Student profiles

Rebecca Viney, 1st year undergraduate student

Why did you choose York?

York has a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. It offers expertise in the political and social science departments, and a course unique to the University.

Why did you choose SPS?

The broad interdisciplinary approach offered by SPS is needed in our increasingly globalized world, where in order to tackle modern challenges; we need to have knowledge that transcends the boundaries of traditional disciplines. 

What appeals to you about SPS?

The three disciplines complement each other, and the course offers more breadth than traditional degrees.

Charles Trotter, 1st year undergraduate student

Why did you choose York?

I knew it was a good University and I knew of other people who had been and enjoyed it. As well as having a flexible multi-disciplinary course which I was looking for I liked the City and campus having been here before.

Why did you choose SPS?

I wanted to do something in the area of Politics as I have always found it interesting. SPS looked like a flexible course where I would be able to specialise in what I most enjoyed doing.

What appeals to you about SPS?

The contrast of subjects from the practical applied Politics of Social Policy to broad theoretical perspectives of society in Social Theory and Politics.

Catherine Hennigan, 2nd year undergraduate student


Why did you choose York?

I honestly can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. The teaching is first class, the college system allows for a brilliant pastoral care element, and the city of York itself is absolutely beautiful. I liked the idea of being on a campus separate to the city, so that especially for the first year, most of your time is spent as part of the big ‘University Family’ on campus, with college events to attend and societies to join, all the while completing your degree course in a safe environment. The relationship between staff and students at York is one of respect, and allows for a friendly environment in all learning and welfare situations, leaving me as a student feeling totally at ease in my first term at University. 

Why did you choose SPS?

I didn’t want to narrow down my degree course to one subject, and therefore the SPS course offered a combination of subjects that suited my needs. When I visited in February 2010 on a post-offer open day, I was unsure about whether York was really the right place for me, especially on such a new course. However, the enthusiasm demonstrated that day by all faculty members, and specifically the course director left me feeling that being a part of SPS would be an exciting time, with all the support and variety I was looking for.

What appeals to you about SPS?

When I found York were offering a collaboration of Politics, Sociology and Social Policy, I felt this course would be ideal for me, especially with the wide variety of option modules in the second and third years. I also wanted to be part of a fairly small course group with close relationships with peers on the same course as well as lots of one to one supervision opportunities, and SPS seemed to offer both of these things.

Katrina Baron, 2nd year undergraduate student

Why did you choose York?

I wanted to go to a university which had a good reputation as well as being a pleasant environment in which I had to work and live - York gave me both. 

Why did you choose SPS?

I have always been interested in the social sciences and SPS let me study a broader range than I would have been able to anywhere else. 

What appeals to you about SPS?

It covers all the social sciences that are of interest to me. You don't feel that you are lost in between departments.

Itai Michael Choto, 2nd year undergraduate student

Why did you choose York?

The university offers high quality, innovative and rigorous academic standards that are complemented by a world class research ethos-a belief that teaching and research are synergistic. It's these attributes along with a world class academic reputation that inspired me to choose this academic institution. 

Why did you choose SPS?

It's multi-faceted and dynamic...and aims to provide a fundamental understanding of issues that confront modern societies. It also helps to know that one is being taught in some of the best social sciences Deparments not only in the UK but in the world!!! 

What appeals to you about SPS?

It's a dynamic wide ranging course.