13 November 2025
Considering your next steps? Here's some advice...
Is postgraduate study at King’s the right move for you?
Weighing up your options can be a daunting prospect, whether you’re completing a bachelor’s degree or considering a return to study after a period in work.
When making a decision, it’s often helpful to hear from those with experience so we caught up with postgraduate student Rano Khayrullaeva to hear more about her decision to continue her studies at King’s.
Rano, who completed her BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at King’s in 2024, opted to progress to an MA in International Political Economy.
If you’d like to find out more, visit: Postgraduate taught at King’s.
What MA programme did you choose and why?
I chose the MA in International Political Economy course because I wanted to deepen my understanding of how political and economic forces interact to shape global outcomes. This programme at King’s offers an advanced, interdisciplinary approach to examining the roles of governments, markets, and societal actors across different regions. It aligned closely with the themes I explored during my undergraduate studies. The strong research profile of the department and the chance to learn from scholars who are leading debates in political economy made this programme the ideal next step for developing both my analytical and research skills.
What appealed to you about continuing your studies at King’s?
Continuing at King’s felt natural since I started my studies at King’s in 2021. I got an opportunity to develop strong academic relationships with the staff in my department and I know that the teaching environment encourages both critical thinking and independent research. King’s excels in the field of political economy and has an excellent faculty. I also value the international student community and the opportunities King’s provides to engage in policy-related discussions.
How have you found the transition from BSc to MA?
The transition has been challenging in a positive way. Pursuing my MA, I have realised that there is much more emphasis on self-directed research, academic independence, and engaging critically with literature rather than simply understanding concepts. The workload is more concentrated, but I feel that the depth of learning is much richer. I am enjoying having more ownership over my research direction especially in designing my dissertation framework.
What advice would you give to students considering continuing their studies at King’s?
I would encourage students to think about in which direction they want to pursue their research, because the MA is most rewarding when your dissertation topic genuinely interests you. It is also important to build good relationships with your professors. The faculty at King’s are incredibly supportive, but it is important to put in effort and take initiative. This programme is very collaborative and you learn by interacting and making connections as well as engaging well with the materials.