PERSONAL STATEMENT

My desire to study MA International relations sterns from my deep interest in

politics and global affairs. The study of conflicts, international relations and
politics could essentially be seen as understanding how different actors relate to
each other. Today’s constant global media presence in Politics makes it
impossible not to be interested, informed or aware. My attraction to this area also
inevitably draws me towards other cultures. I have always been interested in
whatever the world offers, consumed with fully grasping how the world works and
why it functions in that manner. However, by exploring and studying diverse
interests, I discovered that my genuine interest lies in exploring and
understanding how global society functions, which has led to my passion for
International Relations.
As the world becomes interdependent and more connected due to globalization,
a solid understanding in the discipline of international relations is vital for any
individual who wants to look beyond the headlines and explore the players in
world politics. International Relations aims to explain the interconnections of
states in the global interstate system. It also attempts to clarify the interactions of
others whose behaviour originates within one country and is targeted towards
members of other countries. I have been amazed by the constantly changing
world we live in, wanting to understand the ripple effect and chain reaction of
current and future human interactions.
Studying this course would give me substantial knowledge in all matters as it
deals with issues like environmentalism, sovereignty, development and human
rights in the context of global affairs. It is also concerned with the policies of
individual states as far as they impact the affairs of other states. I believe that my
background in Foreign Languages and Literary Studies has prepared me for this
program.
Although I find this constantly evolving subject to be demanding, I feel all of the
efforts is worthwhile as it is a very intriguing topic that would give me a much
deeper understanding of how the world functions. I look forward to the dynamic
nature of studying International Relations. and I am particularly keen on
researching territorial politics and nationalism.
Several reasons influenced my decision to study this course at Manchester
Metropolitan University. Firstly, having gone through the course modules, I
believe it aligns perfectly with my expectations. I am particularly looking forward
to the following course modules; ‘ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
POLITICS’, which speaks on problems in today’s global politics of which I am
particularly interested in the global institutional governance and the politics of
migration. I am also interested in the unit ‘PUTTING COMMUNICATION INTO
PRACTICE’ as it further develops research competencies in political
communication in a professional context.
Secondly, I choose to study this course at the university because of its location in
a historic city like Manchester. The welcoming, accessible, and multicultural
environment in Manchester provides the ideal base for my time studying in the
UK. Thirdly, this course is being taught by industry experts at the university and
offers the opportunity to gain real-world experience and learn from professional
guest speakers with political or activist backgrounds. Furthermore, the
university’s world-class facilities for learning was another factor that influenced
my decision. Lastly, the chance to make international contacts and network and
gain a truly global perspective on the issues covered are all part of why I choose
to study at the university.
Studying in the UK would give me an added advantage over my peers because I
will benefit from learning in a different setting than my country. The UK is one of
the world’s leading destinations for international students. Universities in the UK
are rated among the best globally and consistently perform well in global
rankings. They are also known for world-class research. Having acknowledged
that United Kingdom education is well recognized worldwide, the first four top
university ranking are from the UK. This shows the quality of education in UK
universities. The UK universities are inspected regularly to uphold the high
quality and standard laid down by the government. Right now the UK research is
world-leading with international excellence and relevance. Studying in the UK is a
great way to expand my knowledge, meet new people, experience a new culture,
and enjoy new experiences. Also, UK higher education degrees and
qualifications are recognized by employers and academics worldwide.
I hope to use the skills acquired in this course upon completion to pursue a
career as a Diplomat/Ambassador or Political Analyst in my home country
Nigeria where the demand for such skills is unending.