We are starting a monthly series, whereby we ask lecturers ‘5 Questions in 5 Minutes’ to help students get to know staff and put faces to names. Our first instalment is with Dr. Christopher Massey, Lecturer in Politics and History.
1. Why study BA (Hons) Politics here?
Teesside University’s politics degree allows you to understand and influence the world around you. Your modules investigate the major political issues, ideologies and developments at home, Europe and further afield. This degree opens doors to so many careers including social and political research, HR, journalism and marketing, along with roles in frontline politics such as becoming an MP or councillor.
2. How are students taught?
We use a diversity of learning and teaching methods – lectures, seminars, practical skills sessions, group work and using the University’s virtual learning environment. And a range of assessments from traditional essays and exams, through to knowledge exchange projects and source criticism portfolios. You are taught by academics with extensive experience in the politics sphere both inside and outside the University.
3. Top fact about your field?
Former American Presidents Barack Obama and Gerald Ford; British Prime Ministers David Cameron, Harold Wilson and Edward Heath; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl all studied politics at university.
4. Any advice to students?
My biggest piece of advice is do what you love. If you study a subject that you are passionate about then it doesn’t really feel like work at all.
5. Favourite hobby outside of work?
Whilst my work at the University is the academic side of politics, my hobby is putting politics into action. I am active in local politics and have been a councillor for my home town since 2011. I served as the Deputy Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council between 2017 and 2019.
