Annabelle Goard

Why Abertay?

It was the combination of modules offered on the Sociology course, which was exactly what I was looking for. Not only was I able to study Sociology, but I was also able to complete some psychology modules too, which I was very interested in. I've enjoyed everything about my time at Abertay from the new friendships I have made to the academically stimulating classes I have attended. My favourite thing about the university experience has to be the memories I have made over the last four years at Abertay.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am currently seeking full time employment so that I may gain some work experience for a year before deciding if I would like to pursue a postgraduate degree. Ultimately, I would like to work within the public sector in a role which is especially focused on increasing community well-being.

Tell us a bit about your final year project.

My honours project was “A Critical Analysis of the Socio-historical Evolution of Love, Romance and Dating”. I chose this topic because love, romance and dating are social processes which effect everyone, however, not much research has been done in this area. Through my project I was able to demonstrate that while we take certain ideologies and practices to do with love, romance and dating for granted and view them as natural when they are actually contingent and evolve according to socio-historical circumstances. They are strongly influenced by a multitude of social factors including gender relations, class dynamics and the market economy. I am very proud that I achieved an A for my dissertation. 

What do few people know about you?

While I am British I have lived in Cyprus from the age of four. I completed all my schooling in the Greek education system and am fluent in Greek. When I came to university I struggled to transition to being taught in English and found it even harder to understand the Scottish accent.  

What’s your advice for students starting at Abertay after the summer? 

Study hard because seeing your hard work pay off at the end when you get your results and your degree makes it all worth it. But at the same time enjoy your four years as a student and have fun because they are over far too quickly.