Social & Political Science (SPS)
I switched to Social and Political Sciences from Law, after realising that I would enjoy doing politics a lot more. Peterhouse does not have its own director of studies per se, but we are looked after by Mr Graham Howes from Trinity Hall. Mr Howes is nothing short of a legend: a sixties anti-Vietnam war marching, daydream believing, beautifully disorganised (like most of his students), turtleneck-wearing legend and great fun! He has taken on nothing short of cult status with the Peterhouse SPSers. As such, we do not mind having a DoS (director of studies) outside the college, but it would be wrong to say that it is the most convenient! The faculty is notoriously disorganised, but everyone seems to enjoy the course (never too much work) and there is a fraternity among its members (unlike the Law faculty!).
Politics in Peterhouse, generally, is not all-pervading and apathy is the dish of the day (as at most colleges), although there are some people who take a real interest. I led the Lib Dems here, was second-in-command at the Union and was on the JCR. I had three Lib dem comrades who got involved in Peterhouse. Peterhouse has a reputation for being a Tory stronghold. While the fellows are fairly conservative, the undergraduate body are tolerant and likeable. There are a few odd Tory boys lurking about who seem anxious to meet more like-minded souls, so there is always that possibility. For fellow Communists or anarchists, King's is your best bet!
Simon Radford
Since the time of writing, Peterhouse has a new SPS Director of Studies, Dr Rangwala. Dr Rangwala is a fellow of Trinity College.