Can also answer questions about higher education internationalisation and international student recruitment
I did a mathematics undergraduate degree at Exeter graduating in 2025. Throughout my time I really enjoyed the stretch and the challenge every day. Afterwards I started my PhD here at Exeter as well and I am set to finish in 2029! My favourite thing about the PhD is having the opportunity to hear about the other interesting work that people are doing.
I’m Riadh from Algeria, and I completed my PhD in Education at the School of Education in 2022. Exeter was home for five years, and honestly, it was a wonderful chapter of my life.
I chose Exeter because of my supervisor’s expertise. That relationship was foundational to my doctoral journey, but I was also drawn to how green and welcoming the campus felt. The pace of the city suited me perfectly as a student. The university’s support services were excellent, and I found Exeter particularly thoughtful in how it looks after their students.
After finishing my PhD, I was ready for something new and made the move to London. I now work at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, which holds a unique place in UK higher education as both a specialist performing arts conservatoire and a member of the University of London. My role lets me draw directly on my education background – I support students’ learning development, academic skills, and research capabilities as they navigate higher education.
Outside of my day job, I stay busy with publishing, research projects, and writing online courses for various organisations and publishing companies like SAGE. What I love about this sector is the mobility and flexibility it offers; there’s always room to grow and explore new directions.
If you are thinking about pursuing a PhD or wondering what life looks like after graduation, I’d be more than happy to chat about my experience and career path.
Jerome, a native of the Paris region, is currently employed as a Professor at Clermont Auvergne University. He was hired as a Senior Lecturer at Clermont Auvergne University in 2012 after completing his PhD at Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3) University in 2011. Prior to that, he spent six years teaching English in French secondary schools in the Greater Paris area and another year (2004-2005) as a language assistant at Exeter University in the then School of Modern Languages. His research focuses on Christianity in the United Kingdom, with a focus on Methodism and the Church of England. His current research focuses on the relationship between Church(es) and State. In addition to his purely academic duties, he is the Mental Health Welfare Officer for his School and Faculty, and welcomes questions or inquiries about it. Jerome is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Life Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA).