Felix Scholar Student of Public Policy at University of Reading.

University of Edinburgh

7.3(29 Reviews)

University of Leeds

7.5(56 Reviews)

University of Bristol

7.3(16 Reviews)

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Reason for choosing my college

• I chose the University of Reading over the other colleges because the course focuses particularly on scientific and research skills to equip students for the ever-changing technical world. This also led to the change of its name from MA Public Policy to MSc in Public Policy, as it is now known. Also, besides the academic part, the primary focus for me to shortlist was access to scholarships. While there were quite a few scholarships, it is very difficult to get one in the field you wish to pursue.
• I applied for the Felix Scholarship, which offers scholarships to only three colleges in the UK. The University of Reading is one among them. I also had an option to apply to the course of my wish. My interest in Political Science and particularly in International relations has piqued my interest to apply for Reading's MSc in Public Policy course with the scholarship, of course.

London School of Economics and Political Science

7.5(4 Reviews)

University of Sussex

7.5(9 Reviews)

Reason for Rejection

• Well, I think one of the reasons that I believe could be the reason is the course that I applied to at LSE - Masters in Public Policy—requires 5 years of work experience, which I didn't have. But I had a year of experience in a related field. I think somehow that didn't convince the evaluator. I would also be humble to accept there could be other reasons related to my SoP.

• Commitment, experience in understanding basic concepts, and showing your interest in the course, college and subject in your SoP are crucial. SoP is written in several ways and from my experience, personalizing it and writing it narratively from life experiences would help one to stand out among peers.

• I had chosen the UK based on the suggestions that I had received from some of my seniors and friends who did their master's and PhDs in the UK. The University of Reading was my preference because of the availability of scholarships and also academically, my interests best aligned with the objectives of the course. Though the University's ranking is not one of the best compared to its other counterparts, every college is unique. Reading is exceptional in some of the courses. Its meteorology and food sciences departments are some of the best across the UK and the world.
• In the Department of Politics and International Relations, the university stood as one of the best in total publications and research funding. This could be one of the attractive areas for students who are looking towards a master's in the UK. The course has provided a diverse playing field within schools and also empowered its students to choose modules across the department. Using this opportunity, I chose modules from the Department of Economics and Agriculture. For example, Addressing poverty and inequality through social policy was being offered at the Department of Agriculture.
• My interest in Poverty and interrelated social problems, particularly in the global south, enabled me to choose according to my interests. Besides this, as I highlighted before, the department gave focus to technological capacities as well. For example, I chose quantitative research methods and economic appraisal modules, which helped me to learn Stata with rigorous quantitative research methods to use in the research. When one talks about campus life, I think Reading stands out exceptionally in several areas. With its focus on green climate and sustainability, the university has initiated several steps towards zero carbon within the premises of the university and college accommodations. Lastly, the college space provides diverse opportunities to students across the globe.

• It depends on the number of modules one chooses per term. I had 5 modules in autumn and 3 in spring. The time of each class is a minimum of 2 hours. They were held between 9 AM and 6 PM. Not regularly; it varies. But considerable time for students to read and participate in other activities. Master classes are usually very short. I had around average 5 in my classes. I was the only person from India in my course.

• Good student-faculty ratio. The facilities were really good. They are welcoming. I did like everyone. To name one, it would be Prof. Giovanni Razzu, who taught us Economics of Public Policy. Faculties also act as friends and extended family so you can discuss and express anything in front of them. Every student has a tutor who acts as a friend and helps in resolving students' problems.

• All the facilities were provided. No shortage of anything. Notably, the meal plans for students who wish to have the university's food can also have it at a subsidized cost. There are several clubs in university and one can join as many as one wishes. Every wednesday there is a University club if one wants to get some exposure and speak about one's interests and talk to others.

• National minimum pay is universal. If I were to take a number, it should be more than 12 for adults. And it varies from company to company and according to one's skills. It is easy and one has to apply through companies websites and also visit nearby stores if interested. People usually visit stores and show interest, get to know when there is a vacancy and actively apply when it is open. It happens in November and December (considerably high volume).

• There are several opportunities to find a part-time job. The pay is on a national payscale. There are on-campus and off-campus as well. It is easy provided one has good networking skills. Reading has provided special assistance to students who face financial hardships. I personally knew students getting waivers and also some financial assistance to meet unforeseen circumstances. During course time, not beyond 20 hours per week. But during holidays, students are allowed to work for 40 hours.

• There are several opportunities but having an internship and required skills is crucial to stand out. Around 30% will easily find a job before they leave and by 6 months, a decent amount of 45-50% will end up securing a job. It takes time but surely people do get a full-time job. Students apply through graduate stream. Networking on LinkedIn. On average, the pay would be more than 25,000-30,000 GBP. Students use LinkedIn career workshop opportunities at college.
• Fairs and workshops at college held now and then help students to get connections. Besides that, department talks and events also help in this regard. Networking worked quite well for students. One can also access the college career advice team, and work on the CV. refinement and also give mock interviews.