What were your main reasons for choosing to undertake postgraduate research at University of Liverpool?
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the city. Liverpool is a great place to be a student. It is affordable to live in and offers a great quality of life. I was attracted to the Institute of Irish Studies, not only because it is a highly regarded department, but also because in past experiences I had found its academic staff approachable and supportive.
Can you summarise your postgraduate research in a few sentences?
My work seeks to provide a critical understanding of youth non-voting in Northern Ireland. It probes young people's relationships with politics (conceptualised broadly) to unpack the nature of possible disconnects between them and electoral politics. Through developing this critical understanding, it is hoped that suggestions can be made that may encourage greater youth turnout in the region in the future.
How do you believe postgraduate research will help your career prospects?
I believe that my PhD has helped me develop skills that will leave me well placed to enter into the academic or non-governmental sectors.