Scholars’ tips for your Chevening Interview 

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As part of the range of activities offered to support international offer holders, Birkbeck recently held a Q&A session about Chevening Scholarship interviews. Current and former Chevening Scholars shared tips and advice on applying to the prestigious UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office scholarship. 

Vasco Chitema from Angola – MA, Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – 2024 Chevening scholar 

First, well done on being selected for interview. Congratulations! For me, I think reaching the interview was the hardest part of the process. I’m the first Chevening scholar from my city, Huambo, so I didn’t have anyone to go to for advice. I had to do my own research.  

The very first place that you should go to in order to ace your interview is the Chevening website itself. There you’re going to find 90% of all the information that you need. Also, search related videos on YouTube!  

You also need to try to practice some common interview questions like:  

  • Tell us about you 
  • How is this scholarship going to help you? 
  • Where do you see yourself in the future (5-10 years)? 

When asked about yourself you should try and talk about where you came from, in terms of education, your past experience, where you’re at now and try to link this to your career goals. 

Remember to be confident but also show you’re open to learning. And, of course, when you go to the interview, try to dress smartly! 

Susan Brits, from South Africa – MA Educational Neuroscience – 2022 Chevening scholar and current Interim President of the Chevening Alumni Association for South Africa (CASA) 

It’s beneficial to have a solid understanding of your essays, as the interview questions will be directly related to the content of those essays.

To prepare effectively, I thoroughly analysed each element of my essays and identified potential questions that could be asked for each concept. I then developed possible answers, ultimately creating about 20 pages of responses. This level of preparation is essential!

During the interview, I encountered questions that were often multi-layered, with the panel presenting multiple queries within a single question. Being well-prepared allowed me to respond with precision, addressing each component of the question as it was intended.

In your Chevening application, much of your focus will be on course research, the professors you are interested in working with, and the potential supervisors for your research. It can be helpful to reference this in your interview. For instance, stating something like, “I am applying to Birkbeck because I want to work with Michael Thomas, whose research on Educational Neuroscience aligns closely with my interests,” demonstrates that you have a clear understanding of your academic goals. So it’s important to make use of resources such as Google Scholar to research your potential professors. Ensure that your responses are well-linked to the specific program to which you are applying.

Rudy Sinon, from Seychelles – MSc Advanced Computing – 2024 Chevening scholar  

My main advice is to practice, practice, practice. I would advise you to find someone with whom you can have a mock interview. They can review your essay and may ask you questions you hadn’t considered, helping you prepare for the unexpected.

Be prepared for the panel not to ask questions in a chronological order based on your essay – from the first to the last sections of your application. They might mix it up a bit, asking about your goals, then a networking question, and later returning to your goals to ensure that your essay tells a coherent story.

My essay focused on data analytics. Every section, from the first to the last, was primarily centered on data analytics – why I love data and how studying in the UK would help me achieve my goals in the field.

The main thing is to paint a picture for the interviewers and ensure that every part is connected.

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Celebrating outstanding research at the Birkbeck Business School Dissertation Showcase  

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The Dissertation Showcase events held by the People, Work and Organizational Psychology subject group within Birkbeck’s Business School are designed to celebrate the outstanding postgraduate research carried out by Birkbeck students. Here, Dr Kevin Teoh, Dr Lukas Wallrich and Janet Sheath reflect on the most recent event which showcased dissertations from the 2023/24 student cohort. 

With over 100 attendees joining both in person and online, the showcase provided a platform for emerging scholars to present their research and engage in discussions on pressing workplace issues. It also allowed current and former students to interact and exchange learning about the dissertation process, and for the Birkbeck community to celebrate the success of the 2023/24 cohort in completing their programmes.  

Birkbeck Business School recently hosted the second People, Work, and Organizational Psychology (PWOP) Dissertation Showcase. The event on January 17th, 2025, brought together students, alumni, and staff, to showcase some of the outstanding dissertations from MSc students in Organizational Psychology, Human Resources Management, Career Coaching, and Coaching Psychology.  

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Best Dissertation Award which featured as the main presentation that evening. This award was given to Tamara McBride for her dissertation on “Building Bridges for a Brighter Age: The moderating effects of subjective age and cross-age contact on age-based stereotype threat and disengagement among younger and older workers”  

Two other dissertation awards were presented that evening: 

  • The Alan Wingrove Award for Best Coaching Dissertation – awarded to Katherine Powell for “I am human too…’: What are the negative effects of coaching upon coaches and what helps to reduce or abate them?” 
  • The Simon Broomer Award for Outstanding Career Practice-Related Coaching Research – awarded to Roshan Bilimoria for “How can social justice be advanced through coaching? A qualitative study exploring coaching practices that aim to deliver social justice outcomes” 
Janet Sheath Presenting an award to Roshan Bilimoria

The evening featured 13 individual presentations, grouped into three key themes reflecting the diversity of research in this field. The first theme, Lived Experiences and Identity in the Workplace, explored personal narratives and identity-related challenges, including neurodivergence, gender dynamics, and work-life balance.  

