Student Spotlight - Alix Keeson

“The most important thing for me has been studying something I am thoroughly interested in.”

The study of social sciences aims to stimulate your curiosity about the constantly changing world in which we live and to equip you with the capacity to understand and critically analyse it. Preparing you for a broad range of professions – from social work to teaching. After realising her interests are predominantly people-orientated, Alix decided to leave the world of Hospitality behind and start studying towards a new career.

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, my name is Alix Kesson, and I am a third-year student at Perth College UHI - studying sociology and politics. I began studying HNC Social Science in 2019, following the advice of one of the careers advisors on campus.

What were you doing before you came to college?

I had previously been working in hospitality and undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in hospitality management.

Why did you decide to pick this course?

After my meeting with the Careers team, it was strongly established that my interests are predominantly people-orientated, which is what led me to choosing social science. I used this year to decide which out of the humanities subjects I enjoyed and was most interested in. I really enjoyed politics, in particular, political theory and sociology as both were relatively new to me and offered an interesting way of studying the world and the people in it – which is definitely what I enjoy most about the course. It has really opened my mind and offered new ways of looking at aspects of society.

During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?

The Covid-19 pandemic began towards the end of my HNC course, which resulted in my exams being cancelled and changed to open book assessments, online virtual classes and studying. I must admit, I wasn’t overly fazed by this, I personally felt like I still got what I needed out of the classes and was saving fuel money, not travelling in. I was also lucky enough to live in the countryside, so was able to still go out on my mountain bike, which I like to do as often as I can.

I also kept busy during lockdown with assessments and painting which I hadn’t had the time to do for a while beforehand. The lecturers at Perth were incredibly helpful when we shifted to online learning, setting up group pages where we could still have some social interaction with other students and being generally very responsive and communicative. We have also been able to access the library on campus if we need to - which has helped me get one with assessments as it is easy to get distracted at home! Despite this, I would like to be back on campus as there was a great atmosphere in the social sciences department.

What do you like about the campus?

The University campus isn’t the largest, but it has everything you need (who wants to walk lots at Uni anyway!) – a few coffee shops, very well stocked library, great sports facilities, and in a very easily accessible location in Perth if you are travelling by bus, train, or car!

What are your plans, for after you finish your course?

I haven’t fully decided what I would like to do when I finish my course. I am currently self-employed as a cleaner while I’m studying, so I won’t have to panic too much about finding work (although very keen to find something new and exciting). I am planning on visiting the Careers Service again for some inspiration as it really helped me decide on my course – which I would strongly recommend doing if you are thinking of returning to academic study but have queries as to how, where and what you can study. The most important thing for me has been studying something I am thoroughly interested in.

Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?

I have really enjoyed my time at Perth UHI and sad to see the end of the course (in a strange way) but I may return for higher levels of study in the future!

Applications are open for this SEPTEMBER, so #ApplyNow and find your future at Perth College UHI 👉 https://www.perth.uhi.ac.uk/courses/