In this blog, MSc Diplomacy, Business and Trade student, Yasser, discusses the tricks and tools that students may find useful to maximise their year studying Diplomacy and International Governance at Loughborough University London. This is the first blog of a two-part series.

1. Know what it is that interests you the world of Diplomacy and International Governance.

Remember, you chose this subject area for a reason, therefore it is important to understand what it is that interested you. Your opinions, interests and expertise will shape your learning experience around you and may give you an upper hand in class discussions. Don’t be afraid to express or share ideas and what interests you.

2. Make sure you are still aware of a range of topics and subjects.

Most modules you study will be flexible enough in the way that assignments are arranged to have options of essay topics to suit the area you are most interested in. Topics that frequently come up include the likes of Brexit, environmentalism, theoretical concepts, and I am sure Covid19 will be a safe bet in due course!

3. Anticipate future news stories and trends.

This will help you stay up to date with the latest headlines and current world events. Here are some world events I would recommend you read about in your daily life, so you are prepared for student life as part of IDIG.

1. Brexit: Yes, you may get bored from how much the lecturers might say it, but do you blame them? This is still – and for the foreseeable future will remain – one of the key issues in British politics and a great case study through which to study politics, diplomacy, business, globalisation, identity politics and lots more.

2. Covid-19: I am sure you will be well aware of this topic by now, so I do not need to go on too much. Remember this is very much a political and economic crisis as well as a health crisis.

3. The U.S. election: Will Trump ‘Make America Great Again’? This year’s election is set to be one of the truly great spectacles of the last few years.

4. Utilise a range of different resources to widen your understanding and learning experience.

There are a number of different ways that you can expand your knowledge and feed your interest outside of lectures and the additional reading materials. Have a listen to different podcasts in the fields you are most interested in or would like to find out more about. You could even listen to a podcast on your commute to campus to get yourself thinking before a lecture.

There are also a few newspaper memberships available through the University- did you know you can sign up to receive a free year-long subscription for the Financial Times?

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If you would like to find out more about our Institute for Diplomacy and International Governance, please visit our website.

Loughborough University London would like to thank Yasser for this blog piece.