The second theme, Leadership, Change, and Organizational Challenges, examined how leaders and employees navigate complex workplace transformations, including sensemaking during crises and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.  

The final theme, Workplace Equity and Gender Dynamics, focused on systemic workplace inequalities, including coaching for social justice, flexible working arrangements for parents, and career progression barriers faced by underrepresented groups. 

The event concluded with a Student-Alumni Panel Discussion, where past and present students shared insights on their dissertation journeys and how their research has shaped their careers. This interactive session highlighted the real-world impact of PWOP research, from influencing HR policies to supporting inclusive workplace practices and facilitating career transitions. 

As the evening wrapped up, attendees reflected on the showcase as a testament to Birkbeck’s commitment to fostering critical, socially responsible research that bridges theory and practice. With another cohort set to embark on their dissertation journey, the event provided inspiration, motivation, and a reminder of the impact of rigorous research in shaping the future of work. 

Birkbeck has been at the forefront of Organizational Psychology since 1962, when it became the first institution in the UK to offer a dedicated programme in the discipline. The school has continued to be a pioneer in research and teaching, launching the UK’s first online Organizational Psychology programme in 1981. Today, the People, Work, and Organizational Psychology subject group within Birkbeck Business School, focuses on understanding the interplay between people and work, with its interdisciplinary approach continuing to shape critical conversations around well-being, leadership, workplace equity, and the future of work. 

The full list of presentations from the evening: 

Lived Experiences and Identity in the Workplace presentations 

  • Shakyra Campbell – Coming Out: Neurodivergent workers’ lived experience of self-disclosure within the workplace 
  • Hayley Adamson – How do female service leavers experience their transition out of the military? An IPA study through a feminist lens 
  • Chloe Green – Balancing acts within leadership advisory firms: A qualitative study exploring employee perceptions of work-life balance and their boundary management techniques 
  • Jo Price – Organisational Mothers: How office housework contributes to gender inequity in the workplace 

 
Leadership, Change, and Organizational Challenges presentations 

  • Rachel Grant – Beyond the Known: Leaders’ sensemaking during the liminal pandemic and post-pandemic periods 
  • Zoe Kennedy – Toxic or invigorating: Exploring EDI practitioner workplace experiences and change 
  • Elaine Bagshaw – A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis of how leaders and decision-makers in the UK discursively construct ‘return-to-the-office’ policies and practice 
  • Kiryl Tsikhan – Golden years or rusty pennies? Psychological factors that inform retirement saving behaviours 

Workplace Equity and Gender Dynamics presentations 

  • Roshan Bilimoria – How can social justice be advanced through coaching? A qualitative study exploring coaching practices that aim to deliver social justice outcomes 
  • Sam Hewlings – Informal Parental Leave: How fathers in the UK construction industry use hybrid working as an alternative to Shared Parental Leave 
  • Bobbie Reynolds – Playing the game and disrupting social class barriers: Career progression experiences of working-class senior technology leaders 

More information: 

Book recommendations for LGBTQI+ history month: true stories of queer lives 

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For LGBTQI+ history month, Reader in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, Julia Bell, shares some of her top picks for books and stories about queer lives – some of which have come from Birkbeck alumni.  

Elizabeth Lovatt – Thank You for Calling the Lesbian Line (Dialogue Books)  

Thank You for Calling the Lesbian Line started work at Birkbeck on the MA in Creative & Critical Writing course, and has been released just this month.

Taken from the archives of the Lesbian Line – a lifesaving lesbian hotline where callers could ask anything from the details of a film screening to sharing illicit longings and difficult lovers – Lovatt imagines the lives of these callers braided with Lesbian history, and her own coming out story. A great read, and one that’s just received a great review in the Guardian!  

Avi Ben-Zeev – Calling my Deadname Home: Trans Bear Diaries (Muswell Press)  

Another Birkbeck alumni, this time from the MFA in Creative Writing. Calling my Deadname Home: Trans Bear Diaries is a fascinating and sensitive account of a transition.

Ben-Zeev’s journey to becoming a gay man takes many pit stops and twists, but the central realisation, that wholehearted living involves integrating both his new identity and his past self, is beautifully realised. Intelligent, and psychologically resonant, this book teaches us a lot about how to live fearlessly and become our true selves.  

Jeremy Atherton Lin – Gay Bar: Why We Went Out (Granta) 

I absolutely love this cultural history of gay nightlife which is both sexy and serious – from San Francisco leather bars to Popstarz at the Scala.

Gay Bar: Why We Went Out is a transnational book that visits all our old haunts and thinks deeply about hedonism and community in gay culture – it’s also a great read. Atherton Lin’s new book – Deep House – is forthcoming, and I can’t wait for it!  

Karen McLeod – Lifting Off (Muswell Press)  

Ever wondered what it was like to be trolley dolly? Wonder no more – Lifting Off is a fascinating insight into the world of flight attendants and of being a feme lesbian in a world of gay men.

