Category: Student life

Get to know Bristol Students’ Union

Posted on by Emma

The SU’s Chris talks to us about his full-time role and his work to develop postgraduate networks  

 

“My PhD is now on hold for a year so I can work full-time to represent the 8000 postgraduates at the University of Bristol”

I first arrived in Bristol as an undergraduate to study Physics in 2012. After I graduated, I was fortunate enough to be offered a place to continue the research I had started in my final year as a PhD in Membrane Biophysics. Alongside that, in my first year, I was a course rep for my research group within the school, through which I got involved in activity around student representation at the Students’ Union. Then, earlier this year, I stood for election for my current job – Postgraduate Education Officer at Bristol SU. Having been elected into this role, my PhD is now on hold for a year so I can work full-time to represent the 8000 postgraduates at the University of Bristol.

The title of Postgraduate Education Officer can sound quite vague, so what does it mean in reality? In short, it means that I support the work done at the SU (a separate partner organisation to the university) whose vision is to support the best student life. I work on this through the lens of being a postgraduate student, and particularly around the educational experience side of things.

“Working with students and hearing about issues from new perspectives is definitely one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of doing this job”

At a postgraduate level, educational experience is fairly all-encompassing, so really, I end up working on all sorts of issues, particularly around the academic support that postgraduates get once they get here. I work really closely with course reps to get a wide-ranging student perspective into what I report back to the university and campaign on. Working with students and hearing about issues from new perspectives is definitely one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of doing this job, however tough and busy it can sometimes be.

“One of my focuses this year is to ensure that all networks are inclusive of postgraduates and their voices for their time at university and beyond”

I’m really keen to see more and more postgraduates – both taught and research – involved with what the SU does. Outside of direct educational issues, we run Networks, which are grassroots groups in our democracy for students to campaign on topics that matter especially to their identities and interests, ranging from BME to LGBT+ to Sustainability. Postgraduate students have traditionally stuck to their own dedicated network, but one of my focuses this year is to ensure that all networks are inclusive of postgraduates and their voices in these issues for their time at university and beyond. Overall, I’m really looking to use this year to shape what the postgraduate student experience looks like holistically – not just for current Bristol students, but for the students of the future as well. 

If you’re a postgraduate student at University of Bristol, come down to the SU and say hello and see how you could get involved.

Written by Chris Brasnett, Postgraduate Education Officer, Bristol SU

 

To find out more about postgraduate study attend our Open Day on 20 November.

 

What it’s like to study for a master’s

Posted on by Tyesha

#WeareBristol #SPAIS, this is what l could see whenever l researched about International Development and the University of Bristol. Firstly my mentor and former professor Dr Gabriel Faimau is a SPAIS and Bristol alumni. When l spoke about taking up a postgraduate course he directed me to Bristol, because of their teaching style. In his words, ‘You will love Bristol!’ and twelve months later l am in Bristol and loving every second of my postgraduate study.

I have over seven years’ work experience in the development sector. I have worked with international organisations such as ActionAid International based in Uganda and UNHCR in Botswana. Despite having all this experience, l felt l needed and wanted to do postgraduate study and this is why…

“I firmly believe that postgraduate study opens your eyes to various world views and perspectives and affords you an opportunity to interact and learn from your peers.”

I’ve been successful in my career, with an undergraduate degree in Criminology, however, I realised passion alone was not enough for further progression and development. I went on to take a diploma in Development Leadership and that is when l realised l needed a postgraduate degree. It is then that before completing my diploma. l sent in an application to the University of Bristol for a Master’s degree in International Development. I firmly believe that postgraduate study opens your eyes to various world views and perspectives and affords you an opportunity to interact and learn from your peers.

My course is structured into two teaching blocks and this term l am taking three core modules. One of my favourite things about these modules is that they are all seminars. SPAIS is big on peer learning – we spend hours discussing various topics and understanding the practical linked to theory. Theories of development has since opened my eyes to the routes of development. I am in a better position to understand development work and ensure that future projects l implement are not only inclusive, but are sustainable as well. There are numerous networking opportunities available to postgraduate students, not just seminars, but also events run by the PG network.

Bristol has a great Postgraduate Open Day where prospective students can enquire more about their courses and find out more about possible career paths. If you are unsure about a course the open day will give you all the information you need to know and help you make your decisions.

If you are looking to study for postgraduate, look no further because Bristol should definitely be your home. #WeareBristol

Written by Mpho Elizabeth, International Development MSc

 

To find out more about postgraduate study attend our Open Day on 20 November

 

Combining work and study

Posted on by Andy

Tom Burnett is a full-time Communications Manager at the University of Bristol and studies International Relations part-time. He spoke to us about how he manages to fit studying around his career and family.

I’d been thinking about doing a master’s for about 10 years before I actually decided to go ahead with it. For me, being a postgraduate student is completely different to being an undergraduate. I always had a slight regret that I didn’t make the most of my undergraduate studies, but I was young, I had a brilliant time and I’ve still got friends from then, so it wasn’t a complete waste of three years!

The programme at Bristol is well regarded and there are some great lecturers, so I contacted the School, met with them before applying and they helped me work out the best way to fit studying in around my job and family commitments.

Working full time has actually helped me focus on my studies. Because I’ve got limited time, I can’t spend weeks pondering things, I just have to get on with it. I try to go to the library to study early at the weekends. I can then leave at midday having achieved something and go and spend time with my children.

Going back into education when you’ve got a family is hard, but the University is very supportive. My kids are definitely interested in what I’m doing and they understand the importance of learning, so I think seeing me doing it is a good influence on them. I look forward to the day I can put on my gown and invite the family along to see me graduate – it’ll be a day off school for the kids so I’m sure they’ll enjoy it even more!

Mature students bring a different perspective to studying; whether it’s something you’ve learnt during your career, what you’ve experienced if you’ve been travelling or lived in a different country, it’s good to be able to share that with people.

University staff understand that part-time students have another side of their life that they need to take care of, so the Graduate Administration Managers do their best to help you work out a timetable that fits best with your working life, and the academics are mindful that you might need some extra help.

If you’re coming back into education after a break, I’d recommend making the most of the help available. I booked a meeting with a librarian because, the last time I went to a university library, there was one computer for students to use – it’s a bit different now! There are also people who can help with your essay writing skills and your personal tutor is always there if you need advice.

The lecturers are keen for us to progress and for us to make the most of the opportunities the course brings. For example, they circulate relevant job vacancies that people on my course have taken advantage of.

One of the great things about Bristol is that it’s a truly international university. If you’re interested in global affairs you get to spend time with people from all over the world.

What I like most about the University is that it’s very much part of the city, and vice versa. You just know you’re in a great place to live and study, and I’m proud to be part of the University as both a member of staff and a student.

If you want to explore postgraduate study at Bristol, sign up for our November open day.