MA Education (Online) alumni profiles

Hee Soo (Clara) Chung

Year of graduation: 2023
Home country: South Korea

Why did you choose to study at the University of Nottingham?

I chose to study at the University of Nottingham, as if offered a flexible MA Education course which allowed me to pursue both my studies and my full-time work at an international school. I appreciated the flexibility of the course in also allowing me to tailor my degree to my personal and professional interests. It is rare to find such a flexible yet rigorous programme, and I thought it was a perfect fit for what I was looking for, both for my personal and professional development.

How has the course helped you in your career?

I am currently a college counsellor at an international school, and I was able to grow both personally and professionally by taking this course. The course allowed me to reflect deeply on my practices and ways I can make actionable improvements in various ways. I believe this course will be a significant positive addition to my credentials, regardless of the path I end up pursuing.

Was there a particular module you enjoyed the most and why?

I enjoyed all the modules, but Responding Mindfully to Challenging Behaviour was a module that was especially memorable for me. As someone who has both social-emotional counselling and college counselling experiences, I related to a lot of the materials that were discussed in this module. The module taught me think deeply about my behaviours and actions at work, and also reminded me of the everyday impact that educators can have on students. 

What was the best part of the course?

I genuinely appreciated the flexibility that the course offered, allowing me to pursue my full-time job at the same time as pursuing a masters degree. I also loved the variety of students enrolled in these modules – the students were from so many different types of backgrounds, career paths, locations, interests, and so on. Although the course was conducted online, I appreciated the opportunity to communicate and work with everyone. 

How were you supported on the course?

My professors were all very supportive, and were willing to jump on a video call across time zones and answer my emails whenever I was stuck or had questions. There were also so many resources available on Moodle, and I found the workshops and webinars hosted by various groups on Teams to be super useful. There were webinars and workshops on all sorts of topics, and the tutors hosting those sessions were also resourceful and helpful.

How did you manage to balance your job/work/personal life?

It was definitely challenging to balance work with my studies, especially when the term papers came around at the end of each module. I tried to set aside time in the weekends or after work in the evenings to focus on my studies, and also allocated some time for my studies at work on the days when I wasn’t too busy. I think it’s important to break down big tasks and try to set little goals everyday, so that you aren’t overwhelmed when big papers or projects come around. 

Why do you think students should come to the University of Nottingham to study this course? 

Especially for students who want to pursue both their work and their studies, this course offers the flexibility to do so without making any compromises on its educational quality. There is a great support network and resources, and this course will offer students the opportunity to develop personally and professionally regardless of where they are in their lives. 

Do you have any advice for someone considering this course?

I would recommend getting in touch with someone who is currently taking or has taken this course to get their first-hand experience. For me, my co-worker, who has taken this course, really helped me get more information and insights before making my final decision to apply. I would also research the course and the modules that it offers to see whether they align with your interests. 

Once you are on the course, I would recommend taking full advantage of all the resources and the support network available at Nottingham. As this course is flexible, it is easy to let things slip through and not be as motivated to engage with your classmates, professors, tutors, and so on. However, I think the more you participate and engage with others in this course, the more you have to gain and learn after completing the course. 

Lastly, as it is a flexible course, time management is key! If you are considering the course, try looking at your schedule to see whether you can find ways to set aside some time in your day, week, and month for the course, and plan ahead.

Syed Siddique

Year of graduation: 2023
Home country: India

Why did you choose to study at the University of Nottingham?

I chose to study at the University of Nottingham primarily because they offered a Master of Arts in Education as an online program. This flexibility was crucial for me as it allowed me to pursue higher education while balancing other commitments in my life. Additionally, the University of Nottingham's reputation as a prestigious institution played a significant role in my decision. I was confident that studying at such a renowned university would provide me with a high-quality education and enhance my career prospects.

How has the course helped you in your career?

The course provided me with a strong foundation in my field of study, allowing me to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations in my work. Furthermore, the reputation of the University of Nottingham has helped bolster my credentials and credibility in the eyes of employers, which has been beneficial for career advancement.

What was the best part of the course?

The best part of the course at the University of Nottingham was undoubtedly the exceptional material it offered. The curriculum was well-designed and comprehensive.

How were you supported on the course?

Throughout my time on the course, I received excellent support from the University of Nottingham. The staff, including professors, tutors, and support services, were consistently helpful, responsive, and dedicated to ensuring students' success. Whenever I had questions or faced challenges, I could rely on their guidance and expertise. The university provided a range of resources, such as online libraries, research databases, and discussion forums, which facilitated interactive learning and fostered a strong sense of community among the students.

