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MA Human Rights Alumni Florence Wilkinson speaks about her studying Human Rights at the department...

Florence Wilkinson, MA Human Rights

Flo

Hi! My name is Flo Wilkinson. I studied MA Human Rights at the department during the 2020/21 academic year. 

Why made you choose this programme in the Dept of PolSci at UCL and what interested you the most about it?

I chose the Human Rights programme because the interdisciplinary approach enabled me to have the freedom to deep dive into diverse subjects that combined core human rights law and theory with current human rights politics and practice. It was fascinating to learn about topical human rights issues, such as COVID-19's implications on Human Rights, and have in-depth solution orientated discussions about the future of human rights and our society generally. 

What’s your favourite/most memorable memory of your time at UCL?

I enjoyed my final assignment for the module 'Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Policy and Management'. We were tasked with writing an essay on a topic of our choice (one that was taught on the module) and also recording a singular podcast audio of ourselves talking about issue. This assignment gave me the freedom to express my passion for the topic in a less academic and rigid way. 

How has your time studying in The Political Science Department contributed to your career?

By studying Human Rights with an interdisciplinary approach, I was able to enhance my knowledge on Buisness & Human Rights/ Corporate Social Responsibility. This enabled me to have the core skills, knowledge and confidence to apply for social responsibility roles at corporate companies. Currently, I work at one of the biggest corporate companies optimising processes to be more sustainable. 

How did you find the teaching staff and how was your relationship with your programme director?

​Despite remote learning, the teaching staff did everything that they could to support us on the programme and within each module. It was an engaging remote learning experience. The programme director was very supportive and had great communication skills - constantly keeping us all updated on the course and checking-in on how we are doing. 

What advice would you have for current students?

Choose and tailor your assignments to what you are interested in and what you would like to pursue after the course (with approval from the course lecturer!). Writing about something that you are truly passionate about makes researching and essay writing a much more enjoyable experience. Also, never be afraid to ask questions - even if you think it's 'stupid'. I asked plenty of 'stupid questions' and I don't regret any of them!

What’s something you now know but wish you knew when you started your studies?

Over Christmas and at the end of Term 2, you are going to have a lot of deadlines. Be prepared by starting early and scheduling in appointments with the relevant lecturers to discuss the questions/ task as soon as possible (arranging calls in week 3 to discuss assignments is not too early). If you are anxious request Extenuating Circumstances. You can self-certify for these, meaning that you do not have to have a doctor's note. They do not impact your grade or get mentioned on your transcripts. They relieve the pressure, and this results in you producing work that is of high standard and that you are proud of. 

What does the future hold for you?

Working my way up to manager/ senior manager roles in social responsibility and looking out for overseas opportunities. 

Describe the Political Science Department in five words?

Challenging, rewarding, engrossing, empowering, analytical.