The best thing is a lot of practical knowledge that I gained and the fact that I am actually part of different departments (PAIS, Q-step and CIM) which provides me with a much wider perspective. Discover Tijana's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for MA Politics, Big Data and Quantitative Methods, studying with us from 2018-2019.

How did you find out about Warwick?

I heard about Warwick while looking through the Chevening Scholarship program database. It was one of the three Universities that provided Master degree for non-IT background students on the Big Data topic. Due to current advancements in technology, it is very important to provide this type of programme to people of broader educational backgrounds to assist the interdisciplinary cooperation and further innovation.

Did you consider applying anywhere else? What made you choose Warwick?

I considered, King's College London and London School of Economics. It was actually circumstances. I got admitted to King's College but while I waited for final confirmation on my scholarship I lost the place there, and Warwick was willing to wait longer. I am really glad this happened because Warwick turned out to be a great option.

Did you contact the university prior to application?

I did not contact PAIS department as the website provided a lot of useful information. Also, I did a research on Warwick in general and heard of its good reputation.

How did you find the application process?

I applied by myself and had no trouble with either application form or visa application. On several occasions, I contacted different administrative departments and PAIS for clarifications and received prompt and useful replies.

How are your studies being funded?

Chevening (Foreign Commonwealth Office).

How was your arrival? What were your first impressions of campus?

Yes, I liked the Welcome Week. It helped me a lot to get to know campus, various options available and meet people that I would not otherwise meet who were from other faculties/departments. I was amazed by the size of the campus and various activities that it offered to students. This is something that is not common in Serbia.

What is the best thing about studying at Warwick?

The best thing is a lot of practical knowledge that I gained and the fact that I am actually part of different departments (PAIS, Q-step and CIM) which provides me with a much wider perspective. I think this is something unique that Warwick offers that should definitely be further supported and even include more departments. Nowadays, no longer are fields strictly separated, they tend to merge and for that reason new ideas and fresh views can prove to be crucial to push boundaries in innovation. In addition, thanks to this connection with different departments I met so many wonderful people with original ideas that I will stay in touch for life. We manage to inspire each other for many things uni and non-uni related.

How is your accommodation?

I am off campus at Liberty park. I am really happy living there. I was also really satisfied with Warwick accommodation team that helped me with being guarantors and with other technical clarifications.

Have you joined any clubs or societies?

Politics Society, but due to many obligations I am not very active.

Have you managed to travel at all during your studies?

Yes, I love travelling a lot. I have decided to travel throughout UK as much as possible as it has so many wonderful places to visit. I visited Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Manchester, Bath, London, Birmingham, Nuneaton, Oxford, Swindon,Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and I am planning to see other places as well, depending on my budget. This is the best way to get to know a country and its culture and traditions. I might also visit Berlin as I have never been there.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I hope to do something related to media and data research. Media is something that I am passionately interested in. I have always admired professional and objective journalists a lot and I want to help them develop tools to better perform their work in the new digital age. They have a very responsible role to play in our lives as watchdogs to hold governments and other actors accountable and inform the public on crucial developments. However, the difficult situation in which they are often in and the sacrifices they have to make are neglected and I would like to be able to change that.

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

I would only say that it would be a great choice and that a person when searching for a course, looks for something that would inspire passion. Equipped with passion and eagerness to learn this University will only reward a student, and at the same time provide the opportunity to meet diverse group of people to jointly build a wonderful experience.