Why did you choose to study this master’s course at The University of Manchester?

I did my undergraduate at the University of Manchester in Environmental Management and it was brilliant. It gave me many transferable skills. However, I wanted to expand my knowledge into a more theoretical perspective. Because of this reason, I chose to pursue a master’s in International Development. This master’s offers many pathways related to a different perspective on development internationally. Considering my background in Environmental Management, I chose to specialise in the Environment, Climate Change and Development pathway to understand how development issues interact with the environment and climate change.

 

How much time do you spend in classes and private study?

There is definitely an increase in the amount of time needed from undergraduate to postgraduate, which quickly becomes apparent. For this master’s, the university has two distinct teaching semesters, and each semester consists of 4 x 15 credit modules. The class time for modules typically consists of a 2-hour lecture and 1-2 hour tutorial, so on average, I have 12-16 hours of class time each week. Furthermore, for each module, we are given 2 to 3 readings to complete, usually to inform discussions that we will have in our tutorials. For this reason, we are also expected to independently study for an additional 125 hours per module.

 

What has been the highlight of your course so far?

The highlight of my course so far has 100% been the Planning and Managing Development module. It is interactive, intensive, and full of exciting content related to real-life issues in the development world. It is a unique course in the sense that, for the entire module, you are in a group working towards creating a report that presents a development plan that attempts to solve a development issue. It has been entirely time-consuming and stressful but also incredibly fulfilling. Besides this specific course, I have also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know many people from diverse backgrounds. Diversity is celebrated, and everyone is more than willing to share their own experience with development issues to enrich the content of the course.

 

What has been the most challenging part of your course so far?

The most challenging part of the course has been the amount of time expected of you. The jump was instantly noticeable, moving directly from an undergraduate to a master’s course. To be completely honest, it took me three weeks to properly adjust to the course’s timetable and intensity. Another adjustment period was the style of writing that is expected of you, particularly on this master’s course. Your lecturers expect an argumentative kind of essay response which provides a plethora of evidence. This was quite different from my undergraduate, which had more report-style writing. Shifting my writing style has been challenging, but luckily, I have a very supportive academic advisor who is more than willing to talk through my essays to tell me how to improve. 

 

Have you undertaken any fieldwork as part of your course?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our fieldwork has been shifted entirely online. We focus on Uganda as a case study and research issues in our different pathways for the module Development Fieldwork. We have 6 days of intensive fieldwork days. We interview other actors in Uganda on topics such as conservation, climate change and agriculture.  

 

How would you describe your student experience so far?

The great thing about the University of Manchester is that your student experience is anything you want. The university has several different societies that students can join, ranging from sports to culture. In this master’s course especially, there is an excellent mix of local and international students. We are all eager to learn from each other. Because of this, we have often tried to meet as a course with student organised socials.

 

What is the best thing about living and studying in the city of Manchester?

Manchester is a fantastic city with a lot of character! The best thing about living in Manchester is how easy it is to navigate the city. All prominent places are connected with the Stagecoach buses; the public transport system here. There is so much to do and explore in the city, and if you need a break from city life, the peak district is just a train ride away.

 

What kind of accommodation do you live in?

I live in a student house with 4 other people in Withington. The location is very central to the student population. It is near several bus stops which directly link to the university. I like the area of Withington because it provides me with a bit of escape from the busy university life.

 

Do you have any tips for future students?

Choosing a master’s is a massive time commitment and requires a lot of energy. Because of this, I would advise all students who pursue a master’s to research the master’s well to be sure

that it is something they can commit their time and energy towards. If you have any questions

about living in Manchester and studying at the university, reach out to the student ambassadors. Browse our social media pages and look through the potential modules you can take for your masters. When starting a master’s, allow yourself a few weeks to settle into the course. It is challenging, in the beginning, to adjust to the workload and the expectations. Still, after a few weeks, everything will settle in, and you will start to really enjoy the course! 

 

What are your plans for life after graduation?

The benefit of this master’s is that there are so many different avenues that you can go down. Graduates from this master’s go on to work in the government. Some are policy advisors, and others go into the private sector. My plans after graduation are to move to London to start a job as a sustainability consultant at the start of September.  

 

 

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