A Joint Farewell from the Student Editors

Dear Readers,

As we introduce the sixth edition of the Undergraduate Social Sciences Student Journal and the second edition of the Postgraduate Taught Social Sciences Student Journal, we are filled with immense pride in what these journals have become and gratitude for everyone who has contributed to their success.

The journals represent far more than a collection of student articles. They are spaces where ideas are shared, achievements are celebrated, and academic curiosity is encouraged. They showcase the outstanding work being produced across the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work and provide students with the opportunity to see their research reach a wider audience.

This year is particularly significant for us both as it marks the end of our time with the journals. Between us, we have had the privilege of supporting the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught journals through several editions, working alongside talented students, dedicated reviewers, and supportive academic colleagues. It has been a rewarding experience that has allowed us to engage with research across a wide range of disciplines and to witness first-hand the depth of talent within our School.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our academic reviewers and peer reviewers, whose expertise, encouragement and generosity make these journals possible. Your thoughtful feedback not only strengthens the quality of each publication but also provides students with a valuable introduction to the academic publishing process.

A special thank you must also go to Dr Ulrike Vieten for her unwavering support, guidance and commitment to the journals, and to Professor Daniel Muijs for championing and supporting this initiative from the School leadership. We are incredibly grateful for the encouragement and belief shown in the value of student publishing.

Most importantly, we would like to congratulate every student whose work appears in these editions. Publication can be a challenging process, requiring revisions, perseverance and confidence in your own ideas. You should be immensely proud of your achievements. Your contributions demonstrate the intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and academic excellence that continue to define our School.

For us personally, serving as student editors has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our university journeys. We have had the opportunity to meet inspiring people, develop new skills, read fascinating research, and help create opportunities for others to share their voices. Watching students publish their work, often for the very first time, has been a privilege and a highlight of our time in these roles.

As we step away to pursue new opportunities and challenges, we do so knowing that the journals are in excellent hands. We are delighted to welcome Erin Dawson as the new Student Editor for both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Social Sciences Student Journals. Erin brings enthusiasm, commitment and fresh ideas to the role, and we have every confidence that she will continue to build on the strong foundations that have been established.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the journals over the years, whether as an author, reviewer, editor, member of staff, or reader. Your support has helped create something meaningful that will continue to celebrate student achievement for years to come.

We hope you enjoy reading this year’s editions as much as we have enjoyed helping to bring them together.

With our sincere thanks and best wishes,

Kelly Razey
Outgoing Student Editor
Postgraduate Taught Social Sciences Student Journal

Saffron Baker
Outgoing Student Editor
Undergraduate Social Sciences Student Journal

From the Incoming Student Editor

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to be taking on the role of Student Editor for both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Social Sciences Student Journals. Having seen the journals grow into such valuable platforms for student scholarship, it is a privilege to be entrusted with supporting their future development.

I am currently a first-year PhD student in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, undertaking doctoral research in Education. My research explores how mathematics is taught in special schools across Northern Ireland, with a particular focus on whether pupils with severe learning disabilities are being equipped with the life skills they need to thrive and live independently. As a qualified mathematics teacher who has spent several years working with children with severe learning disabilities, both within and beyond special school settings, this is a subject that is particularly close to my heart.

These experiences have shaped my interest in educational equity and inclusion and inspired me to ask important questions about how we can ensure all children receive the opportunities and support they need to flourish. It is this same commitment to learning, enquiry, and creating opportunities for others that makes me so excited to become involved with the journals.

I would like to thank Kelly Razey and Saffron Baker for their outstanding work and dedication in developing and sustaining the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught journals. Their efforts have created strong foundations which I look forward to building upon in the years ahead.

Most importantly, I am excited to read the excellent research being produced by students across our School. The journals provide a unique opportunity to celebrate student achievement, share new ideas, and showcase the diverse range of research taking place within our academic community. I encourage students at all levels to consider submitting their work and becoming involved in future editions.

I look forward to working with our authors, reviewers, and academic colleagues, and to supporting the continued success of both journals.

Erin Dawson
Incoming Student Editor
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Social Sciences Student Journals
School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
Queen’s University Belfast