The Facebook page of the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University has announced that on Wednesday, 10 February 2021, TU students are cordially invited to participate in a webinar about the International Politics master’s degree study program at Aberystwyth University, the United Kingdom.
The webinar will be led by Dr. Jeff Bridoux, Director of Admissions for the program, and Dr. Jenny Mathers, a master of arts (MA) Admissions Tutor.
Aberystwyth University is a public research university in Aberystwyth, Wales, the United Kingdom.
The name Aberystwyth means the mouth of Ystwyth River in western Wales. The city is known by its inhabitants as Aber. It is located near a coastline, making it a popular vacation site.
Aberystwyth University was founded in 1872.
TU students who are proud of the TU Green Campus initiative and environmental awareness will be interested to know that Aberystwyth University is the first university in the world to be awarded Plastic Free University status for single-use plastic items.
The university’s coat of arms includes a shield with two red dragons to symbolize Wales and an open book to symbolize learning.
The university motto is A world without knowledge is no world at all.
Its Department for International Politics is reported to be the oldest such department in the world, founded in 1919.
The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth was established shortly after World War I with the stated purpose of advancing international political understanding to possibly avoid future wars.
The department has over 700 students from 40 countries studying at undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. It achieved a 95% score for student satisfaction in the 2016 National Student Survey.
It has hosted academic staff in the field including UK historian Edward Hallett Carr, whose books are in the TU Library collection.
Links to Thammasat University
Among distinguished alumni of Aberystwyth University is Assistant Professor Jittipat Poonkham, Assistant Professor in International Relations at Thammasat University.
Ajarn Jittipat earned a PhD in International Politics at Aberystwyth University.
The TU Library collection includes a number of books by Ajarn Jittipat in Thai and English language.
Last October, the British Council Thailand tweeted a message asking if Wales was a perfect choice for international students.
Because of the scenery and international festivals in Wales, it is seen as an attractive destination for students from overseas.
The tweet linked to an article on the British Council website, suggesting:
Situated to the west of England, and across the sea from Northern Ireland, Wales is a perfect combination of incredible scenery, vibrant nightlife and fascinating culture. And this small nation is one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire world.
It is also a wonderful place to study. Because although Wales accounts for less than a tenth of the total area of the UK (covering just 20,779 square kilometers), it is home to eight superb universities. The oldest is the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, in Lampeter, which was founded in 1822 (making it one of the first in the whole of the UK!) and which is renowned for its world-leading research. Perhaps the best known is Cardiff University, situated in Wales’s capital city. This is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, and counts international heads of state and leading politicians among its alumni.
Together, these Welsh universities deliver an exceptional quality of education. 92 per cent of their students find employment within just six months of graduating. And with over 56,000 undergraduate and postgraduate courses to choose from, it’s no wonder that over 25,000 international students choose Wales every year, whether you are looking for a city, town or more rural campus. And outside of your studies, there is an incredible country for you to explore.
Wales has breathtaking scenery like nowhere else, from its mountains and the world-famous valleys, to over 2,700 km of unspoiled coastline, you’re sure to find many sights to fall in love with. You’ll also experience some of the UK’s most historic landmarks, such as the stunning Pembroke Castle which dates from medieval times (and in fact, Wales is home to over 641 castles – more than any other European nation).
This safe and welcoming country is also home to some of the best nightlife the UK has to offer, and during your time here you’ll experience some amazing cocktail bars, craft breweries, buzzing clubs and world-class live music.
Wales is passionate about sport, and Rugby Union is the nation’s national game. Make no mistake – the game is hugely popular and everywhere you go, you’ll find committed supporters of one of the country’s 239 Rugby Union teams. By studying in Wales, you’ll have ample opportunity to watch a game in person, or have fun cheering along with a tournament in your local pub.
Wales isn’t short of amazing sea scapes – the county of Pembrokeshire alone has 186 miles of coastline and 50 beaches.
Wales is also passionate about arts and culture and every year, there are all kinds of events and festivals for you to experience. The Hay festival in Powys is one of the biggest literary festivals in the world and if you’re a book lover, you’ll have the time of your life. Every year, the Green Man festival brings together the world’s best live bands and artists, for unbeatable concerts in the beautiful countryside of the Brecon Beacons. And you simply cannot miss Wales’s National Eisteddfod – considered to be the largest music and poetry festival in the whole of Europe. Moving to a new location every year, this spectacular festival can trace its roots back to 1176. Today it attracts over 150,000 people, who turn up to experience a packed and lively programme that celebrates every aspect of Welsh culture.
Visiting all of these events is easy, as Wales is extremely well connected. In fact. you can get moving for as little as £2 on a public transport system that also links you to visit the rest of the UK. As a 16-25 year old student, you’ll also be eligible for discounted train travel if you buy a Young Person’s Railcard. This costs £30 and gives you a 30 per cent discount on trains across the entire UK network (so not just in Wales). You can find many more discounts in Wales with a National Union of Student (or NUS) card, which is free once you start your studies…
(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)