Class of 2025: Mohammad Herzallah

While studying Politics and International Relations Mohammad Herzallah has supported two of our leading professors with their research and secured a prestigious placement.

Mohammad, a Palestinian with UK and Jordanian dual citizenship, said: “I was a research assistant for two different esteemed professors, Faten Ghosn and Krisitian Gleditch.
“Both these roles gave me valuable knowledge in how to conduct research and analyse data from many different sources. It also made me appreciate the time it takes to analyse and collect data which will help me dearly in my future projects and roles.”

As a research assistant with Professor Ghosn, Mohammad helped update information around ad hoc tribunals in the Transitional Justice Research Collaborative database and within his role with Professor Gleditch he helped analyse thousands of historical newspapers and other sources to support work around the impact of the media on mobilising anti-Government protests and viewpoints.

Now he is looking forward to a role at the Office for Product Safety and Standards and feels the knowledge and experience he gained from his degree gave him an advantage.
He said: “Essex really helped me get my placement in the OPSS. While applying, I picked the data analysis position and I was confident in getting this role as the University prepared me greatly with a data analysis module.

“This module was imperative in enhancing my University experience as it gave me a skill I can use in any profession and most importantly, a skill I can use in the government which is my goal.”

He was inspired to choose politics and international relations as his father is a civil servant and he was keen to follow this path. He added: “I also picked this course as I believe the knowledge you gain really makes a difference in the world, as politics is what runs our society. Finally, as diplomacy is my goal in the future, this course is an excellent way of preparing me for that role. “

So what is Mohammad’s best memory of Essex?

“One memorable thing about my time at Essex was my lectures,” he said. “As someone who likes engaging in debates, hearing other people's views, and is willing to grow as an individual, my course allowed me to do this in my lectures.

“Some courses do not have this freedom as they are more scientific, or they just do not have the freedom of engaging in topics like the social sciences do. There were many scenarios where I engaged with my peers or even my professors, explaining my thought process and why I believe what I believe and vice versa. This method of teaching, in my opinion, is less robotic and really allowed me to express myself, which I will remember for the rest of my life.”

He is full of praise for all his lecturers, but picks out Professor Ghosn for a special mention.

He said: “She was an inspiration to me as she made me realise the versatility of my course and how, although the subject is very opinionated, you cannot let your feelings cloud your thoughts. T

“The role given to me by Professor Ghosn was invaluable and allowed me to see the vastness of politics and how it overlaps with so many different subjects.

“Being from similar countries also allowed me to engage with her as not just a professor but also as a mentor, which really helped me in achieving my first-class degree.”

He added: “I would recommend the University of Essex greatly as the campus life is enjoyable and the teaching is at the highest level.

“At university you are here to study and gain knowledge and at this institution it is done in a fun and engaging way which will make you want to go to class and interact with your peers and professors.

“If I was not shown that inviting and warm environment when I joined, getting a first-class degree or even my placement would not have been possible. Thank you University of Essex.”