This book is funny, insightful and at times heartbreaking. Also to be read next to the re-print of McLeod’s first novel, In Search of The Missing Eyelash, which has been a favourite of mine since it first came out.  


Ed Matthew Bates, Julia Bell, Sarah and Kate Beal – Queer Life, Queer Love 2 (Muswell Press) 

Why, yes, of course I’m going to recommend my own project! Queer Life, Queer Love 2 is a grab bag of fiction, poetry and non-fiction has some Birkbeck Creative Writing alumni between the covers. It’s also a fascinating testament to the richness and resilience of queer lives and vibrant and irrepressible creativity within the community. Libro Levi Bridgeman’s poem about becoming a Granddandy – which has also been made into a stop-motion film – is of particular note, as is Sharon Shaw’s piece on the complications of visiting Gaza as a queer woman before the war. Volume 3 is in the works, this time guest edited by Karen Mcleod.   

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Meet Birkbeck’s 2024/25 Chevening scholars 

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Each year, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office awards the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to outstanding students recognized for their leadership potential and academic excellence. Here, we get to know some of the 2024/25 Chevening cohort a little better.

Rudy Sinon – Studying MA Advanced Computing

I am a Senior Statistician at the Seychelles Revenue Commission, currently on study leave to pursue my Master’s degree at Birkbeck, University of London. With a background in Public Administration and Political Science, I have spent a decade working in government statistics, using data analysis to enhance revenue collection and compliance.

I applied for the Chevening Scholarship to gain expertise in data analytics and leadership while connecting with a global network of professionals. My long-term goal is to modernize the Seychelles Revenue Commission by integrating advanced technology and data-driven decision-making, ultimately improving efficiency and transparency in the country’s financial sector.

I chose Birkbeck for its flexible learning model, which allows me to balance work and study effectively. Its focus on advanced computational techniques aligns perfectly with my vision of leveraging data science to drive public sector innovation in Seychelles.

Kasuni Chamudika – Studying MSc International Business

I hold degrees in International Studies and Business Administration. After five years as a project officer at the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, I founded SustainU, a company that empowers MSMEs by helping them develop products, access new markets, and build strategic connections.

I applied for the Chevening Scholarship to enhance my leadership and networking skills while gaining international exposure. After completing my studies, I plan to expand SustainU by developing Learning, Manufacturing, and Selling platforms, creating SME incubation centers, and becoming an international business consultant promoting Sri Lankan exports. I also hope to explore partnerships between the UK and Sri Lanka to foster business development and trade.

I chose Birkbeck for its focus on working professionals and its strong support for entrepreneurial ventures. The university’s career coaching, networking initiatives, and business-oriented programs align with my ambition to drive SME growth and global business expansion.

Marko Stankovic – Studying MSc International Security and Global Governance

I hold a Master of Laws from the University of Belgrade and have studied at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. My professional experience includes working with the OSCE Mission to Serbia, where I contributed to police reform, human rights advocacy, and youth training initiatives.

I applied for the Chevening Scholarship to gain a top-tier education, expand my global perspective, and develop innovative approaches to security and governance challenges. My long-term ambition is to lead an international organization, promoting peace, security, equality, and human rights.

I chose Birkbeck for its interdisciplinary approach and strong focus on social and political issues. The program builds on my expertise, combining history, geopolitics, and social sciences to address modern global conflicts. This academic experience will help me transition from practical fieldwork to a broader, strategic perspective on international security.

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More Birkbeckians than Etonians in the new government

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Matt Innes is Birkbeck’s Academic and Corporate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, as well Professor of History in Birkbeck’s School of Historical Studies. Here, he reflects on the reach and impact of Birkbeck alumni.

The 2024 election saw a record number of Birkbeck graduates in the new Parliament, with a total of fourteen Birkbeck alumni and Fellows elected. Now that the final ministerial appointments have been announced, Birkbeck can count no fewer than seven alumni and fellows holding government office. These number three cabinet ministers, two ministers of state and a number of other appointments.

The total surpasses the four Birkbeck figures who took up office one hundred years ago, when the first Labour government was formed just a few years after the extension of the vote to all adult males and some women. In that hundred years, Birkbeck figures have played significant roles in a number of governments. Birkbeck is one of the few Universities whose history includes a head of institution who went on to hold ministerial office: Baroness Tessa Blackstone.

The demographic and educational background of new ministers in 2024, and the extent to which it signals a change in the established pattern of UK political life, has attracted analysis and comment. Bridget Phillipson, the new Secretary of State for Education, has spoken about the importance of social class and obstacles to educational success for many of the new Cabinet: although all bar one Cabinet members are graduates, most were the first in their family to be able to attend University, often overcoming significant barriers to do so.

Research by the Sutton Trust has shown that over 90% of the new Cabinet were educated in state secondary schools, in a sharp change even with previous Labour Cabinets (which were typically a third privately educated), and still more dramatic contrast with preceding Conservative governments (often over two thirds privately educated). Over a quarter of the new Cabinet have law qualifications, with politics and history being other popular degree subjects, including three Oxford Philosophy, Politics and Economics graduates and two Cambridge historians.

