Chloe Aggrey

How did you know that the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you?

The University of Birmingham has both a beautiful campus and strong academic support. Having the opportunity to meet a module lead virtually before starting gave me confidence that I would be well supported throughout my degree. The wide range of modules matched my interests, and the University’s strong reputation in International Relations, particularly for research and employability, was a key deciding factor. Alongside this, Birmingham’s diversity is something I really value, as I enjoy learning from people of different backgrounds and cultures.

Why did you choose to study your course?

I chose to study International Relations because, in such an interconnected world, I wanted to better understand the historical roots, implications, and future trajectories of global relations. I was particularly interested in grounding important political events in established theoretical frameworks developed over time. This grounding, I believe, has helped deepen my understanding of international politics and the forces shaping the world stage.

What is student life like for you?

As a full-time, one-year master’s student, a big part of student life for me has been connecting with other postgraduate students. Alongside the academic support provided by the School, having peers who are going through a similar experience has been really important in my postgraduate journey. An unexpected but valuable part of my learning has come from discussing lecture topics with friends from different academic backgrounds and building on our varied perspectives. Our student reps are also planning more postgraduate study and social sessions, which I think will be really beneficial.

What's your favourite memory of university life so far?

One of my favourite memories so far was attending the Christmas Carol Service organised by the Christian Union with my friends. The choir sang beautifully, blending classical and jazz styles, and the Christian Union provided hot chocolate and mince pies for everyone. It was just one of many festive events on campus, and it felt really special to celebrate the Christmas season with friends, especially alongside the pressures of winter deadlines.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

 My advice would be to fully embrace both the academic and social sides of university life. The University of Birmingham offers a wide range of resources and opportunities, and making the most of them can open doors to future research interests or career paths you may not have previously considered. Beyond academics, your social life is a key part of the university experience. With so many societies and events on offer, I would encourage students to get involved and try new things. It can be quite daunting but it’s just making that first step.