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Exploring London’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: my 2025 industry events journey 

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Entrepreneur, MSc International Business student, and Chevening scholar at Birkbeck, Kasuni Chamudika Withthamperuma from Sri Lanka shares her journey navigating London’s many and varied networking events. 

As an MSc International Business student and Chevening scholar with aspirations of becoming an international business consultant, I’ve always believed that learning extends beyond the classroom. My goal is to support Sri Lankan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in accessing global markets. Attending industry and networking events has been an essential part of that journey. 

These events have also enriched my academic work, especially my research on “Product innovation and SME internationalisation: Exploring government support to startups based in London.”  They’ve also broadened my understanding of the startup ecosystem, both in the UK and globally. 

Why networking events matter 

Being based in London offers unparalleled access to a wide range of business events and communities. With my lectures scheduled in the evenings, I’ve been able to attend daytime events throughout the city, gaining insights into current trends, emerging opportunities, and innovative business models. 

I find events through platforms like LinkedIn and Eventbrite, as well as through Birkbeck’s Pioneer Programme, which has been a great resource for understanding the UK’s business support infrastructure. Volunteering at a co-working space has also given me further exposure to the entrepreneurial landscape and allowed me to connect with founders and startups more directly. 

Key Events from 2025 

Here are some of the most impactful events I’ve attended this year: 

1. Startup Show 2025 – January 
A comprehensive introduction to the UK startup ecosystem. Conversations with fellow attendees helped me reflect on my own direction and refine the vision for my future consultancy. 

2. Branding, Storytelling, and Fundraising – February 
This event focused on problem-solving through creative solutions, disciplined entrepreneurship, and the importance of strong partnerships with co-founders. Additionally, it highlighted how accelerators can drive business growth. 

3. Lunch & Learn: Building a Sustainable Future for SMEs – February 
This event brought together business owners and sustainability professionals to discuss practical approaches to building more sustainable, cost-effective operations. 

4. Access to Finance – February 
Organised by the City of London Corporation and the British Business Bank, this event offered detailed guidance on available funding options for early-stage businesses and SMEs. 

5. Network Your Way to Growth – February 
An interactive session covering key networking skills, including how to craft an effective elevator pitch and maintain professional relationships over time. 

6. Culture Mile BID Academy – March 
This event emphasised the importance of strategic engagement, thoughtful business planning, and sustainability in today’s entrepreneurial landscape. It also highlighted the value of networking and building meaningful connections within the right circles. 

7. London Venture Crawl – March 
Part of the university’s Pioneer Programme, this event offered a behind-the-scenes look at London’s startup ecosystem. It also included pitch practice in preparation for an upcoming competition—an experience I found both valuable and motivating. 

Looking Ahead 

Participating in these events has provided me with practical tools, a broader perspective, and a growing professional network. Combined with my academic studies, these experiences are helping me build the foundation I need to support Sri Lankan SMEs in scaling internationally. 

I look forward to continuing to engage with London’s dynamic business community and using these insights to contribute to meaningful change in the future. 

More information 

Opinion: Donald Trump is a Danger to Democracy

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Dr Ben Worthy, Reader in Politics and Public Policy at Birkbeck’s School of Social Sciences shares his thoughts on the President Trump’s latest actions.

Since his second term began Donald Trump has dismantled, undermined and destroyed some of the essential features of American democracy. The signs have long been there that Trump doesn’t support or like democratic institutions or ideas. In his first term, remember, he tried to deny he’d lost and supported an armed coup that stormed Congress. Now, just two months into his second term, the US political system itself is under sustained attack. 

It is true that even before Trump American democracy was, shall we say, a work in progress, and actually far younger than it looks. Until the 1960s claims of democracy and the ringing belief in ‘We the People’ co-existed with slavery and severe inequality, and, at least in terms of voting rights, it has only been a full democracy since 1965. But since January 2025 even this imperfect system is being pulled apart.

So what exactly has Donald Trump done? Since he came to power he has launched a flurry of so called Executive Orders (which are essentially memos) attacking various democratic rights, and made a series of attacks minority groups and vulnerable people, especially in the trans community and immigrants. Immigration officials and other agencies have moved quickly to target opponents who may oppose or speak out, from lawyers to universities, spreading terror and intimidation. Just read this headline out loud ‘A PhD student was snatched by masked officers in broad daylight. Then she was flown 1,500 miles away’. This is the story of a student writing in a student newspaper, who was snatched from the street by masked and unidentifiable police. Yes, secret police and snatched away.  Opponents and critics are disappearing are being silenced, heading towards the concentration camps that have been created exactly to sit outside of the law (though they haven’ been called that). This is only the beginning of Trump’s plans for mass deportation.