Of the 17 Prime Ministers who have held office since Winston Churchill in the Second World War, no fewer than thirteen took their undergraduate degree at Oxford (the exceptions being three ‘takeover’ Prime Ministers who came to office mid-Parliament after their predecessors stood down, rather than via the Ballot Box:  James Callaghan, John Major and Gordon Brown.

Sir Keir Starmer’s undergraduate degree from Leeds University brings the number of UK Universities with Prime Ministerial alumni to six; Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow and – of course – Birkbeck, where Ramsay MacDonald, the first working class Prime Minister, took evening classes in science.

In 1924, the Birkbeck presence in government reflected the university’s position as the institution of choice for education hungry Londoners without the means to access the traditional universities. It exemplified a broader process of change: namely the integration of the institutions and organisations of working-class self-advancement into the formal public life of the nation.

In 2024, Birkbeck’s presence again reflects a broader process of change, as a generation who benefitted from the extension of educational opportunity and university access in the late twentieth century come into office. All seven Birkbeck educated ministers undertook postgraduate or professional studies, with the distinction and flexibility for which Birkbeck is known, providing an educational bridge into professional and political careers. Four of them took Birkbeck’s prestigious politics and government portfolio, which remains popular amongst recent graduates seeking to make their way in the world of policy and politics.

Educational opportunity is one of the new Government’s five core missions, and the crisis ridden state of UK universities is a matter of urgent debate. The personal histories of so many Birkbeck graduates speak to the opportunity created by Birkbeck’s distinctive educational model and the personal and professional growth it fosters. With the university accelerating strategic changes which will deliver even greater accessibility and flexibility, Birkbeck can offer a compelling alternative to traditional university that is keenly relevant to the Government’s mission.

Note: 

Birkbeck alumni and Fellows in the Starmer government include: (Cabinet) David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs; Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture Media & Sport; Lou Haigh MP, Secretary of State for Transport. (Ministers) Tulip Siddiq MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury & City Minister; Georgia Gould MP, Minister of State in the Cabinet Office; Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State in the Department of Work & Pensions; Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Baroness (Fiona) Twycross, Baroness in Waiting (Government Whip).

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A guide to preparing your Chevening application

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Applications for the 2025/26 Chevening, the fully funded scholarship for postgraduate students offered by the UK government, open in August. Catherine Charpentier, from Birkbeck’s International Marketing and Recruitment team, advises how to prepare to apply for the highly coveted scholarship. 

It’s official, applications for Chevening for 2025/26 open on Tuesday 6 August 2024! If you’re thinking of applying, there’s a lot you can do before this date, so here’s a roundup of some top tips.  

Double check eligibility criteria 

First of all, you want to make you meet all eligibility criteria – including citizenship and academic background. You also need to have at least two years work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours) in order to apply. This can be in part-time or full-time employment, voluntary work or paid or unpaid internships. Work experience can be completed before, during, or after graduating from your undergraduate studies. It’s also worth noting that your work experience does not need to be related to the course/s you want to study. 

Don’t have 2,800 hours of experience just yet? Why not apply for an internship, or offer your services to a volunteer organisation to make up the total? You should meet the requirements by the time you submit your form, with applications scheduled to close in the autumn. 

Assuming you meet all the eligibility requirements, what next to help you prepare for an application?  

Gain meaningful experience 

Beyond the number of working hours accumulated, you should reflect on how your work experience demonstrates leadership qualities. What impact have you had on your company or community? 

If you think these are points you could improve on, why not take advantage of the next few months to do so? You could volunteer to take on extra responsibilities at work, or lead on a project for an organisation you are involved with, or even organise an event for a charity. 

Develop your network 

In your application, you will be required to demonstrate your networking skills. Spend the next few months engaging with your network; reactivate old links and build new relationships, attend community events, support local groups, a professional organisation, or your local Chevening alumni network.   

You can refer to Birkbeck Futures, The Importance of Networking guide, for tips and advice to develop a networking strategy. 

Choose your programme of study 

Selecting the right courses at the right universities is one of the most important aspects of your application. Only full-time courses that start in the autumn term, and lead to a taught master’s qualification are eligible. Visit university websites, explore modules, find out what student’s have to say about their experiences, and check you meet the institution’s entry requirements before selecting your programme.   

Remember you must be able to demonstrate both why you selected the specific Master’s and institution, and how the qualification you will gain aligns with your short, mid and long-term goals. 

Select your referees 

You will have to give the name of two referees in your application. Use the next few months to select who you think could provide positive and meaningful references for you. Get in touch now, keep the relationship alive and remind them of all the reasons why you will be deserving of this glorious reference when the time comes! 

Further Information:  

“Birkbeck’s Consultancy Challenge in partnership with PA Consulting has prepared me well for a successful career”

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In this blog, Dr David Gamblin, module convenor of the Consultancy Challenge and Programme Director for MSc Management Consultancy and Organisational Change, shares more information about the consultancy project students are offered with PA Consulting, a global management consultancy. Three students share their experiences of taking part in the challenge.

