Tom Guy

What were you doing before you came to study at City and why did you decide to apply to study at City?

A Level Student at Havant Sixth Form College, Hampshire. I decided to apply to City as it was at the heart of a diverse and international community.

What has been the best thing about studying Politics at City?

Choosing to study the Politics BSc course at City, University of London has allowed me to experience a diverse and dynamic academic programme, with knowledge and teaching on the forefront of political science; all from the heart of a city that has an amazing international outlook.

Politics BSc at City allows students to discover and challenge ideas on some of the most contemporary topics that are developing around the world; from populist movements in Europe to security studies and terrorism.

The course is extremely flexible, and I have enjoyed the ability to model and shape my degree how I want to study, whilst having the knowledge I will complete certain core modules that will help me develop as a political scientist.

What is your favourite thing about studying at City?

I am taken aback at the variety and depth of academic research that happens at City. This is of benefit to us as students, because I am regularly taught by academics who are leading their field in research.

My personal tutor has always been on hand to help, academically or pastorally, and I have never felt that staff made students feel as if they were a ‘burden’. Academics are happy to be challenged on ideas and theories and there is a great sense of rigorous debate.

City’s Careers Team has offered me experience in visiting and shadowing the Hansard team in the Houses of Parliament, attending workshops with the UK Civil Service and guest lecturers on the rise of Donald Trump. Personally, I have benefited greatly from seeking advice from careers advisors at City and opting to take a Practical Politics module and gain further insight into the world of political careers.

What is your favourite thing about living in London?

City is well placed within London to have allowed me to experience a variety of opportunities and has helped me to gain valuable insight into a variety of careers throughout my degree. I am now in my third and final year at City, and I can say I have had an amazing time studying in a centre of global affairs.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to start a job in the UK Civil Service. I have gained a place on the graduate Fast Stream programme, and will begin in September 2019. Ultimately, I believe all the skills and knowledge I gained at City helped me greatly in securing a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. Careers advisors guided me through every stage of the application, and with my own hard work, I have been successful in gaining employment with the Cabinet Office.

What would be say to students thinking of studying Politics at City?

Studying Politics BSc at City has opened a world of opportunities that I didn’t think would be available to me, and I hope to have made friendships that will last a significant time. It goes without saying, that the effort you put into life at City will determine what you get out. I have had the support from the university, to be able to strive for every opportunity, and ultimately my degree has allowed me to be able to understand our world better, and put me in a position to help change it for the future.