Avigail Kohn

What made you want to apply to PPE at Leeds?

I came to study at Leeds from the Netherlands. I originally applied to study communications, but changed my mind and decided to study PPE because it is a broad, challenging course that makes you look at the world through varied perspectives. The three subjects are so interlinked and because you cover so many topics the career options afterwards are very open. 

What is it that makes you passionate about studying PPE?

The interconnection between subjects is something that I really enjoy about the course. While I would say that politics is my favourite - it is impossible to have a truly comprehensive understanding of the subject without looking at its economic and ethical influences. I think the way PPE ties all of these together makes me have a much more holistic view of the world around them, and means that I am well equipped to deal with issues within these subjects in a more effective way.  

What do you think of your course so far – what aspects of the course have you enjoyed the most or are looking forward to the most?

So far, I have enjoyed the course a lot. The first-year PPE philosophy seminars were a definite highlight because, while they focused on philosophy, they also allowed the group to bring in elements from our other subjects and discuss them against a philosophical background. These seminars were also very rigorous and student-focused, with many opportunities to improve and learn from our mistakes. Finally, the class provided the opportunity for all the PPE students to come together. This had a big impact on our ability to contribute constructively to the discussions: because we all knew each other, we felt more comfortable speaking our minds and developing our ideas. I feel that these classes really helped me in being able to communicate my point across clearly in other modules as well. 

I am looking forward to the interdisciplinary dissertation in my final year. I think it’s great that I have the opportunity to do a dissertation in two subjects, because it will really show how I have developed my ability to learn, analyse and write about two different subjects in a clear and coherent way. 

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

There are so many activities available for students to take part in outside of their studies here. I started up the Philosophy, Politics and Economics Society, which allows students on the course to meet in a more social, informal environment. While this isn’t necessarily a teaching technique, the society has become a space where PPE students can put on talks, have discussions and provide support and advice for each other. I’ve also been involved in the fundraising society Raise and Give (RAG); joined the Spanish dance society and been an editor for the University newspaper (the Gryphon). I have been involved with the University’s Global Community, which supports international students and facilitates their integration into university life. In my first year, I was part of the Intercultural Ambassador program and in my second year, I was a Global Community Coordinator and Assistant, helping new students get to know and make the most of their time at Leeds.