Birkbeck students celebrating the end of their Consultancy Challenge projects with their clients, mentors and supervisors

It is always a particular highlight of the academic year to witness the students complete their Consultancy Challenge projects. Over a busy 12-week consultancy cycle, the students work diligently from the initial scoping of the briefs with their client, all the way to the final presentation of deliverables – with plenty of rapport building, teamwork, data collection, and problem solving along the way.

These projects are an ideal exposure to the world of consultancy, with student teams working with real clients, on real problems that the clients need solving. The impact is real too, and with the projects’ focusing on the charity sector, it means that the students are making a beneficial difference to organisations, staff, and volunteers who are serving often vulnerable populations.

Whilst the work is challenging, the student teams are supported along their journey by PA Consulting who provide expert mentorship and guidance. Through PA’s approach of continuous feedback, the students are challenged to deliver work that PA would be proud of, in a supportive and stimulating environment. This provides the students with the perfect opportunity to put their knowledge and learning into practice, and learn crucial consultancy skills over the project and beyond.

My sincerest thanks go out to all of the consultants at PA with whom we have the pleasure of working, for providing our students with their support and expertise. The collaboration is approaching a decade now, and it is truly rewarding to reflect on the student journeys each year, how they have grown from this rich experience, and the difference that can be made through this innovative relationship.

Birkbeck students with PA Consultants and Birkbeck supervisors

Student testimonial, Ma. Teresa Manrique, Consultancy Challenge 2023
The Consultancy Challenge was the highlight of the MSc Management Consultancy and Organisational Change degree for me. It gave me the opportunity to apply and refine the skills I had learned throughout the course, and to test my knowledge with the guidance of my mentors and tutors.

Working with PA and the client was a valuable experience. They treated our team with professionalism and engaged with us as professionals, not as students. After presentations, they gave feedback on our performance and how we could improve. The challenge taught me how to work in a multicultural and dynamic setting. I learned how to adapt to British culture and how to work effectively with colleagues and clients from different backgrounds. I also learned the importance of being resourceful and assertive in order to deliver on commitments. Having worked for a client in a line of work that I had no experience in was especially rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to learn about their advocacy and to develop my own skills in this area.

Overall, the Consultancy Challenge has made me more confident in my ability to seek employment in the UK. I am now ready to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained to make a significant contribution to any organization. I have also made some valuable connections with other students and professionals in the field of management consultancy. I am confident that these relationships will continue to benefit me throughout my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the Consultancy Challenge. It has been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I am confident that it has prepared me well for a successful career in management consultancy.

Student testimonial, Tonia-Lee Smith, Consultancy Challenge 2023
I had the opportunity to participate in the Consultancy Challenge, not only as a member of the team but also as a team facilitator. David had warned us that it wasn’t called the Consultancy Challenge for name’s sake, but that it was designed to challenge us to grow and work in a way that we hadn’t previously and find innovative solutions to our problems.

I’ve spent most of my time in academic settings and my work experience had been in more casual environments, so, while I was excited to be working with and learning from PA, I was also nervous, as I didn’t know what to expect. PA did an amazing job at setting the tone from the beginning and managing expectations. My mentor, Hannah, was the key to our success in the project. She was great at anticipating the needs of our group and the client’s as well. Her experience and authenticity helped us feel more comfortable in our roles. PA did a thorough job offering feedback and Hannah did a great job of helping us apply the advice in a practical way.

I’ve learned a lot about delegation, project management, leadership, the importance of a strong and consistent work ethic, and of course consulting with a client and that’s not even the entire list. This experience, though more challenging than I could have imagined, is something I would do again. The tips and help I received from everyone involved in the process is invaluable to me and are things that I’ve already started applying in both my professional and personal life and I’m sure will be most useful to me as I delve deeper into my career.

Birkbeck students celebrating the end of their Consultancy Challenge project with Emily Hill, Principal Consultant at PA, and Dr David Gamblin, Consultancy Challenge convenor at Birkbeck

Student testimonial, Ngozi Anuforo, Consultancy Challenge 2022
The Consultancy Challenge offered me a personal and professional challenge and it was a fantastic opportunity to draw together my learning on the Master’s degree.

I found the challenge inspiring and valued the way in which working on a real organisational dilemma created the chance to draw on the support and guidance from experienced colleagues at PA Consulting and Birkbeck. I gained a huge amount from the diversity and range of skills and knowledge amongst the other students in my team.

I would highly recommend the Consultancy Challenge to anyone wanting to grow their professional confidence and ability to deliver effective consultancy practice with a high degree of insight and reflection. Undertaking the challenge enabled me to bring existing experience and knowledge to the fore, and motivated me to continue expanding, and deepening my practice, as a consultant.

Further information

A student’s guide to celebrating Pride in and around Birkbeck

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Sidhant Maharaj is an intersectional queer feminist activist from Fiji, currently pursuing their Masters in Gender and Sexuality Studies at Birkbeck, University of London. 

