Student comments
Wider horizons 1.
Audrey Lenoel is currently studying the MSc Policy Research at the School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol. The programme is the first year of an ESRC 1+3 funded studentship leading onto PhD study afterwards.
I have always believed that travel improves the mind and felt the urge to broaden my horizons by going abroad to study or work. After graduating from the University of Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne, I wanted to fulfil this dream which I believed would allow me to improve my English language skills and widen my career prospects.
I had developed a strong interest in issues relating to migrations and the integration of migrants and very much wanted to pursue these interests through further studies. I chose the UK for its academic reputation in my field and applied for a taught MA in International Political Economy at the University of Warwick.
After I graduated, I went to work as a research assistant at Warwick University and a research officer in the Government before coming across an advertisement for a research associate position based at the School for Policy Studies (SPS) at the University of Bristol. The reputation of the institution in the field of social policy appealed to me. I got the job and started in April 2007.
Home from home
I immediately liked Bristol and working at SPS. I found people here friendly and supportive, and enjoyed working in a School bringing people with different backgrounds and areas of expertise and research interests together. This environment reinforced my willingness to pursue a career in research and I felt it was the right time to undertake doctoral studies.
Doing a PhD seemed a natural continuation of the path I had chosen and I regarded it as a unique opportunity to develop a range of research skills which I believe will be valued in and outside the academic world. I was keen to stay at SPS as I appreciated its multidisciplinary research environment and knew I would receive great support there.
Working at SPS put me in a good position to get advice on funding opportunities and develop a research proposal. I was recommended to apply for funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and, since my previous postgraduate qualifications did not contain the research methods modules needed to be recognised by this funding body, I applied for a 1+3 scholarship (i.e. Masters Degree and PhD). I was granted the scholarship and started studying the MSc in Policy Research last October.
Further study
Having previously obtained postgraduate qualifications, I was not at first very keen on studying another Masters degree. However I quickly changed my mind when I realised that all the work I am doing this year greatly helps me progress my PhD topic. The MSc Policy Research course aims to help students build their practical research and analytical skills and therefore constitutes a good preparation for doctoral studies.
I intend to study the practices and impact of migrant remittances on both the senders and receivers sides during my PhD and the different modules offered in this year’s degree give me the opportunity to think carefully about research design and the most suitable methods to address my research questions.
As the course is particularly intended for researchers and practitioners working in public service organisations, it has a practical focus and the discussions during the classes are fuelled by real-life experiences. I regard this degree as a very good foundation course for my doctoral studies and I think it would also suit the needs of professionals willing to improve their understanding and skills in research methods.
Worthwhile investment
I definitely think that postgraduate studies are worth the cost. Although doctoral studies are mainly valued in academic circles, they are also an asset for work in other sectors. It allows you to develop expertise in a particular field, acquire research, analytical and organisational skills, and an ability to work on your own.
The disadvantages probably lie in the loneliness of the research work, and the need for constant self-discipline and motivation. I know I will go through phases of doubt and frustration. I nevertheless believe that my experiences so far have given me a strong sense of direction to fulfil my aims and make the most of the opportunity I have been given to dedicate a few years to my research interests.
1. Reproduced with kind permission from Prospects.ac.uk