Security Studies MSc student Pawel Ogrodnik reflects on why staying at UCL made sense. From academic depth to a strong sense of community, he shares what shaped his decision to remain.
" Familiarity with the environment meant I could hit the ground running - academically and socially - without needing to start from scratch.
I’m currently studying for an MSc in Security Studies at UCL. I also completed my undergraduate degree here, so I’ve been part of the UCL community for a while now.
When it came to deciding where to do my master’s, staying at UCL felt like the right choice for two main reasons: the quality of teaching and research, and the sense of community I had built over the years.
The learning experience
One of the biggest reasons I stayed was the academic side of things. My area of interest can most certainly be described as niche - my studies have been contained within the field of security, policing, conflict and peace - and while lots of universities touch on these areas, not many offer dedicated courses for those looking to explore these fields in depth. UCL stood out to me early on for its strong academic environment and the chance to really explore these topics in detail.
During my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to learn from brilliant academics and take part in research that genuinely excited me. UCL’s reputation also meant we had guest speakers and lecturers of the highest calibre. These sessions brought real-world insights into the classroom and helped me connect theory with practice in a way that made everything click.
That same quality carried through into my Master’s. In fact, it expanded. UCL ran some fascinating careers workshops and networking events with professionals working in areas directly related to my course. These sessions provided me with a unique opportunity to speak to those who would be best suited to answer any questions about career options. I got to ask questions, hear honest advice, and get guidance on next steps.
Finally, when applying to the next steps of my journey, UCL careers helped me with the key stages of the application process, such as providing guidance for writing my CVs and cover letters.
The sense of belonging
The other big reason I stayed was the sense of belonging I have found at the university. Being a UCL student means more than just studying here - you don’t just belong within the wider university, but also within your department, your faculty, your society, your sports club; with all’of these, community became a crucial part of my time at UCL.
Firstly, I felt connected to UCL through my part-time work as a student ambassador which I started during my undergraduate degree and I have continued into my Master’s. This not only gave me the chance earn alongside studying but also represent my university.
Secondly, I felt a strong sense of community through the friendships and societies I had been a part of during my time as an undergraduate. Staying in a familiar environment allowed me to make the most of my Master’s. I confidently developed new friendships and connections, all while staying close to people who were most important to me through my first three years at university. A good example of this is my time spent with my rowing club, who offered me the ability to keep interacting with familiar faces every week, train in the same place, doing the same sport, representing the same university!
The sense of community wasn’t just about my social life. It also made a difference academically. Because I already knew some of the faculty, I felt comfortable asking for help with things like applications and reviewing documents, support I might not have reached out for if I hadn’t built those relationships earlier.
Making the decision to stay
If I were in the same position again, deciding whether to stay at UCL for a Master’s, I would ask myself two questions:
o Do I think that staying at UCL provides me with the academic excellence, and consequent career springboard, that I need to succeed in my field?
o Do I think that the familiarity of staying within a community that I already know, can help me get the most out of both my studies and social life?
For me, the answer to both was yes. That made the decision easy. I stayed for another year, and I have just submitted my Master’s dissertation.
Everyone’s journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to postgraduate study. But if you are already at UCL and thinking about staying on, I would say think about what matters most to you. I hope my experience gives you something to think about. And whatever you decide, I wish you the very best with what comes next.
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