Annabel Hill, MSc Environment, Politics and Society

In this interview, Annabel tells us about her experiences on the course, what drove her to make the move from chemistry to the social sciences and her future working for the Civil Service.

Why were you interested in studying for an MSc in Environment, Politics and Society generally?  

I studied chemistry as an undergraduate and I wanted an MSc programme that could pivot my academic career as one of my key interests is the way the natural and social sciences interact. Therefore, the interdisciplinary nature of this course was a huge draw for me.  

What was it that encouraged you to choose UCL to study it in?  

Having never studied social sciences before, the variety of module options and the opportunity to develop quantitative and qualitative research skills were important to me. I was also lucky as the work of the course convener, Dr Eszter Kovacs, aligned and inspired my own interests in sustainable food systems, policy, and rural development. I went on to study these topics in my dissertation, supervised by Eszter.  

What were the most interesting or engaging things you learned on the course?   

The opportunities in this course to develop new and existing skills are excellent. For example, in the Advanced Geopolitics module, I utilised my chemistry background, looking into the geopolitical importance of PFAS pollution, building on my existing understanding while looking at these problems from a new angle.   

Can you tell us about any particularly memorable experiences from your time as a Masters student with us?   

The research dissertation was an incredibly rewarding experience. There is a lot of flexibility in choosing a research area, which can seem a little daunting but means that you can pick a topic you are passionate about.   

What do you hope to do in the future?   

I am now starting on the Civil Service Science and Engineering Fast Stream. My first post is in DEFRA, working as a scientific advisor. I am looking forward to utilising the skills I learned during this course in a new environment.  

Would you recommend studying Environment, Politics and Society in the Department and why?  

This course is challenging and engaging in equal measures. It allows you to build on existing interests and delve into entirely new areas of study – particularly relevant if, like me, you’ve never studied social science before! The professors and lecturers are incredibly passionate and offer excellent support. 

Interested in following in Annabel's footsteps? Visit our Study pages to find out more.