Politics and International Relations MA students from the University of Westminster have undertaken a three-day, extracurricular trip to Brussels to deepen their academic experience and gain a close‑up look at diplomacy in practice.
During the trip, students visited a number of European Union (EU) institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission, where they had the chance to attend lectures from experienced policy makers covering a variety of areas, from security and defence to EU enlargement. They also had the opportunity to meet young professionals where they heard first‑hand about their routes into international jobs.
Students also met several policy analysts from civil society organisations and thinktanks, including the Brussels-based International Rescue Committee, with whom they discussed topics including the future of the EU and contemporary diplomacy.
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza were at the centre of much of these discussions. Students discussed the fact that though the Russian invasion of Ukraine and tensions in US-European relations had given renewed coherence and purpose to the EU project, relations with Israel were a clear point of divergence between some European leaders, creating challenges within the Union.
There were also several opportunities for students to take in the cultural side of Brussels and nearby Leuven. In Brussels, students explored not only the European Quarter, but also the city centre and its historic monuments. In Leuven students were accommodated at the Irish College, a beautiful medieval campus in the heart of the city, surrounded by ornate churches and lots of restaurants.
The Brussels trip was just one of a number of extracurricular activities organised within the School of Social Sciences. To make the experience accessible to all, this year the School subsidised the cost of travel and accommodation for participating students, ensuring access was open to all MA students.
Reflecting on their experience, Tara Khosravi Zivelaei, a Diplomacy and Global Politics MA student, said: “The trip was amazing! It was very well organised and highly informative. I really enjoyed our time at the EU institutions. Meeting officials only a few years ahead of us in their careers was particularly insightful.”
Audrey Lupfer, a fellow Diplomacy and Global Politics MA student, said: “The visit to the International Rescue Committee was particularly memorable, with dynamic discussions that felt immediate, relevant and energising – a real highlight of the trip.”
Eden Zelalem, an International Relations MA student, added: “The Brussels trip made what we study feel much more tangible and relevant. Also, Leuven was incredibly beautiful! We had fantastic Belgian waffles and I even went for an early morning 5K run! I would highly recommend this trip to other students considering this opportunity.”
Professor Sam Raphael, Professor in Politics and International Relations, and Dr Jac St John, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, led the Brussels trip, drawing on their experience and expertise in Politics and International Relations to guide students through the programme.
Dr St John explained: “We see opportunities for international engagement as being very important for our students’ development, not only to learn about international politics and democratic institutions, but also to experience new cultures and bond together as a cohort.”
This trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Politics and International Relations courses at the University of Westminster.
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