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Thomas Jones

BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology

Headshot of BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology student, Thomas Jones. Student is wearing a white shirt and smiling.

My favourite part about my degree is the numerous opportunities to work with real-life clients. Learning about the material and then applying that to the real world has been insightful in seeing the reality of how political systems work.

During Covid-19, politics was unavoidable. This inspired me to learn more about politics and the combination with sociology interested me in learning about society as a whole and how it functions. The two subjects marry each other nicely and you can see society in different lenses.

The opportunities that were discussed on the Open Day inspired me. I chose to study at Edge Hill when my dad and I came on an Open Day, where talking with my tutor solidified my choice at Edge Hill. Visiting the campus on Open Days can be a good way to gauge whether you are interested in the module choices and get a sense of campus life at Edge Hill.

I have learned a variety of skills on my degree, from improving my confidence in speaking to large groups to research skills. This has helped me in looking for prospective careers within events as well as charity organisations that I believe can impact society.

My most memorable moment of my degree was supporting the ex-member of parliament Rosie Cooper in researching information for her Private Members Bill regarding the addition of supporting users who require British Sign Language. Interviewing former ministers and writing my findings was a good experience for me. It was a relief when the Bill was passed in early 2022, as it felt like all the hard work was worth it.

Another memorable moment in my degree was when I presented my research at the Undergraduate Political Studies Association (PSA), where I was able to meet with other students across the country, listen to each other’s research, and ask questions about current political topics and discussions, an experience I will never forget.

My favourite part about my degree is the numerous opportunities to work with real-life clients. Learning about the material and then applying that to the real world has been insightful in seeing the reality of how political systems work.

Another part of my degree that I love is seeing all the theory being put into practice through the extracurricular activities I do within the ‘Politics Lab’. Taking part in the ‘Politics Lab’ has allowed me to gain insight into various avenues of research, report writing, group work, and advocating for change.

My favourite place on campus has to be the Catalyst. The multiple floors that vary in noise are perfect for me, depending on whether I am studying in a group or alone. The easy access to books and coffee (just as important) is something I love when I am on campus and need to get work done. Since it is open 24/7, when I arrive early from taking public transport, it is somewhere where I can do work and get my morning croissant and americano.

The various opportunities that have been made available to me have helped me to determine my interests and whether I would like to pursue a career in that sector. Although I am not sure what I want to do when I graduate, the skills that I have gained from the projects I have completed during my degree will certainly make me stand out in job applications, which gives me confidence in applying for graduate jobs upon graduation.

The research and presentation skills I have developed have also opened doors for me to potentially pursue a master’s degree at a later time, if I wish to do so.

My advice for someone considering this course is to explore the other opportunities that you can engage in alongside your studies. Whether it’s working for a local MP or writing reports for select committees, these real-life experiences can help solidify your knowledge and provide practical applications of your learning.