As well as being horrific, Trump’s action run against several important rules of democracy. The first is the rule of law, and the idea that everyone, from the President downwards, must be subject to it, equally. Trump very clearly believes otherwise. He has pardoned people convicted of attempting to overthrow the government. He has also suspended the vital legal processes for critics, simply deporting them and making up reasons afterwards. As this article puts it ‘the lawlessness is the point’. Without the rule of law, the law is simply whatever Trump says it is.

The second rule of democracy is about following the constitution, the rules and procedures that set out the rules of the game. The US constitution is one of the world’s most famous, setting out the ‘checks and balances’ to make sure no one can…erm… become a dictator. In theory, the President is balanced by the Supreme Court and Congress, who all block each other.

In July 2024 a Supreme Court ruling gave any future President (and especially Trump) immunity and, effectively’ the power of a king’ and Trump is now using it to the full. So far Trump has unconstitutionally and illegally abolished government departments and pursued law firms who he believes are opposed to him, while Musk, who has no proper constitutional position, has illegally taken control of government data. Trump’s day one orders on immigration were ‘unconstitutional, illegal and cruel’ as has been his unconstitutional use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 . Each of these acts should have been stopped, and each would probably be an impeachable office, meaning the President could be removed.

So far, the checks have failed. Some Judges at various levels are working to stop or slow down Trump. The problem at the moment is that the legislature (Congress) and the highest court (the Supreme Court) are filled (and better say ‘packed’) with Trump’s supporters, who have decided that their loyalty to Trump is more important that defending the Constitution.

Trump is now mulling possibility of somehow, someway serving a Third term. As this piece argues Trump cannot, in constitutional terms, be elected for a third term but could try to reach the White House by becoming Vice President, Putin style, or some complex swap arrangement. 

Finally, the third way of thinking about democracy is through elections. Adam Przeworski famously argued that Democracy is ‘a system in which parties lose elections’. Free and fair elections are the most important part of democracy, and perhaps the one true way to judge a democracy is whether the party that loses agrees to step down. Leaving office willingly is the fundamental difference between democracies and dictatorship. Trump tried all he could to not leave, as a clear warning sign, in 2020.

Trump’s issued a new set of Executive Orders in March 2025 aimed to ‘Protect and Preserve Elections’. Like in any other authoritarian regime, we need to remember that anything the government says now means the precise opposite. Trump’s instructions are an attempt to restrict mail voting and create new proofs for ID to undermine his opponents and manipulate the elections in his favour.

Trump’s actions fit with a longer term voter suppression by Republicans across many states of America. This report maps the ‘barrage of restrictive voting legislation over the course of the last decade’ which have targeted ‘voters of colour’ as well as  ‘voters with disabilities and low-income voters who can face significant obstacles to obtaining photo identification’.

Beyond the direct attack on the electoral system, the fear of revenge is intimidating parts of the media, lawyers and anyone who could fight it, rolling the pitch for Trump and weakening his opponents. Trump is, in short, trying to create a situation where he doesn’t lose elections. Tim Walz, who ran as VP for Kamala Harris, warned that ‘the road towards authoritarianism has been paved with people saying, ‘You’re overreacting,’ ”. He went on to warn ‘I think you should assume a worst-case scenario’. We should all assume that now.

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Tackling drug-resistant TB: my cross-border mission as a Birkbeck Commonwealth Scholar

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Gourav Rakshi is a Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholar based at Birkbeck, University of London. He’s recently actively shared his research to mark World TB Day, World Health Day, presenting his investigative work to a broader community of scientists and early career researchers.

I’m a Commonwealth Split-Site PhD scholar conducting research at the ISMB-Mycobacterial Research Laboratory within the School of Natural Sciences at Birkbeck, University of London. I’m also a member of the UCL-TB Centre. My research is jointly supervised by Professor Venkatesan Jayaprakash (Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, India) and Professor Sanjib Bhakta (Birkbeck, University of London, UK), and my interdisciplinary project contributes to a UK-India education and research initiative aimed at accelerating the development of novel therapeutic interventions against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB).

