I wanted a course that would be intellectually stimulating, practically useful and well recognised. I chose the MSc because the content looked topical, the teaching staff represented a rich variety of research interests, it offered a flexible approach to learning and I was convinced that I would receive the right level of support to succeed academically.
I've learned an enormous amount - the course has challenged me to think differently about every aspect of my professional work and has provided a valuable set of concepts for everyday use. I have recently taken on a large-scale change programme and have applied some of the thinking from the course in getting to the heart of some seemingly intractable issues.
The course has so far been extremely good value. The teaching is of the highest quality. The students are from a range of occupations and sectors, at different stages in their careers, and bring a wealth of experience to bear in debate. The core subject matter covers the essential topics at a level I expect from a post graduate course and the range of optional modules on offer ensures that my specialist interests are catered for. Most importantly, I have been able to apply my learning at work.
Staff are extremely responsive and supportive, recognising the demands of holding down a job at the same time as studying. They are flexible without compromising standards.
I am presently employed by BAE Systems having spent the majority of my career in the defence Industry in HR, Commercial and Programme management. BAE is the largest defence company in Europe - and I have found the programme at Bristol University extremely helpful in my role as Head of HR on the Aircraft Carrier Programme. In terms of my professional development, the programme has fitted well with an internal Company change programme refocusing the strategic and operational aspects of HR and I have found that the majority of the theory taught on the programme can be readily translated to a work context. This is really important to me, as I did not want to undertake a programme of study that was unable to link the day-to-day operational realities of working life with academia. The assignments undertaken in year 1 have been beneficial in promoting improvements within the Programme on which I work. I essentially joined the MSc programme as a means of developing internal change and Organisational Design skills and competencies and using the knowledge to build upon my first degree in law and post graduate studies in Personnel Management. The taught content of the MSc is flexible enough to fit in with the pressures of work as the modules are taught at weekends. The people on the programme make it - the standard of lecturing is very good and the mix and breadth of students has proved an invaluable benefit in trading best practices and experiences.
I wanted a course that would let me reflect as a manager of 18 years in the not-for-profit sector, build on the experiences I already had as a senior practitioner in both the fields of social work and human resource management, provide me with some new models and frameworks and allow me to learn in a particular kind of way. I did not want a formal, off-the-shelf Masters degree such as an MBA, where the emphasis is often on taught learning. Instead I was looking for a course which facilitated my learning and allowed me involvement and choice in the areas to be included. This course ticked all the boxes!
I have learned something new in each module which has been directly applicable at work and I've grown in confidence in being prepared to challenge formulas and 'answers' to situations. It has been a great opportunity to network with capable people from other sectors. I have also tapped into my creative side and feel I am much more tuned-in at an intuitive level in relation to work situations and problem-solving challenges which can be handled creatively and still bring out the best in other people!
Not only have I learnt an immense amount but also my life has been enriched through interaction with some great facilitators and a fantastic group of co-learners.
For me, studying at weekends provided a practical way of achieving a desirable and valuable qualification without having to take time off work. Originally choosing this course because of the module content, I found that I could immediately apply my learning back in the workplace. This programme has significantly increased my knowledge, personal effectiveness and self-confidence.
As is true of many things in life, you only get out of it what you put in. The additional reading, assignment preparation and time spent with other learners outside of the taught programme added great value. The dissertation also provided me with an opportunity to pursue an area of interest that developed through taking this course.
