Kristian, the first in his family to go to university, shares his experience with us. Having always been interested in politics, he talks about how his time studying BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations helped him find his voice, and the confidence to use it, and is inspiring him to move into the field of policy making.

A course to meet my career aims

I’m from Swansea and joined the BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations course as a mature student.

I graduated in 2024 and really enjoyed my time at the Bath. Although I’m now doing a master's elsewhere to be closer to my partner, I would have loved to stay in Bath because of the great experience I had.

I've always had a strong interest in politics, particularly in understanding global issues and how societies function. Studying at Bath gave me the opportunity to explore these topics academically, broadening my knowledge quite considerably.

I’ve always aimed for a career in the civil service, and the course has been a great foundation to help me reach that goal.

Strong focus on employability and real-world experience

One of the biggest draws of the course for me was its strong focus on employability.

The professional placement in Year 3 was a fantastic opportunity. I was fortunate to work with the Institute of Policy Research.

This experience gave me a solid grounding in policy, and this definitely boosted my confidence when applying for civil service roles. Without it, I don’t think I would have been as successful in my applications.

The placement team was supportive all through that process. They understood my career aims and helped me secure an experience that was directly linked to my interests and organised regular check-ins throughout the placement.

My confidence increased throughout my placement, and I felt even more motivated coming back into my final year. It makes such a difference having practical experience and being able to apply that back to learning – it works both ways!

Developing skills for your future

The course covers a wide range of political and international relations topics.

Before university, my understanding of politics was quite UK-focused. However, through my studies, I explored topics like foreign policy and international and political economy. One area I fondly remember looking at was Central Asian politics.

This has broadened my perspective and helped me think in a different, more informed way and develop well-reasoned and evidence-backed opinions.

The emphasis on logical, analytical thinking and clear communication has been invaluable – it’s essential for policy work. The lecturers were always available to talk to and willing to provide guidance, so you never got stuck or delayed in your understanding or studying.

Our assessments and assignments helped us write more clearly and become better communicators. Writing concisely and persuasively is crucial in the civil service, where work needs to be accessible and clear to a wide audience. I took on the role of being a Peer Assisted Learning Leader for three years, as well as being a great way to meet other people at various stages of their course, it also improved my ability to present ideas confidently and learn to organise and lead sessions.

One particularly valuable module involved working in teams on a fictional political campaign, lobbying and presenting our ideas to the class. This was really good for negotiation and presentation skills and for teamwork.

Gaining confidence and personal growth

Coming from a working-class background and being the first in my family to attend university, this experience was important for me. Initially, I was worried about fitting in as a mature student, but I quickly realised that age and background don’t matter - everyone is treated equally and has the opportunity to thrive.

I used to struggle with anxiety, but I went into university determined to say ‘yes’ to new opportunities and this mindset helped me grow and stretch myself a little. I did prioritise my studying, so societies were a small part of my experience, but engaging with the wider university environment beyond just attending lectures by taking part in some societies, academic discussions, and extracurricular activities helped me develop new skills and regularly make new connections.

The value of dissertation and independent research

I really enjoyed doing the extended dissertation because it allowed me to delve into a topic I was passionate about - artificial intelligence and its policy implications. The research process helped me develop independent study skills, work through vast amounts of information, and, I hope, contribute to an important area of study.

This experience was particularly relevant to my future career. Policy work requires the ability to synthesise complex information and make informed recommendations. The dissertation helped me work on these abilities. I think this type of work is important for standing out as a candidate for roles in the public sector.

Finding your voice

University isn’t just about getting a degree, it’s about discovering who you are, finding your voice and building confidence to go after what you want.

After my placement, I secured a summer internship at the Ministry of Defence, which further reinforced my decision to pursue a career in policy. After that, I applied for a Civil Service Fast Stream position and was accepted.