Our Welsh-speaking alumni

Assistant Director, Insight, Policy and Public Affairs, Sport Wales

The reputation of Aberystwyth’s international politics department was, and remains, one that carries weight internationally. I was incredibly keen to be given the chance to study under such high-quality lecturers who were leading thinkers in their fields. Beyond this, the university and town itself really spoke to me. Whilst the department had so many qualities that enticed me to want to study there, the entire experience of Aberystwyth felt special, and I wanted to be part of that.

I loved my time at Aberystwyth and being part of the international politics department. My only regret is that I look back now and think I didn’t make enough of the opportunities, and didn’t engage even more! Yet I still left with a sense of achievement, a changed world view and the practical skills that would set me up for my future career. I forged friendships that lasted a lifetime, and challenging perspectives that tested who I am and would become. It helped me set up networks that I still engage with today, across politics and policy throughout Wales. It also reaffirmed my love of the Welsh language and how that element became embedded in my daily life. Yes, I gained a degree, but in truth more than that, I found out who I am and who I wanted to be.

I left Aberystwyth with a sense of wanting to use my degree and found my way into Welsh politics. I spent 7 years working in politics, including supporting the Welsh Government in a coalition period. However, over time I have discovered and decided that the critical thinking skills that Aberystwyth gave me were better placed in relationship building across political divides. I have spent time in the education sector and today am the Assistant Director for Insight, Policy and Public Affairs at Sport Wales. I love where my career has taken me, utilising the policy development and problem solving strategies that I learnt with my degree, to help shape the future of how sport can contribute to a healthier and prosperous Wales.

Director of Communications and Engagement, Welsh Parliament

It was by pure accident that I came to be studying Politics at Aberystwyth. When I first visited Aberystwyth University, I had decided to study Law. However, when I saw the diversity of courses available in the International Politics Department and the friendly nature of the department and its staff, I changed my mind and followed a degree course in Politics. That was certainly one of the most important decisions I have ever made!

After spending four years in Aberystwyth, I worked for a charity before starting as a researcher with the BBC. The knowledge I had gained during my time in Aberystwyth was essential in getting me that job, and that information on Welsh, British and International Politics has been essential ever since.

On a practical level, I had learnt so much about the National Assembly and that was very important when I worked for S4C2, which was responsible for broadcasting so many of the Assembly’s committees and discussions.

When I became a political correspondent for the BBC, the ability to put events within their historical context was an important tool. Because of the degree programme in Aberystwyth I have the confidence and ability to do so. I am now the Educational Correspondent for BBC Wales during a general election campaign, and my politics degree is more useful than ever!!  I am grateful on a daily basis for that decision I took on my first visit to Aberystwyth University!

Chief Correspondent, Newyddion S4C

After visiting on an open day, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to spend three years of my life in Aber and try to gain a degree. I was attracted by the promise of a warm Welsh welcome and plenty of socialising — and my time at the College by the sea did not disappoint. As the oldest department of its kind in the world offering education of the highest standard and the opportunity to study extensively through the medium of Welsh, I enjoyed following a variety of modules during my degree course. I have no doubt that the lectures I attended and the discussions I took part in at various seminars were an important foundation as I pursued a career in journalism. I have been fortunate enough to report extensively on news stories and current affairs around the world - from elections in Wales, France and the United States to civil disorder in Hong Kong and Egypt and wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Studying at Aberystwyth University's Department of International Politics really helped me understand and interpret complex international issues in my work with ITV Wales and the BBC in recent years. 

Head of Communications, Farmers Union Wales

Does dim dwywaith i’r sgiliau a’r profiadau enillais drwy astudio Hanes a Gwleidyddiaeth Ryngwladol ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth fod o fudd sylweddol wrth ddatblygu fy nghymeriad a chyfleoedd gyrfa. Roedd astudio trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn hwb enfawr - gan fy ngalluogi i fagu perthynas agos a chyfeillgar gyda’r staff a chyd-fyfyrwyr.

Yn ogystal â’r addysg academaidd heb ei ail, llwyddais hefyd i elwa ar nifer o brofiadau buddiol, gan gynnwys Gemau Argyfwng enwog yr Adran Wleidyddiaeth Ryngwladol, yn ogystal â chyfnodau o brofiad gwaith gyda busnesau lleol a gwleidyddion amrywiol - a helpodd fireinio sgiliau sydd bellach yn ddefnyddiol yn fy ngwaith bob dydd. Elwais yn fawr hefyd o’r gymdeithas Gymraeg agos a bywiog yn y brifysgol a’r dref, a’r cyfleoedd niferus sy’n deillio o UMCA a chymdeithasau tebyg.

Director: External Relations and Culture, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

Studying at Aberystwyth's Department of International Politics was a great experience for me. I was drawn to the department because of its reputation as one of the best in the world in international politics, but also because of the opportunity to study through the medium of Welsh. The combination of a strong academic foundation and the values embedded in Aber's culture—community, unity, and social justice—has informed my career choices and the way I approach my work today.

My time at Aberystwyth gave me a solid foundation in devolution, public affairs, policy advocacy, strategy, diplomacy, and communication—skills that have been central to every role I've undertaken. After starting my career as a journalist with BBC News, I went on to work in policy, advocacy and international engagement.

I now serve as Director of External Relations and Culture at the Office for the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, leading on partnerships with the United Nations, cultural policy, and political advocacy.

The international perspective I developed at Aber, combined with my commitment to the Welsh language and Welsh culture, has enabled me to work across national and international organisations. As a Next Generation Fellow of the United Nations Future Generations Organization, and a UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellow, I have advised senior UN officials, diplomats, and member states, contributing most recently to the successful adoption of the UN Declaration on Future Generations. I also co-lead a multi-stakeholder global coalition for future generations, campaigning for long-term thinking in decision making. Closer to home, I have worked in leadership roles across Welsh cultural organisations, including Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Literature Wales, and Scouts Cymru.