Greetings, I’m Sidhant! I thought Pride Month would be an opportune moment to explore the vibrant and inclusive community surrounding Birkbeck. London, known for its rich history and diversity, offers an array of activities and events that celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and promote intersectionality.

What is Pride and why is it important?

Pride is an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ identities, cultures, and communities. It originated as a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride Month, celebrated every June, serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for equal rights, acceptance, and visibility.

Pride is important because it fosters a sense of belonging and community among LGBTQ+ individuals, promoting acceptance and love. It provides a platform to address ongoing issues of discrimination, inequality, and violence against LGBTQ+ people. Pride events and parades are not just festive occasions; they are acts of resistance and solidarity, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear. Celebrating Pride means honouring the past, advocating for the present, and inspiring hope for a future where diversity is celebrated, and equality is a reality for all.

Here’s a guide to making the most of Pride Month in and around Birkbeck.

  1. Participate in the London Pride Parade

A rainbow pride flag is being held parallel to the floor as marchers in a pride parade move through crowds.

The annual London Pride Parade is a must-attend event, drawing thousands from around the globe. This year, the parade will take place on June 29th. The parade, known for its exuberant floats, music, and performances, highlights the strength and unity of the LGBTQ+ community. As a student, consider joining one of the university groups marching in the parade, which is a fantastic way to show solidarity and meet like-minded individuals.

Here is a list of other upcoming Pride events you should look out for:

  • London Trans+ Pride:London Trans+ Pride will take place on Saturday 27 July 2024
  • UK Black Pride:UK Black Pride is once again taking place in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday 11 August 2024
  • Bi Pride UK 2024: Bi Pride is taking place on Saturday 31 August at the University of West London, Ealing
  1. Visit the LGBTQ+ Cultural Institutions

London is home to several museums and galleries that celebrate LGBTQ+ history and culture:

 

  • The British Museum: Discover artifacts and stories that illuminate the lives of LGBTQ+ people throughout history. Join their LGBTQ+ tours for a unique perspective. The British museum has a number of Pride events this year, be sure to check them out.

  • Queer Britain: The UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum, Queer Britain, located in King’s Cross, celebrates the stories, people, and places that have shaped the queer community.
  • Bishopsgate Institute: Home to the UK’s most comprehensive LGBTQ+ archives, this institute hosts regular exhibitions and talks on queer history.
  1. Engage with Local LGBTQ+ Organizations

Connecting with local organizations can enrich your experience and provide support networks:

  • Stonewall: A prominent LGBTQ+ rights charity, Stonewall offers volunteer opportunities and campaigns that you can get involved in.

  1. Attend Queer Performances and Events

Theatre, performance art and queer safe spaces play a crucial role in LGBTQ+ culture. London offers numerous queer-themed activities:

  • The Common Press: Located in Bethnal Green, The Common Press is a community-oriented space that hosts a variety of events including queer readings, performances, and workshops. It’s a fantastic venue for experiencing grassroots LGBTQ+ culture and arts.

 

  1. Explore Queer Literature

Literature offers profound insights into the queer experience. Check out these local literary spots:

  1. Participate in Academic Discussions and Workshops

Birkbeck itself hosts various seminars, workshops, and discussions on gender and sexuality:

  1. Enjoy Social Spaces and Nightlife

London’s nightlife is diverse and welcoming:

  • Heaven: One of London’s most famous gay clubs, offering vibrant nightlife experiences with themed nights and renowned DJs.
  • G-A-Y Bar: Located in Soho, this bar is perfect for meeting friends and enjoying a night out in a lively, inclusive environment.
  • Ku Bar: Also in Soho, Ku Bar is known for its friendly atmosphere and fantastic cocktails.
  1. Explore Queer-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants

Soho, in particular, is brimming with LGBTQ+-friendly eateries:

  1. Support Queer Businesses and Initiatives

Supporting local queer-owned businesses and initiatives helps strengthen the community:

  • Pride Pop-Ups: During Pride Month, various pop-up shops and markets feature queer entrepreneurs showcasing their products.

Final Thoughts

As a student at Birkbeck, University of London, you are part of a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community. Engaging with the activities and events listed above will not only enhance your understanding of LGBTQ+ issues but also help you forge lasting connections. Embrace the spirit of Pride, celebrate diversity, and continue to advocate for equality and intersectionality in all aspects of life.

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The future faces of law: a closer look at two rising legal scholars

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Meet the Birkbeck law students in receipt of prestigious scholarships to aid them in their journey to becoming barristers.  

Law students hoping to become barristers must undertake the Bar Professional Training Course, which serves as the vocational stage of training required for entry to the Bar of England and Wales. Upon successful completion of their course, graduates are eligible to be called to the Bar and embark on their careers as barristers.

This year, two students from Birkbeck’s Law School have been awarded prestigious scholarships towards their Bar courses by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, one of the four renowned Inns of Court. Membership in one of these Inns is a prerequisite for individuals aspiring to be called to the Bar and pursue a career as a barrister in England and Wales. 

