Can you tell us a bit about your background and why you are returning to study?
Hello! My name is Anika P and I am currently living and working in Bangladesh. I have previously studied and worked in the UK so this is my second stint at studying in a higher education level in the UK but this time, remotely.
My previous degree was an MSc. In International Human Resource Management from Coventry University.
I am currently doing my MSc. In Psychology with a specialisation in Business from University of Strathclyde, with an aim to eventually become a chartered occupational psychologist. I have been working in HR for almost 10 years now (both part-time while I was studying and full-time). Hence, the degree seemed like a natural progression for a non-psychology major like me to proceed to becoming a chartered occupational psychologist.
After practising HR for as long as I did, I do believe I have the business part of the understanding sorted but now I need to integrate the psychological elements to my learning in order to fully delve into my core interest area, which is DEIB(Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging), especially for BIPOC and/or BAME women at work.
How do you feel at the start of studying at postgraduate level online?
I am excited and a bit nervous at the same time since it does get overwhelming at times, especially the science and statistics part which I have been actively away from it for a very long time.
However, this time around, I am determined to grasp the knowledge and face my fear so that I can progress to the next part of my learning journey to Occupational psychology.
As this is my first time doing a 180 credit program remotely, I was afraid of the isolation aspect of it but fortunately, the cohort along with the faculty are extremely supportive and responsive when it comes to any issues. So thus far, it has been good.
How did you research and decide on the course?
I have been researching schools since 2020 for a conversion program in psychology. Considering my progression would be Occupational/I-O/Work Psychology, I was mainly going through the universities with the following criteria:
1) Strong psychology and business department as Work psychology is an amalgamation of them both.
2) Incorporation of some of the work psychology elements to the conversion program.
3) If I want to continue my training after the completion of my conversion master’s to Work/I-O/Work psychology, the University should already have that program available.
4) The approach to learning and research was more modern and global market situation driven.
5) Ranking of both Psychology and Business in Guardian University Ranking. It’s not that I was looking for the best one rather a university that has been consistently growing.
Initially, the online part didn’t come to my mind but once I saw it was available, cost friendly and easier to continue while working and caring for family back home, I started looking more into the online conversion programs in UK. I looked through the program website, course details, fees, ongoing research, and teaching staff profile.
At the end, I chose University of Strathclyde’s MSc in Psychology with a Specialisation in Business because it was the closest match to the above criteria. Another thing, which I wasn’t looking for but found to be extremely friendly for mature and working students, is their flexible option other than the traditional part-time and full-time studies. This seemed to be more inclusive for working professionals and primary caregivers.
Is this your first experience with online learning? How are you managing your time and fitting study in?
I have done smaller certification courses online during the pandemic, but this is my first time doing a master’s online.
Fortunately, I switched to a fully remote flexible job hence it has been much easier than it would have been since I don’t have to worry about commute timings. I usually get my work done early and then fit the studies in the evening. I have divided and rotated it in such a way that I don’t get overwhelmed, but I am still on track when it comes to my learning.
From your experience so far of researching, selecting and starting online study, what advice would you give to someone at the start of the process?
I would advise them to first think about why they would want to go to postgraduate and why online because it is important to understand the fact that it is a big decision and requires a lot of self-reflective and proactive learning. Offsite learning might not be suited for everyone. Hence, you must truly justify your reasons to yourself first. Then start looking for universities which cater to your requirements the best way possible.
The university doesn’t have to be the best, but it needs to cater to your prospects and requirements the best way possible. Email them as many Universities have virtual open days and information sessions held online. Many times, we whimsically choose programs and later drop out or regret so dig in as much as possible to get the best required information to make a decision. The rest will fall into place.