"Warwick is a first-class institution, with the particularity that it is also young. It distinguishes it from other UK institutions, as it has energy and the desire to continue growing daily." Discover Juan's journey at Warwick and read the story of what led him to study his MA in Political and Legal Theory with us from 2021-2022.

Course:

MA Political and Legal TheoryLink opens in a new window

Study Dates:

2021 - 2022

How did you find about about Warwick?

I found out about Warwick from a friend who also had a friend who had studied and worked at the university a few years ago. Although he's an engineer, he spoke wonderful things about the university, giving me excellent recommendations. Thanks to them, I visited the university website and was happy to discover that they offered the Master's I wanted to study.

How did you find the application process? Did you apply anywhere else?

On the one hand, I am the first member of my family to have studied at university, so I had to do a lot of research to choose where and what I wanted to study. On the other hand, due to my professional orientation as a lawyer and academic interests in politics and philosophy, I have always wanted to study a specific master's programme, Political and Legal Theory, realizing that it is only offered in a few UK universities. So, I only applied to LSE, UCL and Warwick, which offered the programme. Today, thanks to my experience, I think that having applied to only three universities and running the risk of pursuing a very specific idea, I can say that I was very lucky!

I carried out the entire application and visa process by myself. When I had questions, I only asked the university teams, who always responded to me on time and allowed me to carry out all the procedures without problems.

What made you choose Warwick?

First of all, my main goal was to be able to study at one of the best universities in the world, which served as the first filter for my search. Warwick is a first-class institution, with the particularity that it is also young. It distinguishes it from other UK institutions, as it has energy and the desire to continue growing daily.

A second aspect has to do with my professional and academic concerns. When I decided to study a master's program, I wanted to combine academic discussion with its application to concrete problems in the contemporary world, bringing philosophy, sociology, and law, which are often seen as very dogmatic, into practice. Thanks to our excellent discussions with teachers and classmates, I found this in each of my courses at Warwick.

Finally, I chose Warwick because, as a Latin American student, I wanted to listen, discuss, and study new ideas that I could apply in my reflection on the problems of my country and region. In this sense, being in Europe and the UK, Warwick offers the unique opportunity to meet people from places as far away as India, Pakistan, China, and many African countries. From them, I learned a lot to realize that our concerns, interests, and dreams are the same, favouring our studies and academic work.

Did you contact the university prior to applying?

I communicated directly with the Admissions team, who kindly provided me with all the necessary information, from the most basic in academic terms to recommendations for accommodation and schools for my children (I will always be grateful to them). In addition, they helped me get in touch with the Department of Politics and International Studies, which offers the program I studied.

How was your arrival and what were your first impressions of campus?

My university in Chile is located in Santiago's city centre, so when I first arrived on campus and got my first impression, I was delighted. The excellent facilities in a gigantic place surrounded by fields and greenery make Warwick stand out from many other universities that share the space of cities with companies, public offices, vehicular traffic and the noise of these spaces. Everything is very well signposted, and getting there by public transport is easy, so I didn't have trouble finding my way to the campus and the different university buildings. From that first day, I began to feel that I had made an excellent decision by entering Warwick. After my first seminar, I confirmed that feeling.

What is the best thing about Warwick?

Many things, I think. Academically speaking, the excellence of its professors and students generates world-class learning and academic work that opens opportunities and allows the incorporation of valuable elements in the reflection of the problems that each student analyzes. In institutional terms, I believe that Warwick is committed to continuing to grow and establish itself as a leader in the UK, working together with the members of its community. Regarding people, the best thing about Warwick is its diverse, cosmopolitan, open, tolerant, and friendly community, where everyone can be part of it, give their opinion and be listened to respectfully.

What one thing would you change about your experience?

It's hard to answer this question considering my overall experience as a Warwick student was excellent. However, I believe that the university could do more to connect its students during the academic year, creating spaces that allow students from different departments to meet and generate networking that benefits them and the university simultaneously. I understand that the university is committed to generating initiatives in this regard, so I hope they achieve the best results.

Have you joined any clubs or societies?

One of my greatest achievements during my time at Warwick was having been one of the founders of the Latin American SocietyLink opens in a new window, created to welcome, accompany, and make visible students from our region. Working in it, I was able to meet Latin American students of diverse origins and specialities, share experiences and develop this space that I hope can be consolidated and grow.

I invite all students, Latin American or from any region, who want to learn or enjoy the culture of any of our 21 countries to be part and participate in society, integrating the Exec and presenting projects that make our small but vibrant community in Warwick more visible.

What did you think of your accommodation?

During my time in Warwick, I lived with my family in a little "legendary" place behind the small wood opposite the bus station called Cryfield Cottages. This place, with a few small cosy houses, was the best possible place to live as a family, surrounded by trees and with frequent visits from rabbits, squirrels and birds of all kinds. Going to classes or the library without using public transport, having the Warwick Arts Center across the street, and going on weekend excursions to Kenilworth or other places near campus were great. My family and I really enjoyed it. Finally, I would like to say that my experience with the Warwick Accommodation team was the best. I recommend that future students consider living on campus as an excellent alternative.

Have you managed to travel at all during your studies?

Because I came to the UK with my wife and two children who went to school during the year, we couldn't travel much outside of the UK. However, we spent many weekends and almost all bank holidays touring England, which I consider a fascinating experience that we loved. Also, with good friends that I met during the year and who live near the campus, we got to know beautiful landscapes and places in the Midlands, a region of good and friendly people for whom today I have a lot of affection and good memories.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I hope to return to my country and resume my projects in public policy and higher education, which is the area I am most passionate about. There I will try to apply my new knowledge to the generation of initiatives that contribute to the development of the country and the generation of opportunities for people who make up the most disadvantaged groups in society.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying at Warwick?

I think the best advice I could give is to analyze all available information when deciding where and what to study. Today in the world there are thousands of universities and programs that attract students from all over the world, so it is worth reflecting on which of these will best satisfy the academic project and each person's personal and professional motivations. In this sense, doubts and insecurities are entirely normal, so I also recommend asking for information and guidance from the university teams, who will always be willing to help. If you decide to study at Warwick at the end of this process, I firmly believe that you will have made the best decision.

What makes you happiest about studying at Warwick?

Looking back and seeing that I lived through one of the most vibrant and happy periods of my life is my happiest memory about Warwick. Together with my family, we took on the challenge of coming to the UK from the end of the world, pursuing more than an academic degree, but rather an experience that would allow us all to grow to some extent. Today, after much study and learning, I only have words of gratitude for all the people I met and with whom I was able to share in Warwick, who allow me today to be a better professional and person at the service of my country and its people.