Josh Callandar

BA Middle East Studies 2015

What did you enjoy about your degree programme?

The contemporary nature of my degree, and subsequently its relevance, is what I enjoyed most. Being able to transfer current events to political theory literally a day after an event happening is something which you can only experience in a handful of degrees.

Tell us about the award you have received. What does this award mean to you?

I’m extremely honoured to be receiving this award – like everybody I found the dissertation a long slog but I really enjoyed the topic I was writing on and am planning to work on it over the next few months with the hope of getting it published.

What has been the highlight of your time at Exeter?

The highlight of my time at the University has certainly been the engagement and participation in sport whilst here. We are an amazing sporting institution and our programme here is second to none.

What will you miss the most about university?

It sounds corny, but genuinely the people here. Exeter students are amazing, and the friends I have made here are some of the most amazing people and I wish every graduate the best of luck in the future.

What advice would you give to current and future students?

Enjoy it. Love it. Immerse yourself. Get involved. Get active. Have fun. Bleed Green.

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I’m the University Athletic Union President for the 2016-17 academic year. After that I hope to do a Masters at Exeter in Politics and International Relations of the Middle East. One day I would love to have a book published exploring the relationship between football and the Middle East.