Alumni Spotlight - Alexandra
“The support I received throughout the course was outstanding. The lecturers were always available and approachable.”
If you’re interested in the social and political world, studying for a degree at UHI Perth gives you the opportunity to explore a range of subjects to increase your knowledge of people, politics and society. Alexandra graduated from this course last year and she shared her experience with us 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Alexandra, from Perth.
What course did you study at UHI Perth?
BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics and I graduated in 2025.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I have always known of UHI Perth through word of mouth from friends, colleagues and family members.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I was working in the Energy Industry.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I chose to study Sociology and Politics because I was keen to dramatically change my career. Having always been interested in Politics and societal behaviour, it was a natural choice of a combined degree programme for me.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing was meeting the lecturers and attending the weekly seminars. I enjoyed learning a new topic every week. The topics were extremely interesting.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
What stood out for me was the excellent working relationships I established with my lecturers and my dissertation supervisor, Ronnie Dewar. I remember having some great discussions and debates with my lecturers and fellow students.
At the end of the degree, I was honoured to be invited to give the ‘Student Vote of Thanks’ at the UHI Perth Graduation Ceremony. A final standout moment for me was graduating with a First-Class Honours degree and receiving the ‘Student Research of the Year Award’ for my dissertation.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?
I gained a tremendous amount of confidence in public speaking, debating, presenting and academic writing. These skills I acquired whilst studying have helped me greatly in my employment. I was truly inspired by my mentor, Donna Heddle and all the Social Sciences’ lecturers.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
All the lecturers’ different teaching styles were excellent. The support I received throughout the course was outstanding. The lecturers were always available and approachable. My dissertation supervisor, Ronnie Dewar went above and beyond to support me with my studies.
What did you like about the campus?
The campus was always buzzing with lots of people and lots going on.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
I completed the Employment Mentoring Programme in my final two years of the course.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
Since finishing my studies and graduating, I successfully secured a full-time position working for an MSP as a Community Engagement and Casework Assistant.
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
Absolutely, I learned new skills and discovered my strengths with the help and skilful encouragement from my lecturers.
What are your future career plans?
I am delighted to be working in politics and who knows where my political career will take me in the future.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed studying at UHI Perth. There are so many highlights, but the main one was making lasting friendships with a few of my fellow students and lecturers.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
My advice to anyone thinking about studying at UHI Perth would be to go for it and to take the opportunity to meet the Social Science lecturers face-to-face - whether that is to discuss an assessment, go over an essay plan, or catch up for a chat. Go for it, work hard, enjoy every moment and believe in yourself. The Social Science lecturers will always make time for you. Happy studying.
