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Meet Margaux

Combined Honours in Politics and Sociology BA

Hi, my name is Margaux. I achieved my lifelong dream of studying in the UK when I was accepted to come to Newcastle University.  

I applied to study in the UK over my home country of France because the education system appealed to me: especially the way they teach humanities subjects. I chose a Combined Honours degree because of the opportunity to study multiple subjects at once. 

I was lucky enough to receive the Vice Chancellor EU Scholarship to attend Newcastle University, and funded the rest of my studies with a loan from my parents. 

Margaux

First impressions of Newcastle

Travelling to Newcastle was scary at first, as English is not my first language. The Geordie accent can be difficult to understand at times. But upon arriving, I was blown away by how ever-so lovely the people were. I also love the beauty of the quad – the central hub of the University campus.

It didn’t take me long to feel at home.


My dream course

If I could use three words to describe my course, it would be: diverse, multi-disciplinary, and interesting. 

I loved the infectious enthusiasm of my expert lecturers, and their ability to go in-depth about specific topics and not just graze the surface. I felt like I had total choice and control over what I wanted to do on this course. 

I would recommend this course for future students because it expands your thoughts and widens your horizons. I would especially recommend this course to other international students, as many lecturers are from all over the world and can give you plenty of support. 


Social butterflies

Newcastle University is known for its rich student social life.  

As an undergraduate student, I enjoyed going out to clubs with friends, going for meals or coffee, walking around the city, and taking part in societies. I was involved with The Courier, which is Newcastle University’s student newspaper. The Courier community is very nice, full of like-minded people who are there to take part and educate themselves. I learned important skills, and it was fun to see what I had written and edited printed in a real newspaper. 


Exploring Newcastle

The city of Newcastle is both beautiful and practical for students. Outside the University campus, I love visiting museums such as the Baltic, experiencing cafes, going bowling, and playing pool. There is an accessible beach just twenty minutes from Newcastle on the Metro, or you can just walk around the Quayside and enjoy the city. 

During my time in the North East, I took the opportunity to visit the surrounding area. I have visited Durham, Hexham, Bamburgh, Alnwick, Holy Island, and even took part in a coastal hike. It has been amazing because, thanks to the affordable travel options on the train and Metro, I am able to travel quite freely and easily for cheap prices. 

Tynemouth Beach

Inspiration for the future

The classes I have taken have focused my thoughts about my career, and made me realise some of my deeper interests. 

In the future, I want to work in Human Rights and support community-based activism, NGOs, and Non-profits in their quest for social justice. My choice was mainly influenced by the incredible lecturers who have fostered this interest and passion within me.