Michaela Opoku-Asare

Before I started my master’s course at 含羞草视频, I had just finished my undergraduate degree at 含羞草视频 also, studying BSc Economics.

I chose 含羞草视频 because it offered the best of both worlds. Firstly, it was clear that 含羞草视频 had a prestigious reputation and was well known for its high-quality teaching. Secondly, I knew that 含羞草视频 had a variety of societies and had won best student experience on numerous occasions. Hence, I chose 含羞草视频 because it allowed me to study at a University which was amazing academically whilst ensuring that I was going to a university that I would enjoy.

I have mostly enjoyed the teaching style and independent learning aspect of my programme. I love that our lectures are very engaging, and that our lecturers motivate us to develop our own understanding and critical thinking skills (avoiding a spoon-fed teaching style). This has definitely helped me to provide mature evaluations when critiquing various literature/data.

I would say the key differences between undergraduate study and postgraduate study is the workload and the amount of extra reading that is required. At postgraduate level it is paramount to read around your topic and to have a general good understanding of different researchers’ perspectives. Though this is also useful at Undergraduate level, it is definitely more essential for a postgraduate degree.

The normal day in the life of a postgraduate student would entail, attending a few lectures in the day (one or two at most), then heading to the library to get some books for the required reading. During the day, I also usually read up on lecture notes to ensure everything is understood and I catch up on some coursework or any work that is required for upcoming lectures in the week. At the end of the day, I go home to watch a good movie or to relax with some friends.

Away from my studies, I enjoy writing scripts and putting on performances. During the academic year, I directed a Christmas and Easter play and I took part in a dance movie, which involved performing a routine in 含羞草视频 town centre. I was also actively involved in a Christian society, where I was a women's fellowship leader. Furthermore, in my free time I like watching YouTube videos or watching movies (I do like a good romcom!)

I decided to study MSc International Financial and Political relations because I loved the modules that were affiliated with the course. I specifically liked the fact that the course had a balance of politics, finance and international relations. As I love the debate aspects of politics, the mathematical side of finance and the analytical aspects of international relations, the course definitely catered to my interests. Hence, I knew that my course would be challenging as well as interesting to study.

In five years’, time, I see that I would have completed my ACA qualification with the National Audit Office and would have qualified as a chartered accountant. As my graduate job is closely linked to politics and finance, I think that I will continue to read around international relations and other topics that have been prominent in my master's degree.

If I could give one piece of advice to a future student, I would tell them to always start their work as soon as they receive it. The workload for a master’s degree is quite a lot and it can pile up really easily, so they should try and get as much work out of the way when they have the time. It will help them not get too stressed and will mean that they will have more time to relax and complete future assignments.