On 21 March, I presented a poster at the IOI Early Career Researcher Conference 2025, held at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. This conference fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, industry experts, and postgraduate students, encouraging innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

A few days later, on 24 March, I delivered a Turbo Talk at the World TB Day Symposium 2025, held at the John Snow Lecture Theatre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). I was honoured to receive first prize for my presentation. This annual symposium brings together the global TB research community – including scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and affected communities – to share insights on TB research, control strategies, diagnostics, and policy development, while addressing future challenges.

World TB Day, observed on 24 March each year, commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the causative agent of tuberculosis. The symposium, jointly hosted by the UCL-TB and LSHTM TB Centres, highlights current TB research, control measures, and policy initiatives, connecting a wide range of stakeholders – from researchers and healthcare professionals to diagnostics experts and members of affected communities.

UCL-TB/ LSHTM-TB World TB Day Symposium 2025

Continuing my engagement with the wider scientific community, I participated in a panel discussion on 2 and 3 April at the 4th ACE Drug Discovery Summit, held at Insurance Hall, London. The session, titled In Vitro and In Vivo Testing of Drugs to Accelerate New Drug Discovery: Complementary Approaches, featured leading experts from academia and industry. During the event, Professor Bhakta delivered a keynote lecture on Models and Methods in Antimicrobial Drug Development (for further reading: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38949698/). Other distinguished panellists included Soroush Safaei, Senior Principal Scientist at Sanofi; Chandan Seth Nanda, Vice President of Target and Drug Discovery at Pear Bio; Annick Sawala, Head of Translational Research at Vivan Therapeutics; and Bilada Bilican, Senior Director at AstraZeneca’s Applied Stem Cell Sciences, Centre for Genomics Research. The ACE Drug Discovery Summit provided an excellent platform for global experts to explore trends, challenges, and innovations in drug discovery through presentations and interactive sessions.

Reflecting on these experiences, I can say that as a final-year PhD student, presenting my work to an international audience and engaging in meaningful discussions with both academic and industry leaders has been incredibly rewarding. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Commonwealth Scholarship, and I’m deeply grateful to my doctoral training supervisors for their unwavering support and mentorship.

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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 

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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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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:  

Dive into literary delights: discover enchanting bookshops near Birkbeck

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Sidhant Maharaj, MA Gender and Sexuality Studies student, is a self-confessed bookworm and in this blog reveals beautiful bookshops a short walk away from Birkbeck’s campus.

Sidhant Maharaj

Hey fellow bookworms! Are you like me, finding solace and escape within the pages of a good book? If so, you’re in for a treat! I’m excited to share some hidden gems – cosy bookshops nestled near Birkbeck, waiting for you to explore and get lost in their enchanting aisles.

  1. Waterstones, Gower Street:

Situated right opposite the Student Central building on Malet Street, Waterstones is a book haven. With its inviting ambiance and vast selection of books spanning various genres and interest, it’s a must-visit destination for any book enthusiast. I am not shy in sharing that this is where you will find me most days.

Waterstones, Gower Street

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterstones/

  1. Judd Books, Bloomsbury:

For those seeking academic and second-hand treasures, Judd Books in Bloomsbury is a must-visit. With its extensive collection of used and rare books covering a wide range of subjects, you’re sure to find a gem that piques your interest.

Judd Books, Bloomsbury

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juddbooks/

  1. Gay’s The Word, Bloomsbury:

Specializing in LGBTQ+ literature, Gay’s The Word is not just a bookstore – it’s a cultural hub. With its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtfully curated selection, it’s the perfect place to discover diverse voices and narratives.

Gay’s The Word, Bloomsbury

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaysthewordbookshop/

  1. Skoob Books, Russell Square

Another book shop not to miss is Skoob Books near Russell Square. With its labyrinthine layout and shelves overflowing with literary treasure, it’s a paradise for book hunters with both new and second-hand gems.

Skoob Books, Russell Square

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skoobbookslondon/?hl=en

  1. Word on the Water, Regent’s Canal:

Ever dreamed of browsing for books on a floating bookstore? Well, dreams do come true at Word on the Water! This charming book barge on Regent’s Canal offers a unique and cosy atmosphere to discover your next literary adventure.

