Olivia Highwood

After not getting the results she hoped for in her A levels, and coming to the University through the clearing process, Olivia put in some hard work and was given the Chancellor’s Award at the end of her first year for her efforts and results.

During her three years at the University, Olivia participated in several societies, including The Politics Show on Junction 11 Radio. She wrote for The Spark newspaper and The Tab website.

By opting for modules that matched her interests, Olivia was able to study and debate the subjects she was passionate about, and wrote her dissertation on young people and voting.

Following her studies, Olivia spent a year working in hospitality and international events before joining an international property corporation in London.

In 2018, she headed up lettings negotiations in a lettings department in West London. This involved negotiating deals, valuations, and handling department marketing and social media accounts. She now works as a lettings manager for an asset management company.

Olivia’s passion for politics and international relations plays a vital role in her job. Her knowledge of British and EU law, as well as her study of British society, helps her negotiations. It has given her an understanding of the British and international political state, and how it affects the property industry.

“The seminar-focused format of the Politics and International Relations course helped me develop my confidence in public speaking and generating informed opinions, while also understanding the importance of listening to others and taking in information.”

Find out more about how you'll study as an undergraduate