Viran Solanki, studying LLB Law at Birkbeck, and recipient of Middle Temple’s Jerry Parthab Singh Scholarship to help fund his Bar Course. 

What attracted you to studying law?

I have worked in various roles within the court service since 2018, initially at a County Court and currently at the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber). Witnessing first hand on a day-to-day basis the way in which barristers used their specialist knowledge to make a real difference in an individual or family’s lives motivated me to pursue a career in law.

Why did you choose to study Law at Birkbeck?

The flexible studying options really appealed. Studying here allowed me to work full-time while studying across four years in the evenings. 

With the flexibility afforded to you through your studies, how do you spend your days? My full time is as a Legal Officer in the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Officer). This involves working to delegated judicial functions to effectively case manage immigration appeals, identifying and resolving barriers to case progression. I’ve also found that I’ve been applying legal research skills learnt at Birkbeck to real world scenarios to communicate complex procedural matters in a simple way. I have also presided in several Case Management Appointment hearings, with the goal of effectively narrowing issues in dispute and ensuring compliance prior to a substantive appeal hearing. 

What’s been your favourite thing about your academic journey so far?  

The opportunity to meet new people from all kinds of backgrounds and careers has been wonderful. I definitely would not have achieved much throughout the last few years without the support of colleagues and tutors!

What are your plans for the future?

Results permitting, I plan on studying the Bar Course at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy from September 2024, following which the plan is to find pupillage and qualify as a barrister specialising in immigration law!

How do you think law can make a difference in the world?

People generally interact with the face of the law when they are in need and often at a low point in their life, be it after an arrest or as a victim of crime, a particularly bitter family dispute or in an immigration context as they flee persecution in their home country. Law makes a difference for these people by ensuring that they are able to have the fairest assessment of their dispute or issue. I hope that by developing skills grounded in my studies at Birkbeck, I will be able to contribute to assisting those that are in need.

What does the scholarship mean to you?

The scholarship means a lot! Of course, the financial assistance towards the paying of fees for the Bar Course is greatly appreciated, but also coming through a difficult application and interview process has in a sense validated the long nights at the library and studies leading up to this point. Being awarded the scholarship has reiterated the sense that the path towards becoming a barrister is the right one for me, and has motivated me to continue to strive towards this goal.  

Jack Soares Mullen, studying the Graduate Diploma in Law at Birkbeck and recipient of Middle Temple’s Harmsworth scholarship which will fully cover his Bar Course. 

What attracted you to studying law?

I worked as a teacher for three years and then, two years ago, changed careers and joined the civil service. In my current role I work for the Judicial Office and work closely with a number of judges which has exposed me to the workings of the justice system, and this sparked an interest in becoming a barrister. 

Why did you choose to study Law at Birkbeck? 

I wanted to be able to continue working in my current role and, with classes held in the evening, Birkbeck provided the perfect opportunity to study alongside my work commitments.

With your classes taking place in the evenings, how do you spend your days?

I’ve continued to work full-time alongside studying full time this year which takes up most of time. Even so, I have managed to complete two mini pupillages and marshalled some judges this academic year. A highlight was marshalling two high court judges at Bristol Crown Court, observing two complex murder trials.

What’s been your favourite thing about your academic journey so far?

I loved representing the university at the Michael Corkery Criminal Law Moot. I was sure I wanted to become a criminal barrister once I took the course, and getting to test my advocacy skills alongside my fantastic mooting partner, Emma, was great fun and a real adrenaline rush. I can’t recommend to other students the value of taking up mooting opportunities – particularly if they are looking to get a pupillage at the bar.

What are your plans for the future?

I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship for my GDL (law conversion course) from Middle Temple and then another scholarship to study the bar course, which I will begin in September this year. I’ve also managed to secure a pupillage at a well-respected criminal chambers, 2 Hare Court, for September 2025 so, if all goes well, I will begin my career at the bar there then.

How do you hope to make a difference in the world?

I hope that becoming a criminal barrister will give me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether someone is a complainant, defendant or witness, when someone encounters the criminal justice system it is likely to be a stressful moment, and for some, a very difficult moment of their lives. Being able to guide people through the process and present their position to the court is a valuable and exciting thing to do. Perhaps unlike other areas of law, crime will always have people at the centre no matter how serious the offence. Therefore, even at the earliest stages in my career, every day in court will matter to somebody and make a real difference in their world. 

What does the scholarship mean to you?

The scholarship is invaluable to me, because the journey to the bar can be an expensive one. Securing scholarships for both the GDL and bar course has meant I haven’t taken on any debt and removed that barrier. Scholarships from the inns are also a useful stamp of approval for any aspiring barrister when applying for pupillage. They show that at least one panel of barristers and judges believes that you are capable of a career at the bar. Knowing this has given me some confidence that I’ve chosen the right path, particularly given how competitive it is to get pupillage and tenancy. 