Word on the Water, Regent’s Canal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/word.on.the.water/?hl=en-gb

  1. Daunt Books, Marylebone:

If you haven’t already stumbled upon this gem, you’re in for a treat! Daunt Books in Marylebone is a paradise for book lovers. With its stunning Edwardian interior and shelves lined with carefully curated books, it’s easy to get lost in its charm for hours.

Daunt Books, Marylebone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dauntbooks/

As a fellow book lover, I know the joy of stumbling upon a new bookstore and getting lost in its shelves. So, next time you’re on campus at Birkbeck with some free time on your hands, why not embark on a literary adventure and explore one of these delightful bookshops? Trust me, your inner bookworm will thank you!

Further information

Celebrating the Lunar New Year and Year of the Dragon with friends and colleagues at Birkbeck  

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Zhuoxin Han is a second year LLB Law student. In this blog they share their experience of attending the Lunar New Year event held by the university.  The Lunar New Year is the most important festival celebrated by many countries in Asia. The influence of the Spring Festival has been spreading worldwide; for instance, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the US have begun to join in this celebration. You may have noticed the huge number of red lanterns and decorations in London’s Chinatown if you happened to pass by recently. Or maybe the red celebration signs on the street -screens, as well as dragon illustrations on newspapers or magazines? The Evening Standard, for instance, printed a super cool red dragon as its cover on 10th Feb. 

The Lunar New Year is associated with old myths and traditional customs. Every family undergoes a thorough cleaning while approaching the new year, meaning they are ready to sweep out bad things or moods and be ready to accept the incoming good fortune. In the past, people would practice calligraphy and write their own versions of couplets; today people tend to purchase ready-made couplets. Another custom is using red paper cut outs and couplets to decorate windows and doors respectively. These pretty ornaments make people feel content and joyful. 

This year, the Lunar New Year event was jointly held by Birkbeck Global Recruitment Team and La Yong Jackson, from the International Student Administration team. As student Ambassadors, Ziyao and I were appointed to assist this event.

Before Birkbeck participants arrived, our team members cleaned and decorated the locations where the celebrations were due to take place in the main Malet Street building, the Canteen on the fifth floor, and the George Birkbeck Bar on the fourth floor. We also managed to create a ‘photo corner’ for guests who wish to take pictures, using our phones or Polaroid instant cameras provided by staff for everyone to use. 

The most popular custom during the Spring Festival must be the Red Pocket! The bright red reminds people of the warmth of family, the way everyone once gathered around, talking at the fireplace. I’ve sometimes wondered if that’s why Santa’s hats are red. 😊  

This year, Birkbeck prepared red pockets containing a free lunch voucher, golden chocolate, plus a delicate Birkbeck College badge for everyone who registered for the celebrations. As an international student, I found myself impressed by all these thoughtful details. It was probably a time-consuming task to prepare, and felt special. I was also impressed by the canteen staff, who had a really busy day, preparing food for both the regular daily menus and also the extra Asian cuisines for our celebrations. Sammie, Yunmeng, Ziyao, and I helped with guest check-in; everyone looked surprised and happy when they received the red pocket. It was nice to witness their genuine smiles. After lunch in the canteen, we moved to the George Birkbeck Bar.

Here we enjoyed three main activities: red paper cutting with traditional calligraphy or painting, voting for the best dresser and finally a quiz with prizes to be won! One girl drew a vivid dragon and received compliments with people taking pictures of her painting, and she even won a prize for it. Another lady who dressed in a traditional long dress with a beautiful pearl necklace won the best-dressed prize. She looked surprised when she received the award and gave a big, charming smile.

The quiz session was exciting; questions were related to customs and special products of different countries. It was a well-balanced quiz that included single choice, multiple choice, and matching. Each question had a strict time limitation which added to the excitement; everyone was holding their breath. When the results were released, I was a bit shocked to realise I had won! To be honest, I had guessed some of my answers! My colleague was searching for the mysterious winner: Han, which is my shortened nickname. She moved through the room super-fast, and I was chasing her, trying to explain that I was the one she was looking for. Finally, she turned around and noticed me chasing her, which made everyone laugh. There were two others who had come in with high scores, so as the three winners we gathered and had our picture taken. After this, lots of students stayed longer to socialize with each other, and we took lots of photos to remember the happy memories!

