Students on Edge Hill University's Politics programmes recently took their learning outside the classroom with an annual field trip to one of the UK's Parliaments. This year, the destination was the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
The trip offered students a unique opportunity to learn about a career in politics from industry professionals and experience what it is like to work in an exciting parliamentary setting. Activities included a tour of the Parliament, private meetings with Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), and the chance to watch First Minister's Questions live.
Henrik, a BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations student, said: "A highlight for me was meeting a Member of the Scottish Parliament, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, who provided interesting insights into what motivated him to want to represent his constituents in Parliament. We then watched First Minister John Swinney during First Minister's Questions, which provided first-hand knowledge into how the legislative process of one of the devolved nations is conducted."
Students also visited the Romanian Consulate in Edinburgh to learn about Romania's foreign policy priorities, Romanian-British bilateral relations, the nature of diplomatic and consular work, women in diplomacy, and a day in the life of a diplomat posted abroad. They had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A with Diplomatic Counsellor Janina Cismaru.
Charlie, a BA (Hons) History and Politics student, said: "While we knew quite a lot about how a Parliament works, we didn't know as much about what diplomats do on a day-to-day basis. I found the visit to the Romanian Consulate utterly fascinating."
Diplomatic Counsellor Janina Cismaru added: "We were truly impressed by the Edge Hill students' interest and enthusiasm for a diplomatic career."
The Politics annual trip to a UK Parliament is an important part of the course, inspiring students' future careers and giving them the chance to witness politics first-hand and understand the role and activity of key political institutions.
Ella Weatherburn, a Law with Politics student, explained: "My favourite part of the trip was visiting the Scottish Parliament; it was the last UK government building I hadn't visited and it was interesting to see it. Observing the First Minister's Questions was exciting, the seats we had allowed us to view the whole chamber and the debate was quite heated, so it was entertaining to watch. This was my last trip of the three I undertook as part of my politics studies and I am super grateful to be offered these experiences."
For more information about Politics programmes and studying at Edge Hill University, visit their website.