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Tackling online fraud: is it time to take a different approach?

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A recent report by Crest Advisory in partnership with Birkbeck and the Police Foundation found that the emotional impact of online fraud for victims is often worse than the financial hit. In this blog Dr Bina Bhardwa, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research (ICPR) at Birkbeck, drawing on findings from focus groups with the public, shares her vision for how we need a different approach to tackling online fraud.

Online fraud is an everyday ‘trip hazard’ that we have become, or are under pressure to become, better skilled at and (sadly) accustomed to navigating. The volume, sophistication, and constant barrage of fraud risks makes the task of filtering out this ‘background noise’ challenging and, most importantly, makes us ever more reliant on credible and trusted sources of information.

While most members of the public trust messaging from their banks, the occasional ‘fraud awareness’ training at work and household names such as Martin Lewis to keep them informed, much of their knowledge about fraud is derived from experiences shared by friends and family who have been victims of fraud or had near misses, and an avalanche of misinformation. The government’s latest anti-fraud campaign – Stop! Think Fraud – is a step in the right direction, but we know little as yet about its scope to bring about tangible change.

There was a perception among focus group participants we spoke to as part of a wider research project on Tackling Online Fraud that the police did not have the capacity to respond to volume fraud, especially where financial losses were thought of as insignificant and where more ‘serious’ crimes took precedence. This goes some way towards explaining the under-reporting of fraud. Deficiencies in the state’s capacity to protect its citizens from crime, means that responsibility for protecting oneself from online fraud threats rests largely with the individual.

Government fraud strategies, and the recommendations stemming from much of the research on fraud tend to centre, perhaps somewhat predictably, on three staples:

  • more resources – usually aimed at bolstering the numbers and specialisms of investigators,
  • forging and improving public-private partnerships, and
  • better financial education.

Of course, these are important and worthy recommendations. However, what we see less of is how we can beg, borrow, and steal ideas and good practice from other areas of criminal justice, to daringly try something different. Drawing on two examples from the drugs field, I present, here, a case for applying models and methods from elsewhere to tackling online fraud.

Drug safety checking at festivals

Not without contention among the conservative, drug-safety checking services made their debut in the UK in 2018 at the Secret Garden Party and Kendal Calling music festivals, pioneered by The Loop. Since then, the model of drug testing has expanded its reach and support. The operating model is centred on providing non-judgmental, harm reduction advice to members of the public. Substances are voluntarily submitted to The Loop’s chemists who test them and then share risk and safety information with individuals based on the results. A further feature is the dissemination of live-time, in-situ safety information via social media channels, which communicate the risks of, for example, adulterants and high strength substances in circulation at an event.

The key tenets of the drug safety testing model – non-judgmental, led by experts, a feedback loop and the live dissemination of knowledge – could be imported to tackle online fraud. This would not in fact be new to fraud prevention, as it is the premise of Action Fraud Alert. However, the majority of the participants in our public focus groups had not heard of Action Fraud, let alone proactively signed up for alerts. Is this then a case for raising public awareness of Action Fraud or is it a call for a more trusted and effective national system for circulating topical alerts? For example, during the height of the ‘Hi Mum’ impersonation scams, the government – informed by National Fraud Investigation Bureau (NFIB) analysis of reports – could have disseminated alerts and safety messaging to the public, as the equivalent to providing non-judgmental, credible, harm minimisation drug safety advice in live time.

A ‘whole systems approach’ to tackling drug misuse

Catalysed by Dame Carol Black’s independent review of drugs which highlighted the damning impact of years of disinvestment in drug treatment services, the government has invested in rebuilding drug treatment and recovery services, taking a ‘whole of Government’, ‘whole systems approach’. While the government’s latest Drugs Strategy is not without its shortcomings[1], what is key here is shared responsibility for the ‘drug problem’.

Project ADDER (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement, Recovery) is an example of this approach. The £59 million programme involved law enforcement, treatment and recovery services working together in areas with the highest prevalence of Class A (heroin and crack cocaine) drug use and drug-related deaths. An unpublished evaluation of the programme found that the close cooperation between government departments, public sector enforcement services and voluntary sector treatment services, working towards the shared goal of combating drug misuse, produced positive outcomes, such as contributing to an increase in arrests for high harm individuals involved drug supply. Can we not do the same for combating fraud, e.g. taking a ‘whole systems’ approach to tackling high harm fraudsters? Focus group participants recognised that the police alone are largely powerless in the face of the ever-increasing volume and global reach of fraud. The Home Office, Department for Education, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department of Health, and other relevant departments, in conjunction with private and voluntary sector, should work together to disrupt fraud, divert fraudsters who are caught and better understand mechanisms for recovery from the psychological and health harms of fraud. This would be an expansive ‘whole systems approach’ that is held to account and subject to evaluation.

The fact that fraud now makes up over 40% of all crime in England and Wales signals that it’s time for a different approach. However, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel: we can build on evidence of good practice from other areas of criminal justice. As demonstrated here, the drugs field offers a good starting point.

Further information