Linda Mullan

My name is Linda Mullan, I am an international Master’s student in International Relations at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). I come from Scotland and did my Bachelor’s in Law at the University of Glasgow. My interest in International Relations originally comes from my legal studies. I wrote my Bachelor’s thesis on the compatibility of international human rights law and Islamic law regarding freedom of expression. In the course of my research I consistently came across issues of compliance and international cooperation. This sparked my interest in international politics and the use of law as a political tool and led to my decision to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations. I was also keen to pursue a career beyond the conventional legal path. International relations and political science degrees are common requirements for jobs in NGOs and international organisations such as the UN. 

The Master’sat the University of Amsterdam appealed to me for a number of reasons. The GSSS is a highly ranked graduate school, and the diverse range of courses on offer provided the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of research interests. The structure of the programme was ideally suited to my needs. It began with a Specialisation Module on International Relations, which covered a broad range of relevant topics and influential theories in each field. Following that, I selected two electives, which enabled me to learn about two of my specific areas of interest in more depth. I have had a variety of lecturers with different academic and professional backgrounds, which has provided a well-rounded view of each subject and an insight into some very different perspectives. It has also enabled me to clearly identify my main research interests and delineate my career goals.

I am due to begin my thesis project next month. I intend to write about the migrant camps at Calais and their role in the broader framework of the EU Common Asylum Policy, and the implications for inter-state cooperation. I have received a lot of support from my professor, whohas been supportive of my desire to travel to France to conduct interviews and set out an organised timetable for the various stages of the writing process.  I have received very constructive criticism throughout my studies at UvA, which I believe have helped me to develop my academic writing and critical thinking skills considerably, as well as enhancing my understanding of the subject matter.

As well as the academic incentives, my choice of UvA for my Master’s was influenced by Amsterdam itself. It is a beautiful and multicultural city with a lot to offer in terms of culture and nightlife.  The bike culture was particularly appealing to me, as it makes commuting and exploring the city a lot more enjoyable than public transport. It is much more affordable for students than many other European capitals, which definitely adds to the quality of life. My classes have had a diverse mix of students from many different academic backgrounds and countries, which provided interesting perspectives in class discussions. I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone interested in International Relations.