Peter Hersee
What course are you currently studying?
I'm currently working on my PhD in Law / Criminology and Sociology
Why did you choose postgraduate study at the University of Liverpool?
It's a fantastic University, in a fantastic city and it gives me the opportunity to work with great supervisors on a subject matter of huge importance to the City of Liverpool.
What’s the best thing about studying in your department?
The support, guidance and help that is always available for any problems I may have, no matter how big or how small, somebody is always happy to go out of their way to help.
How do the facilities in the University help you with your studies?
The libraries have an incredible amount of accessible information, be it books or journals. Anything they do not have on site, they are happy to source for you from elsewhere.
What kind of support do you get from your supervisors?
As much or as little support as I need. The work and study I do is mainly on my own but I know if I ever have any difficulties, my supervisors are just an email or phone call away and always happy to help.
What do you enjoy most about working towards your PhD?
The variety. The opportunity for solo study to push my thesis in the direction I want it to go. The opportunity to interact with other PhD students and the benefits this can bring. Also, the opportunity to teach seminars and the great experience and opportunity to further my knowledge that this brings.
How do you believe undertaking postgraduate research will help your career prospects?
I hope completion of my PhD opens many doors for future career paths. Networking opportunities at conferences are fantastic, as well as the opportunity to teach and the possibility of staying in academia. Working with world renowned experts in their field with my supervisors is invaluable experience which can only hold me in good stead.
What advice would you give to anybody considering postgraduate research?
Be positive, dare to dream, believe in yourself 100% and never give up. There are fantastic postgraduate and PhD opportunities available at the University of Liverpool. As long as you do your research and find out exactly what it is you want to do, then go for it. Studying at Liverpool has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me and I 100% made the right decision to study for my PhD here.