Managing the transition to postgraduate study Sue Onens – Head of Learning Support

Roller – coaster ride! (image downloaded from Google image - dancewithchaos.blogspot.com)

The ride! ‘Journey’ informed by previous experience Ups and downs Exciting – challenging Stressful - ‘the unknown’ Expectations Time – ‘before you realise it it’s over’

What’s different about studying for a Masters degree? Short time frame – usually 1 year (PGT) Increased workload and intensity of study – high stakes assessment, volume of reading Different teaching style – less emphasis on formal lectures - need to fill in the gaps, move to seminars, discussion groups, tutorials – increased preparation, participation/personal contribution Different working relationship with tutor/supervisor and peers – tutors – ‘facilitators’ Higher expectations -academic writing skills at Masters level – writing for the discipline, critical thinking, avoiding plagiarism Becoming both independent learner and independent researcher

‘Postgraduate study takes you on a transitional journey from knowledge- bearer to knowledge- generator.’ (Edinburgh -Napier – Student Support –http://www.napier.ac.uk/contactus/prospectus/Documents/Postgraduate-2013/pg_2013_studentsupport.pdf accessed 3.10.12)

A successful researcher

What do you need to consider now? Self management – planning, time management – targets, balancing professional and work commitments, motivation – dealing with procrastination Development of skills – advanced skills set – research, writing, presentation and IT skills. Need to develop strategies for ‘effective study’ – working smarter – importance of focussed note taking

Resources Open University - http://www.open.ac.uk/skillsforstudy/postgraduate-study-skills.php Newcastle University Writing Development Centre - http://ncl.ac.uk/students /wdc/learning/ University of Edinburgh – Institute for Academic Development - http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/institute-academic-development/postgraduate/taught/learning-resources

Useful resources Palgrave -http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/studentlife/postgraduate

Sources of Support Student Support – Wellbeing – register online www.bham.ac.uk/wellbeing/action Groups – ‘Dealing with Procrastination Group for Postgraduates – Friday 23rd & 30th November 11-12.30 www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/counselling Disability & Learning Support Service – based at 3 Elms Road – 0121 414 5130 disability@bham.ac.uk/disability or learning-support@contacts.bham.ac.uk