"It’s about real people, real decisions, and real consequences": Tom Myers on his drive to study politics

Can you summarise your route to Cambridge?

Before coming to Cambridge, I studied Economics at the University of Manchester. During my third year as an undergrad, I realized that I wanted to study a master’s in politics as economics provided powerful tools for understanding parts of the world, but it couldn’t fully answer the broader political and societal questions I had become increasingly interested in. I wanted to develop a more holistic perspective by combining both disciplines.

"At the time, applying to Cambridge hadn’t even crossed my mind – it just wasn’t something that people in my circles were doing. It was only when one of my tutors pointed out that it was a realistic option that I began to consider it seriously."

I was initially a bit surprised and tentative, given the perceptions I had about Cambridge. Looking back, I'm so glad that I made the jump to apply; I’ve enjoyed my time here and have found the course incredibly interesting and rewarding.

How have you found the course and its teaching?

"I found the teaching at Cambridge to be second to none. The teaching methods in small groups are incredibly impactful and insightful. Additionally, learning from some of the leading minds in each module has been amazing; I was surprised by how much they truly care about their students and are willing to give a large amount of time and support."

What made this course in the Department of Politics and International Studies stand out to me was its interdisciplinary nature. This approach really suits my style of learning and thinking, as I believe combining different perspectives is essential for gaining a more holistic understanding of how the world works. The wide array of module choices has also given me the chance to explore many different sides of politics, from the political economy of the green transition, to the political history of the Baltic states.

"Politics excites me because it’s happening all around us, every day. Studying politics gives you the tools to make sense of everything from local decisions to major global shifts. It’s not just theoretical – it’s about real people, real decisions, and real consequences."

With so many changes happening across the world, being able to understand these shifts and the forces behind them is not only fascinating but feels more important than ever.

I know you have a passion for educational outreach and widening participation. Why is this so important?

"Telling people about the amazing opportunities available to them from an early age and giving them the self-belief to know that these opportunities are for people like them is very important to me."

An incredible amount of potential goes unseen in places where university, and especially universities like Cambridge, just aren’t on people’s radars. Coming from a comprehensive school where few students went on to further education, I was actively told at sixteen not to take A-levels because it was considered too ambitious. If it wasn’t for my family's belief and encouragement pushing me to take that step, I don't think I would have gone to university at all.

"That kind of belief and guidance is incredibly powerful, and it's something I want to pass on to others. Everyone should have the chance to aim high, no matter where they start from and the first step for this is knowing that these opportunities really are available."

What advice do you have for new MPhil students?

"My biggest piece of advice for incoming MPhil students would be to back yourself and trust that you belong here from day one. It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed at the start, especially when you’re surrounded by so many talented people, but remember that you were accepted for a reason."

One of the amazing things about Cambridge is just how many interesting events are happening all the time. If you’re a curious person, you’ll find there’s a talk by a world-leading expert almost every day of the week. To make the most of these opportunities, I set aside time at the start of each week to go through upcoming events and plan how to fit them into an already intense MPhil schedule. Being organised really helps you take full advantage of everything Cambridge has to offer without feeling overwhelmed.

"For those who are neurodivergent, as someone who is dyslexic myself, I would recommend speaking to lecturers and supervisors before each module starts to see if small adjustments can be made to better support your learning style."

I would also encourage making full use of the Wolfson Library, as the team put on excellent sessions on how to learn and write more effectively. This can make a real difference in feeling supported and confident throughout the year.

How did you pick a college and were you involved in any extracurriculars outside your studies?

I originally picked Wolfson because it had some of the most affordable accommodation, offered a flexible termly license, and had great facilities like a basketball court and pool tables. But since arriving, I’ve come to realise just how much more Wolfson has to offer. I’ve had an amazing time working with the Wolfson Entrepreneurship Society (WES), which has opened fantastic opportunities: from hosting the Wolfson Entrepreneurship Competition to becoming a Residential Student at the E-Lab and taking part in Trinity Hall’s Catalysts Programme.

"I’ve been able to develop my entrepreneurial skills, and I’ve actually started working more seriously on one of my own ideas – a social enterprise called BallR. The goal of BallR is to help increase access to third spaces in the UK by expanding the culture of pickup basketball, using tech to reduce court costs, open up underused spaces, and build communities."

Thanks to Trinity Hall Catalysts for their funding! WES also supported me through the University’s Climate Challenge, which was another fantastic opportunity to work on innovative ideas around sustainability and to collaborate with people from a range of backgrounds. I teamed up with two other students I met in workshops, James and Hania, and together we developed MySeilum, a business that uses mycelium (mushroom roots) as a form of sustainable insulation.

We designed it around a pay-as-you-save business model, helping make insulation accessible and affordable. I was so proud that my team reached the final of the competition; the day had a fantastic atmosphere, with great networking opportunities and valuable feedback from experts in the field.

"On top of that, playing football and basketball for Wolfson has been such a brilliant way to meet like-minded people and make friends. Getting involved in College life has definitely been one of the best parts of my time at Cambridge."

This article is part of our 2025-6 Postgraduate Student Profile Series.

You can learn about the funding available at Wolfson and how to apply to study for a postgraduate course at Cambridge University as a Wolfson College student on our website.