my research area, which was quite unusual (the impact of institutional structures of the adoption of the Internet in electoral campaigns in different societies).  The friendly and welcoming nature of the department was also important to me; I knew I could only produce my best work somewhere where I would be happy and comfortable.  I was also lucky enough to be awarded a three year fees scholarship by the college to continue my studies, which made doing a PhD financially much easier.  The department is also supportive in the facilities it offers.  During my studies I had access to a spacious and comfortable office, which I shared with three other doctoral students. This made working day-to-day much easier.' - Dr Nick Anstead, PhD student 2005-2009, now a Lecturer in Media and Communications at the London School of Economics.