Edinburgh 2020-2021

Introduction

I studied LLM Global Environment and Climate Change Law at the University of Edinburgh and graduated in December 2021. I was fortunate to be able to study two courses with the geo-science department: Sustainable Marine Development, and Marine Ecosystems and Policies. It was interesting to look at the science behind environmental laws and the possible implications to ecosystems if unregulated activity continues. The pandemic impacted education causing students to feel a sense of solitude, uncertainty, and without access to vital resources making learning difficult. Although attending university at this time was difficult, my time spent at Edinburgh University was exceptional thanks to all my class mates, lecturers, colleagues, and the beauty of Edinburgh.

Graduation day at McEwan Hall

Living In Edinburgh:

Scotland is a beautiful country and a place I have always wanted to visit. I lived in Edinburgh for a year while I studied, and I instantly fell in love with the city. I have never been a big fan of London so I was unsure if I would enjoy living in a city, but Edinburgh is truly a unique place to live. Climbing to the top of Arthur's Seat and you can see the sea, beaches, grassland, and the city (as seen in the video below.) It is a great place to live for someone who loves nature but still wants the excitement of city life. I drove past Nicola Sturgeon outside the Parliament building on my way to unpack in my new student home. I lived in Haymarket and worked part-time at Sainsburys Southbridge and I worked with some amazing people.

Beautiful pictures of Edinburgh, including Victoria Street

Class Mates:

The pandemic meant that not everyone could attend classes as only a handful of us actually lived in Edinburgh. A lot of our classes were online and we made the effort to meet virtually and with many group chats. I got to meet many interesting people and although it was online I felt very connected with this great group of people. As there were only a few of us in Edinburgh we were able to meet for classes and it felt more like a discussion compared to a lecture. The people really made the experience what it was, and it gave me so much hope for the future to know that so many incredible people were advocates for environmental protection. It was lovely to visit art museums, surgeons museums, botanical gardens, ghost tours, and even watching England lose in the Euros!

Some of the amazing people on my course!

Favourite Experience:

Looking back there was nothing I disliked about my course or living in Edinburgh, but I know at the time I was very homesick and juggling part time work with writing essays and attending lectures was stressful. However, this all added to the excitement of studying a masters and I would do it all again if I could. My favourite experience was visiting North Berwick where we took a boat around Bass Rock, which is a seabird sanctuary. They gave us a tour and showed us the work that goes into maintaining the sanctuary, ensuring it thrives.

Although the pandemic did impact my experience, I like to think that I met more people due to the virtual nature of many of the courses. We zoomed with conservationists in the United States who are actively working to protect basking sharks, and Andrea Crosta who worked on documentaries, such as, the Ivory Game on Netflix and Sea of Shadows. They are amazing documentaries that I recommend if you haven't seen them. It was interesting to get views from people who are working in different areas and give advice on what they think the problems and solutions are. Funding was always brought up as an issue although they all had amazing volunteers working with them. Another great experience was seeing the Queen at Holyrood house. The video below was taken outside the Palace.

It was a treasured experience studying at the University of Edinburgh and I learnt so much from people who excel in their field. My dissertation was about environmental justice, if that is something that interests you then give my dissertation a read, it is posted on my blog. Anyone who is thinking of visiting or studying in Edinburgh then I highly recommend it! If you would like any advice or recommendations feel free to send me a message.