The Lunar New Year marks the end of the cold, dark winter and celebrates the beginning of a hopeful spring; it is a symbol of the final rest after a busy or tiring year; a chance to reunite with family members and recharge energy. People use this opportunity to catch up with those dear to them, preparing and getting ready for the next following year. This event which created a sense of community and togetherness, really helped capture these feelings.

As a final note from me, I wish you all a happy Lunar New Year! May the Year of the Dragon bring you good fortune! 

龙年吉祥！1 龍年吉祥！2 

Below is a list of well wishes for the lunar new year in a variety of languages, so feel free to spread the well wishes in your own language!

Albanian: Le të sjellë Viti i Drakonit fat për ty!

Arabic: “مهما جلب عام التنين لك من الحظ السعيد!” (mahma jalaba ‘aam altinin lak min alhaz alsaeid)

Bengali: “ড্রাগন বছর তোমার ভাগ্য আনুক!” (Ḍrāgana bôshara tōmāra bhāgya ānuka!)

Bosnian: “Neka godina Zmaja donese sreću tebi!” (same as Croatian)

Croatian: “Neka godina Zmaja donese sreću tebi!”

Czech: “Ať ti Rok Draka přinese štěstí!”

Danish: “Må Drageåret bringe dig held og lykke!”

Dutch: “Moge het Jaar van de Draak je geluk brengen!”

Estonian: “Loota, et Draakoni aasta toob sulle õnne!”

Filipino: “Sana’y magdala ng suwerte sa’yo ang Taon ng Dragon!”

Finnish: “Toivotan sinulle onnea Lohikäärmeen vuonna!”

French: “Que l’Année du Dragon vous apporte bonne chance!”

German: “Möge das Jahr des Drachen Ihnen Glück bringen!”

Greek: “Ας φέρει το Έτος του Δράκου καλή τύχη σε εσένα!” (As férei to Étos tou Drákou kalí týchi se eséna!)

Hebrew: “שנת הדרקון תביא לך מזל טוב!” (Shnat hadrakon tavi lecha mazal tov!)

Hindi: “ड्रैगन का वर्ष आपको शुभकामनाएं लेकर आए!” (ḍragan kā varṣ āpako śubhakāmanāeṁ lekar āe!)

Hungarian: “A Sárkány Éve hozzon neked szerencsét!”

Icelandic: “Má Drakársárinn koma þér heppni!”

Indonesian: “Semoga Tahun Naga membawa keberuntungan bagi Anda!”

Italian: “Che l’Anno del Drago ti porti fortuna!”

Japanese: “龍の年があなたに幸運をもたらしますように！” (Ryū no toshi ga anata ni kōun o motarashimasu yō ni!)

Korean: “용년이 당신에게 행운을 가져다 주기를 바랍니다!” (Yongnyeoni dangsinege haeng-un-eul gajyeoda jugireul barabnida!)

Kurdish: “Salê Şahmaran ji we re şans bidin!”

Latvian: “Lai Drakona Gads atnes tev veiksmi!”

Lithuanian: “Tegul Drakono metai tau atneš laimę!”

Malay: “Semoga Tahun Naga membawa keberuntungan kepada anda!”

Nepali: “ड्र्यागनको वर्ष तपाईंलाई भाग्य ल्याउनुहोस्!” (Ḍr’yāganakō varṣa tapā’īnlā’ī bhāgya lyā’unuhōs!)

Polish: “Niech Rok Smoka przyniesie ci szczęście!”

Portuguese: “Que o Ano do Dragão traga boa sorte para você!”

Romanian: “Anul Dragonului să îți aducă noroc!”

Russian: “Пусть год Дракона принесет вам удачу!”

Serbian: “Neka godina Zmaja donese sreću tebi!” (same as Croatian)

Spanish: “¡Que el Año del Dragón te traiga buena suerte!”

Swahili: “Mwaka wa Joka ulete bahati njema kwako!”

Swedish: “Må Drakens år bringa dig lycka!”

Thai: “ขอให้ปีมังกรนำโชคดีมาหาคุณ!” (kh̄ xih̄ pī mạngkrnăm chŏkh dī mā h̄ā khun!)

Turkish: “Ejderha Yılı size şans getirsin!”

Ukrainian: “Нехай Рік Дракона принесе вам щастя!” (Nekhay Rik Drakona prynese vam shchastya!)

Vietnamese: “Chúc năm Rồng mang lại may mắn cho bạn!”

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