Throughout all of this, Aberystwyth's influence has stayed with me — not only in terms of the academic foundation it provided, but in the values ​​it instilled: a people-centred approach, a deep appreciation of culture and language, and a belief in the power of community. I continue to be incredibly grateful for my time there.

 

External Affairs Manager for the Disasters Emergency Committee in Wales (DEC Cymru)

I chose the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth because of its good reputation. Knowing that I would be able to do modules and seminars through the medium of Welsh was also an important factor... not to mention being able to live in a town as beautiful as Aberystwyth.

The experience I had in the department was great. There was such a wide range of modules available - the biggest challenge each September was choosing which ones to take - I wanted to study everything! I also enjoyed the seminars – the English-medium ones because there was an opportunity to mix with a wide range of people from different backgrounds, and the Welsh-medium ones because we were in smaller groups, having intense discussions and challenging us. The best of both worlds, I’d say.
As for my career.. it’s been a path of twists and turns so far, if I'm honest! I followed my interests and chose whatever (and wherever) felt important to me at the time. Thanks to the department I had brilliant opportunities to begin with – work experience over one summer with a Member of Parliament at Westminster, and a year at the European Parliament as a "stagiaire" to Eluned Morgan who was an MEP. The experience in a multilingual institution inspired me to learn Spanish, and a two-month language course in Guatemala turned into 8 years in Latin America before returning to Wales.

Working in smaller organisations often requires a willingness to roll up your sleeves and help out wherever it’s needed – over the years I've focused on communication, fundraising, project coordination and funding. Looking back I think I also benefited greatly from campaign work .... although that didn't cross my mind at the time! Fortunately, my current job calls for 'a little bit of everything' rather than specific expertise... and I'm thrilled to be focusing once again on international affairs – all the skills come together in the end!

Head of Communications, Plaid Cymru

Choosing the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University was a no-brainer. I had a keen interest in politics since my early teens, from global politics to our politics here in Wales. I never considered studying politics as a degree until I was encouraged to look into the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University – and that was it. The department has a reputation for being among one of the best in the world, and it's no surprise when you look at the standard of teaching, the academics, and the resources available - not to mention the iconic building! There was also so much choice in terms of the modules available to study – Welsh politics, Latin America, the Middle East, modern warfare, philosophy, gender studies, and a wide range of these were also available through the medium of Welsh thanks to the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. I'm so glad I chose the department. I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't made that choice.

My experience of studying in the department was so positive. To begin with, there was so much choice in terms of the modules available to study and enough freedom for me to follow my own path and tailor the course and degree to my interests. The fact that so many modules are also available in Welsh, and that the department makes an effort to ensure Welsh provision, was also positive. There are so many extracurricular experiences available through the department, including trips, exchange programs, and crisis games. I always enjoyed attending the lectures (and I always attended too... even if I felt a bit delicate some mornings...) but the seminars were undoubtedly the best. The tutors in the department are so friendly, so supportive, and so eager to give students a voice to develop their own analyses and academic independence. We also formed, quite naturally, a community of Welsh students studying in the department and established the Aberystwyth Welsh Politics Society.  I attended for the politics but left with special friends.

I said I wouldn't be where I am now without the department and this is so true.
The experiences and opportunities I had by studying in the department led directly to my first job as Head of Marketing with Y Lolfa press in Tal-y-bont.
The course and department gave me access to contacts across Welsh public life, and gave me the opportunity to build relationships in the political world, which then led to a position as Senior Communications Officer in the Plaid Cymru group in the Senedd.
It developed my analytical skills, a skill that is now absolutely necessary in my current job as Head of Communications for Plaid Cymru, one of the largest political parties in Wales, and preparing for the 2026 election. It's a challenging but extremely rewarding job. I would not have been able to pursue such a vibrant career path without my time and experiences in the department of international politics at Aberystwyth University.

Head of Constitutional Reform Policy, Welsh Government

I chose the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth because of its outstanding reputation, not only in Wales but across the United Kingdom and beyond.  Where better to study than the home of the first chair of International Politics of its kind in the world! I was very much drawn to the fact that I could study modules through the medium of Welsh and continue to live through the medium of Welsh.

I have very fond memories of studying in the department.  My undergraduate course was full of interesting and varied modules with lecturers of the highest standard.  There was something for everyone whether it was learning about the philosophy of Habermas and Gramsci, to learning about the history of devolution and politics in Wales! I was also extremely fortunate to be one of the first students to study a brand-new Master’s scheme in the department, Welsh Politics and Society. As part of this scheme, I had the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience at the BBC and I interviewed some of the most prominent politicians in Wales at the time for a research project. 

There is no doubt, the department was a major influence on my career. After completing my Master’s course, I secured a position in the Welsh Government's education department in Cardiff. Sometime after this, I had an opportunity to combine my interest in Welsh politics and international politics through a job in the Welsh Government office in Brussels. Thereafter I moved back to Wales to work at the heart of Welsh politics in the First Minister's office. I was also fortunate to spend time on secondment in the UK Government Cabinet Office, working to organise the NATO conference with No 10’s events team, which was an unforgettable experience. Following another period working abroad for the Welsh Government (in Washington DC) I returned to work in the Welsh Government's constitutional department. The highlight of that was being able to work on the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales - which almost felt like I had come full circle!

The skills I acquired at Aberystwyth and what I learned has been of great benefit to me throughout my career, and in fact, I continue to use them to this day, over twenty years later!  Therefore, every step of my career up to this point has been shaped by my time in Aber. I am very glad that I chose the department after reading that bright yellow prospectus all those years ago.