Student Blog: My Transition from Undergraduate to Postgraduate Studies at UCL SSEES
10 January 2025
Written by SSEES MA student, Adam Horton.

Adam Horton is studying an International MA in Economy, State and Society: Politics and Security. In his blog post, he shares his experience on the differences between undergraduate and postgraduate studies and describes the transition to an area studies department like SSEES. To find out more about our Postgraduate Programmes and what to expect from studying at SSEES, join us at the SSEES Graduate Open Evening on 29 January 2025, 17:30 - 19:30.
Going straight into a master’s from undergraduate studies has allowed me to reflect on the key differences between the two. For context, I am a postgraduate student at UCL SSEES studying an international MA in Economy, State and Society, where my chosen track is Politics and Security. I did my undergraduate studies at Liverpool, where I undertook a BA in English and Philosophy. Therefore, not only have I changed my level of study (BA to MA), but I have also changed university and the disciplines I study. Through these changes, I have encountered many differences between my two university experiences. Some of these differences are due to the change in university, some to the change in academic focus, and some purely to the change in the qualification I’m pursuing.
While it is not a general rule that postgraduate studies are more interesting than undergraduate, I have found that studying master’s in an area studies department after doing a ‘general’ undergrad has provided a more focused, and ultimately more interesting, experience. Both the lecturers and students are fascinated with the region, with many people already able to speak a language from the SSEES region, while many others are learning (or trying their best to - the category I fall under!). Often debates or conversations that begin in the classroom will spill into the corridor, and topics covered in one class appear to seamlessly complement themes in another. It is no exaggeration to say that you become immersed in the region, and this is an immensely interesting and fortunate position to be in.
However, while I have found the degree extremely interesting, it has undoubtedly been more work. It is a simple fact that postgraduate studies demands more work than undergraduate studies to achieve similar results. This was, of course, something that I should have expected, however it still took some getting used to. Over my first term I learnt to adjust how I work in order to stay on top of assignments as well as the other commitments I have. One of the main things I learnt was to make use of the wealth of resources on offer. Again, this may be obvious to many, but previously I had a fairly insular approach to my studies. In contrast, this term I have used professor’s office hours in all my modules multiple times, sought careers advice within my first week and find myself constantly talking to other students about work and upcoming assignments (who have proved to be an invaluable network of support).
It is no secret that UCL, and SSEES specifically, have a strong international focus. While this was not totally new to me, with a student body made up of over 150 different nationalities and a central London location, UCL is a uniquely global university. I have found this international focus to be incredibly enriching – when in seminars or collaborating with other students, the wealth of different experiences and perspectives has allowed me to grow as a researcher and, I believe, as a person. I expect to benefit even further from this global outlook, as through SSEES’s academic partnerships I am spending my second year abroad in Hungary at Corvinus University of Budapest.
Overall, when I first applied for this course, I was aware that it would be challenging. While my undergraduate degree was no walk in the park, it was always going to be a step up in multiple different respects. Frankly, by the end of three years at Liverpool I had become well attuned to what was expected of me, aside from a tricky dissertation, by the end most of my work was done in a kind of ‘autopilot’. So, coming to UCL, and being confronted with data modules, Hungarian language classes and a Russian Foreign Policy class where it at first seemed everyone knew things I didn’t (all while attempting to build friendships and start new hobbies from scratch), was always going to be a change from what I am used to. However, at least so far, I can confidently say it has been a welcome change, I feel more motivated than ever, and I look forward, with great excitement, to continue my journey here at UCL in my second term.