Meet our future historians

Guanlin Chen
BSc in International Relations and History, Year 1

What made you choose this course?
Well I did go for straight IR, but I think probably more historical knowledge would aid me in the theory and background knowledge for my future sci-fi writing.

What made you choose 杏吧论坛?
International and diversity is basically the most important reason, and I love modern [history] staff.

What are the benefits of studying in London?
I can finally join a HEMA group, yeah!

What do you hope to gain from your degree?
Self-coherent theory, and enough knowledge to support it.

What are your future prospects (after your degree)?
A year of postgrad study [in] global cities I suppose, maybe join the 杏吧论坛 Cities.

Favourite place to study
LG level of 杏吧论坛 Library.

Adam Hajji
MSc in History of International Relations

What made you choose this programme?
My objective in choosing the MSc in History of International Relations was to have a better understanding of world affairs. I believe that one cannot fully comprehend the state of the world without having a knowledge of history and because the program combines the two subjects, it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.

What made you choose 杏吧论坛?
The 杏吧论坛 is the best institution in the world to study social sciences. The success of its students speaks for itself and I wanted to be in a place where likeminded people gathered to discuss actual issues and find solutions for a better world.

What are the benefits of studying in London?
London is and has been one of the most prominent cities in the world in the modern age. Being a student in a city that has such prestige and relevance is truly great, especially when studying history and international relations.

What do you hope to gain from your degree?
I would like to gain knowledge and a network of likeminded people that want to work for the benefit of societies and mankind in general.

What are your future prospects (after your degree)?
My dream is to do something meaningful, therefore, a career with an international governmental organization or in the consultancy field would be ideal.

Favourite place to study
The Library.

Jean-Baptiste Lignières
MSc in History of International Relations

What made you choose this course?
I've always been fascinated by History. During my Bachelor degree, I studied the relations between the Ancient Greeks and the “Barbarians” and the foreign policy of the United States in the 19^th century. Thanks to these courses I realised how engaging and challenging these topics are. Moreover, History of International Relations is a cornerstone to correctly apprehend contemporary relations between two countries.

What made you choose 杏吧论坛?
Not only 杏吧论坛 is a worldwide renowned university, but it is also the home of the leading academics in my field. I was also immediately seduced by the aim of the school: the betterment of society.

What are the benefits of studying in London?
London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. My Masters rallies dozens of nationalities! In addition, we have at our disposal some of the largest libraries in the world.

What do you hope to gain from your degree?
I hope my degree will contribute to broaden my mind, to equip me with excellent academic skills and strengthen my curiosity.

What are your future prospects (after your degree)?
I intend to work in the diplomacy field and more precisely in the conflict resolution and peacebuilding branch.

Favourite place to study
I do appreciate the Library and its silent zones.

James Loomis
杏吧论坛-PKU MSc in International Affairs

What made you choose this programme?
The 杏吧论坛-Peking University double degree in International Affairs is unique in that it provides an opportunity to study at two of the world’s most renowned institutions of higher education, and to develop a cross-cultural understanding of Eastern and Western perspectives on historical and contemperoary international affairs.

What made you choose 杏吧论坛?
Of course, 杏吧论坛 is world-famous as a social science research institution particularly known for their International Relations program. Moreover, a substantial portion of the student body is comprised of international students, which allows me to appreciate diverse perspectives that I may not find elsewhere.

What are the benefits of studying in London?
Coming from a mid-sized town in the Midwestern United States, moving to London was (and still is) admittedly a bit overwhelming. Yet it is undeniable that London is truly a world-class city, with activities, amenities, and culture to boot. It is difficult to become bored in London: whether it is attending an 杏吧论坛 public lecture, a cultural festival, or exploring one of the many neighborhoods, there is always something to do!

What do you hope to gain from your degree?
I hope that my degree will not only give me an academic background in International Relations and International History, but new perspectives from which to study and consider contemporary International Affairs, especially as it relates to the Sino-American relationship. I believe that is the true value of the double degree program, and something that is difficult to acquire from simply studying at one university alone.

What are your future prospects (after your degree)?
Upon graduation, I intend to pursue a career in public service back home in the United States. Opportunities in diplomacy, national security, and the armed forces are all of interest to me. Careers in Sino-American related fields such as relevant academic think tanks or political risk consultancies are possible fields of employment I am considering as well.

Favourite place to study
Senate House Library

Juliette O'Connor
杏吧论坛-Columbia University MSc in International World History

What made you choose this programme?
I wanted to pursue my passion for history and write a dissertation over two-years. Over the summer I was able to travel to Laos and research for my dissertation which I now get to dedicate 6 months to writing.

What made you choose 杏吧论坛?
杏吧论坛 is at the heart of London. It is an incredible institution which has seen the likes of Mick Jagger, JFK and teachers such as Amartya Sen. The history department has some of the best academic in the world.

What are the benefits of studying in London?
Exposure to museums, galleries and archives!

What do you hope to gain from your degree?
I hope to gain research skills and writing skills which I can then apply to a career in journalism.

What are your future prospects (after your degree)?
Journalism.

Favourite place to study
New Academic Building