​Athina Kefalopoulou


Year Graduated: 2010
Age: 21
University: University of Edinburgh
Course: Sociology (Hons) MA



• Please describe your course in a few words

As different universities cover my course in different ways, it's probably easier to explain how Edinburgh runs Sociology throughout each year. The main thing about studying in Edinburgh is that in 1st and 2nd year you have both core subjects (i.e. subjects relating and mandatory to your course) and outside subjects, where you can do any subject within the whole university. So you have 2 years to see if what you have chosen as your degree actually suits you; and if not, you are allowed to change your degree. However, you have to decide before your 3rd year.

1st year: Modern sociological examples; ranging from environmental campaigns, case studies on alcohol use, sex, music, modern technology.

2nd year: Everyone doing a Social Science Degree (Sociology, Politics, International Relations, Anthropology) takes the same courses: Social and Political Enquiry (SPE), and Social and Political Theory (SPT). In the first, we cover some of the main experiments that have taken place in the last 60 years, along with their methodology, how they worked socially, ethically, and politically, and in which areas they went wrong and why. In SPT we study the works of both earlier and more modern sociologists, politicians, and philosophers. -- From what we understand, they cover the more modern 'random' case studies of sociology in 1st year to see which students are actually interested in the degree subject, and then cover the theories behind it in 2nd year to form a stronger base and weed out which students want to change subjects. You are allowed to change your degree subject any time before 3rd year.

3rd and 4th year: More Social Theory (purely for Sociologists now), plus two modules on Designing Social research (for which you are put into groups and actually make your own 'mini' research experiments. Plus, you can also take 3 more optional courses from within Sociology and Anthropology. Myself for example, I am taking courses on the Military, Globalization, Sociology of Medicine and Magic (it's a thing!), and Sociology of Intimate relationships. Then finally you have your main research project which you have a year to complete from start to finish :)



• What IB subjects did you take?

Standard Level: Math Studies, Biology, Spanish Ab Initio

Higher Level: English, Greek, Business

• What is the most important thing to do to be successful in IB and IGCSE?

Don't slack off your Standard level classes (or others)! You may think of them as easier but the points you get at the end are just as important.

Take breaks - for me studying 8 hours a day never worked; but when you say you will study, study ‘properly’. The IB is two stressful years; it may be more beneficial to take a two hour break to play basketball or go swimming, than to take a 30 minute break in front of the TV. Give your body a break once in a while and your brain will follow.

• What was the most important thing, for you, when deciding which university to apply to?

- It's important to decide on a university based on what YOU want to do. Applying to the same universities as your best friends may happen as a coincidence but don't plan around it.
-  I wouldn't put that much emphasis on visiting the universities during open days. I personally didn't visit 4/5 universities I applied to, and Edinburgh was one of them and my 1st choice. Wherever you go you will find a way to like it, and if not, it's not the 'Open Day's' fault. Having said that, it is a good idea to research the life of the cities you are applying to. Especially as St. Catherine's students are leaving Greece behind, meaning warm temperatures, late nights, close access to beaches, and Athens in itself being a vibrant city 24/7. Look around and see what the life of the area where you are applying to actually is like. It may be better for you to be in a city, rather than a student campus; or vice versa. I'd say don't base the order of your list solely on grades, because you will be spending 3-5 years living in that city, so you might as well enjoy it.
- Also, when applying to the UK, don't put 'Scottish/Irish accents are difficult to understand' as one of your reasons not to apply to a Scottish university. That is NOT and shouldn't be a reason! (I say this because I have been confronted with said opinions. Silly indeed).

• Could you give us some advice on University life?

For a lot of people, having done the IB makes university seem easy. That's definitely true! It's not till now as I am in 3rd year that I am finding a challenge. And that shows you how great the IB is at preparing you for uni. All those biology labs and CAS folders and Extended essays are a massive preparation for actual University work; not to mention balancing your time.

As for uni life; pretty much everything you need once you step on the grounds is set up for you. From events, to student deals, to even where you can get bedding! So don't stress too much about bringing over EVERYTHING you own; you will be coming back.
If you're going to the UK, look at airlines such as Easy Jet and BMI. They have great ticket prices if you book early enough, on direct flights, so you can come back to Greece easily for a few days here and there without jeopardising your classes.

• What is the most important piece of advice you can give to other students about coping with exams?
- Take breaks when you study.
- For me it helped a lot to delegate one room of the house to each subject. (Maths in the kitchen, Biology in the dining room, English outside etc). That way you change scenery and your brain boxes the information separately. Plus the occasional cookie from the kitchen helps ;)
- Don't murder your social life during the exam period. If anything, venting over how tired you are to someone else who is doing the same thing, helps. The IB exam schedule is designed to give you enough time after Easter till your exams. If you study properly then you can easily afford a night out.
- Don't plan your study hours around your classmates'. They are applying to different unis, for different offers, are taking different subjects, and have different brains.

And just remember no matter how stressful it gets, that you will get into university, and it’ll be great fun! Good luck!
Thank you!!



-Zoe Kalos