Unsure of your subject choice or even how to go about narrowing down many choices? Lulu is here to offer an insight into how she reached her decision to study Sociology and Politics at Edinburgh.
Blog by Lulu, Sociology and Politics
Why I chose to study Sociology and Politics
From my experience, I have found that there are three types of students; those with career aspirations that consequently pre-determine their degree path, those with vague ideas of what they want to pursue and those who are unsure. A few months into graduating from high school, I found myself falling into the latter category; one who was rather unsure. Although I felt that many students were very focused and knew what they wanted to do, we were all in the same boat.
Choosing what to study at university is a very important decision, which can have an impact on your future. It can be stressful but rest assured – I suggest taking your time thinking about how your choice may align with your passions, interests, and career objectives.
Being an intelligent first-born from an African household almost pre-determines your degree choice. For me, this was chemical engineering. I grew up convinced that I would pursue a career in chemical engineering, so I opted for science subjects and mathematics throughout school. However, I was introduced to critical thinking and a world where majoring in social sciences was an option when joining an IB (International Baccalaureate) school. I was able to explore my interests and passions and eventually reached a degree choice that reflected them. There are several factors I took into consideration when deciding to study Sociology and Politics at the University of Edinburgh. Here is why I chose this degree. I hope you’ll find them useful.
Exploring society and making a difference
Why are arranged marriages common in some societies and not others? What about the Patriarchy? These questions led me to develop an interest in studying the society. I wanted to understand why and how different cultures and norms come about, how they’re maintained and what we can do to make things better. The topics covered help you understand topics at a local, national and international level. Therefore, I believed that combining Sociology and Politics promised me the ability to be able to make a difference in the world that I live in.
As I like to say, understanding the society is the first step to creating social change!
Ever evolving subjects
I wanted to study something relatable to everyday situations that will further increase my curiosity and extend my knowledge on social and political issues. These issues can range from race, social inequality, and gender, to power structures, global politics, and international relations. Sociology, being the study of society, is very dynamic and so is the world of politics. These subjects tend to adjust with contemporary society to try to explain and reflect it, something I found fascinating about this degree in comparison to the formulas in Physics I used to study. It implied that I would learn issues relevant to contemporary society and theories that seek to explain humanity. I could not wait!
Knowing how the world works
If you’re as much of a curious person as I am then you must’ve asked yourself this question several times in your life; “How does the world work?” Be it in shock at Trump’s election or gender inequality in your community. I chose this degree choice because I believed it would help me answer this question and I have not been disappointed. The degree modules combine aspects of psychology, history, philosophy (some sociological and political thinkers were also philosophers) and law. The multidimensional aspect of this degree makes understanding the world a lot easier and has enabled me to understand how to influence social change.
Transferrable skills
This degree will equip you with skills such as analytical and critical thinking, assertiveness, public speaking, data analysis, essay writing and research. All these are valuable skills to employers making it easier for graduates to work in sectors that may not be directly related to Sociology or Politics. I am someone who likes having flexibility in my life, hence, this was a perfect choice. Graduates of this degree could go on and work in fields such as journalism, consulting, banking and finance and even public sectors. Also, the skills attained enhance your graduate employability prospects. The world is your oyster!
International perspective
Social sciences challenge you to think outside the box, not limiting yourself to just your own experiences. Being an international student myself, I like to explore and learn more about new cultures and experiences. The course itself will give you a well-rounded view and understanding of global politics and societies. As a result, it can prove useful when pursuing a career or further studies overseas.
These are simply some of the reasons I had for choosing this degree. I understand that everyone has different interests, so it is important to reflect on your passions and whether they align with your strengths then simply take the leap of faith! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s how we learn and grow. Moreover, the chances are that we’re all just trying to figure out who we are and what we want to do with life. So just go for it!
(From Lucas George Wendt on Unsplash,)