If you were working while studying, how did you manage to balance the job/work/personal life?

Balancing a job, coursework, and personal life while studying was indeed a challenge, but with proper planning and prioritisation, it was manageable. Time management was crucial. I created a schedule that allocated dedicated time slots for work, study, and personal activities. Setting realistic goals for week helped me stay on track and avoid procrastination.  

Why do you think students should come to the University of Nottingham to study this course?

I believe students should choose this course at the University of Nottingham for several reasons.

Firstly, the university offers a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills in their chosen field. The course content is highly relevant and up-to-date, keeping pace with the evolving industry trends. 

Secondly, the University of Nottingham's reputation as a prestigious institution ensures that graduates are recognised for their academic achievements and are well-regarded by employers worldwide.

Finally, the flexibility of studying online provides an opportunity for individuals with various commitments to pursue higher education without compromising on the quality of their learning experience

Do you have any advice for someone considering this course?

My advice would be to fully embrace the resources and support available at the University of Nottingham. Engage with the course material actively, participate in discussions and collaborative activities, and make use of the online resources and support services provided. It's important to establish a routine and manage your time effectively to stay on top of coursework and assignments. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to professors and tutors whenever you have questions or need clarification. Finally, take advantage of the networking opportunities and connections that the University of Nottingham offers, as they can greatly enhance your professional prospects. 

Tara Kiran Kurre

Year of graduation: 2022
Home country: India

Why did you choose to study at the University of Nottingham?

The University of Nottingham was introduced to me as a university which is popular for its teacher training courses. It attracted me for its unique flexible courses for in-service teachers to upgrade their portfolio through high standard courses that are designed by experienced academics. The university ranking (including the subject ranking) was a big factor in choosing Nottingham, along with the numerous funding opportunities it provides.

How has the course helped you in your career?

I was a high school chemistry teacher for 10 years and pursuing the MA Education (Flexible) has helped me to change my role from school teacher to a faculty position at a prominent university in India. I received the job offer while I was working on my dissertation, and I believe the course has helped me to develop the skills that led to this progression. 

Was there a particular module that you enjoyed the most? 

I particularly enjoyed the Practice-Based Inquiry module as it has practical applications where an instructor or a teacher can conduct their own classroom research. It has introduced me to action research, which I now rely on heavily. The module helped me to perform a small scale research project within my classroom and to evaluate my strategies and ideas, thus helping me to strengthen my skills as a teacher.

I also volunteered as student representative and was involved with collecting feedback from peers and voicing their concerns to the people concerned. This leadership opportunity helped me to connect with my peers and also tutors, and to contribute towards making the experiences more enriching for both parties.

What was the best part of the course?

The best part of the course was definitely the flexibility that it offers to suit full-time work commitments, allowing study alongside work.  

How were you supported on the course?

The tutors were helpful in guiding us through the course. The Student Services team was always there to help with enquiries and support when needed. 

If you were working while studying, how did you manage to balance the job/work/personal life?

As the course is a flexible course, I was working full-time while studying. I managed my studies during the Covid pandemic, having a toddler and with a full-time job. I had huge family support that helped me to get through this. Also the tutors at university were so considerate about the situations we were in and helped guide us through. Fellow students created a group on Whatsapp and helped each other out when needed.  

What do you want to do now you've completed your degree?

As I moved to a university from school, there is a lot of new learning. I wish to continue in higher education and contribute to the vision of the university where I am currently employed. The university is a part of philanthropic foundation, and as part of the foundation there are innumerable opportunities to work closely in projects related to education in rural India and I wish to work closely in them. I also wish to pursue my research interests and publish the work. 

Why do you think students should come to the University of Nottingham to study this course?

Firstly, for the flexibility. Secondly, for the content of the course based on current research and lays a strong foundation to pursue your own research by providing in-depth knowledge in the field of education. Thirdly, the great career opportunities that it provides.

Do you have any advice for someone considering this course?

• Please look at the website and the work done by the staff to check if your research interests fit within the university’s current work.
• Get in touch with alumni who studied the course you are interested in and and ask their opinion.
• Spend enough time to decide on the course and apply in advance, allowing time to check for any scholarships available. I received a Commonwealth Scholarship from the Commonwealth Commission UK that covered 100% of my tuition fees and this was a huge motivation to pursue the course. 
• Never hesitate to ask questions, people are more than happy to help you.
• Check if your course allows part-time work if you rely on that for your tuition. Also, check if you are eligible to work in UK after your studies if that is important to you, as flexible courses don’t allow that option.