scheme is a game
changer
‘Step Ahead with QMU’ –
moving from undergraduate
to postgraduate
Darren Jordan studied for a BA
Business Management at QMU
and moved on to the University's
MSc International Management and
Leadership
He said: “When I found out that it was
possible to skip my fourth year and
move straight onto an MSc, I decided
to do this. I thought that the master’s
degree would make me stand out
more when I was looking for a job.
I like the postgraduate style of learning
and teaching. Class sizes are much
smaller and lectures and seminars
are combined into one three hour
class which allows for greater class
discussion and better understanding
of the content. Lecturers are also
available to go over course work and
assessments and are happy to provide
1-2-1 sessions.
The course offers a project instead
of a dissertation, where we approach
a ‘company’ of our choice and write
a consultancy report for them. I’ve
chosen my organisation and I am
already seeing the benefits – I have
a job offer, to begin after I graduate,
and possibly two internships for global
companies TESLA and McLaren.
I
N AUTUMN 2017, the Scottish
Government introduced new funding
opportunities that are making it possible
for more people to study postgraduate
degrees.
For many, the financial commitment
associated with postgraduate study -
including the cost of course fees and general
living expenses - can be a barrier that
prevents people pursing their educational
and career ambitions.
When the Student Awards Agency Scotland
(SAAS) announced its plans to offer a new
package of financial support for those
wishing to pursue postgraduate study, a
door opened to many which would have
otherwise been closed.
The new (SAAS) Postgraduate Loan
scheme means that eligible students can
now benefit from a maximum combined
tuition fee and living cost support loan of
£10,000. This maximum loan is available
for Scottish domiciled students who
are embarking on their first master’s or
postgraduate diploma course and who will
be studying on a full-time basis. However,
eligible students who wish to study part-time
can access the tuition fee loan (but not the
living cost support).
Bill Stronach, Student Funding Adviser
at QMU, said: “This is a great opportunity
for people who are currently studying at
undergraduate level at QMU who wish to
progress to postgraduate study, as well as
people who have been out of education for
several years and want to use further study
to help them change direction or specialise.”
He continued: “Giving up a job and a
salary to commit to postgraduate study
is a significant undertaking. This new loan
scheme is a game changer. It provides
people with some financial security when
changing direction and progressing their
areas of interest. Ultimately, it can mean
the difference between being stuck at the
same level or in the same job and having the
chance to use postgraduate study to realise
career ambitions.”
Debbie Ryan, aged 37, is studying MA
Arts Festival & Cultural Management
18
QMYOU / Postgraduate Funding
£10,000
postgraduate loans
Programme at QMU, and is one of the first
students to benefit from the loans scheme.
Having initially completed a fine arts degree,
Debbie had several jobs before embarking
on the Masters programme, including Artist
Educator at the Tate Gallery in Liverpool and
helping run an arts shop at Edinburgh Art
College. More recently, her main activities are
connected to her self employment work as a
community arts freelancer and mosaic artist.
Discussing the benefits of the SAAS PG
Loan, Debbie explained: “The loan scheme
has given me the opportunity to study
on a full-time basis rather than part-time.
Accessing the living costs loan has allowed
me to reduce my hours in work and allocate
more time for my studies. I can really focus
on university and have more time to consider
the course content and undertake research
that is relevant to my work as an arts
freelancer.
“I’m really enjoying the course. Studying
full-time seems to make the course feel
less stressful and rushed as I’m not having
the challenge of juggling lots of work
commitments with study.
“Importantly, the full-time option will allow
me to complete the Masters in one year
rather than two. This means my freelance
work is on hold for a shorter duration.”
Discussing life after course completion,
Debbie said: “I’m planning to set up my own
business which integrates the elements of
my arts management studies. The skills and
knowledge I’ve learned on my course will
help me make improvements to the way
I conduct project evaluation, marketing
and project management. The course has
helped me question things more, such as
considering objectives or assumptions
made by myself or others. However, I hope
to continue researching and learning as my
work progresses.”
Debbie concluded: “I feel like my course
is just the beginning of a life-long learning
curve.”
To find out more about the (SAAS)
Postgraduate Loan scheme visit the SAAS
website at www.saas.gov.uk