By Alex, MSc Sustainable Development in Practice.
We asked our Professional and Creative Writing students to interview Postgraduate students/graduates about their experience at UWE Bristol and ghost write a blog based on their answers.
In this blog, MSc Sustainable Development in Practice student Alex tells us how the flexibility to study part-time helped him manage his studies and finances. Read more about his story.
Why I chose Postgraduate study
I studied for my undergraduate at the University of Reading where I did a BSc in Human and Physical Geography.
“I’ve always been passionate about sustainability, and I wanted to learn more about the ways human culture is entrenched in the state of our natural world.”
Alex
I had a great time but felt done with academia after my undergraduate. I was ready to experience the world of work! Except… what to do? So many options! So much responsibility! I needed another year to figure things out, so I looked into further education options. Being from Bristol and knowing from experience how much of a sustainable city it is, I decided to poke around for a Postgraduate course there. UWE Bristol seemed to me to be the best option with its renowned humanities and science departments. With my previous qualifications, I managed to get myself a place on their MSc Sustainable Development in Practice.
Supported to study part-time
The course was going well. However, while the postgraduate loan covered the cost of my course, it didn’t cover rent, let alone other living expenses. Thankfully, UWE Bristol gave me the option of studying part-time while working, spreading the course over two years instead of one.
While on the course, my supervisor picked up on some symptoms of ADHD. After approaching UWE Bristol’s wellbeing and disability teams for help, they provided me with the resources I needed to receive a diagnosis from the NHS. Throughout the process, UWE Bristol offered support with extensions to deadlines and academic mentoring.
“I found that taking my course over two years benefited my way of studying. I could focus more on individual modules, meaning I didn’t have to split my focus too much between studies and work.”
Alex
My interest in sustainability focuses on food, and how transitioning to circular food systems can improve inequalities and regenerate ecosystems by changing our attitudes towards waste. The part-time jobs I worked alongside the course were related to sustainable food consumption. This gave me an invaluable insight into the industry I wanted to change.
Where it’s taken me
Two years on I graduated with a skill set that I use for my career today. I started up my own company, 50 Ways to Cook, which serves as an educational hub for people to learn more about how food production and consumption affects the environment, and how they can positively impact themselves and the planet. I’m now undertaking a PhD with the UK Food Systems Centre For Doctoral Training. I never expected THAT back when I was an undergraduate…
“If I’d taken my course over one year instead of two, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that allowed me to shape my career. It made me take things slowly and methodically, allowing me to experience career-relevant jobs, while also giving me time to adjust to my ADHD diagnosis.”
Alex
If you’re planning on doing a postgraduate degree but worry about the intensity of it, there’s always the option to take things slow and make it work best for you.
Find out more about Postgraduate study at UWE Bristol.