My first semester as a postgrad

I started a Masters at ARU in September and, just like that, I've completed my first semester. Here's what it taught me.

The Christmas holidays could not have come around quick enough! The break was definitely needed. It has been a tough first semester of studying my Masters. The academic level is a huge step up from undergraduate, but it has taught me to believe in myself more and that I can do it.

The first few weeks of my Masters was a breeze. Like any other degree you absorb the information and find out the assessment requirements, but then the weeks started to fly by and before I knew it, I had a presentation to present.

It is important at the beginning of the semester to find out each module’s assessment requirements, and their due dates, so you can create a weekly plan of what you need to complete in order to meet the deadlines on time. This is important and it is definitely something I will be doing for my second semester, to help me be more organised and less stressed.

Completing a Masters is about believing in yourself and being more independent in what you are completing, which I still lack confidence in. Hopefully, in semester 2, I will be more organised and feel confident in the work I am producing. There’s so much information to take in, so it is important that you read the essential books and articles and any other information which is relevant to ensure you fully understand the module and the topics within it. This provides some background research which could come in handy when writing the assignments.

I am looking forward to seeing what semester 2 has in store for me and what I will learn, but of course, it is going to be hard as well as rewarding.

If you're interested in postgraduate study, like Shannon, you can choose from more than 100 Masters degrees at ARU. Browse courses or come and explore at our next Open Evening.