Amar Radia

St Catherine's College 2005, PPE; Balliol, MPhil in Economics

I grew up just outside London. Both my parents were born in East Africa and were the first generation in their families to go to university. I studied PPE as an undergraduate at St Catherine's College from 2005-2008, and I am now studying the MPhil in Economics at Balliol.

The undergraduate application and admissions process is unique. It offers a very thorough procedure for tutors at colleges to pick the students they want to be overseeing for the next three years. I think it was beneficial that there were lots of aspects to the admissions process beyond the UCAS form: essays, interviews and a written test.

I chose PPE as an undergraduate because I was fascinated by all three subjects and the opportunity to get such a broad exposure. I chose to do a MPhil in economics because I wanted to work in policy, initially as an economist, and felt this was the best way to equip myself to do so.

Both as an undergraduate and a graduate I have felt able to pursue my interests within the disciplines that I have studied. I think there is a good balance of core and option courses.

I feel that I have definitely developed well during my time here. In particular the tutorial system and essay requirements have fostered my ability to communicate clearly both orally and on paper.
 
The college set up is great. Whichever college you are at you have a natural community for social, academic and extracurricular activities. The tutorial system is also excellent.

I was fortunate enough to have tutorials with a very famous politics professor who was always very entertaining and kind. He is frequently mentioned in newspapers and to this day every time I see his name it reminds me how many opportunities Oxford provides.