Congratulations, you’ve graduated! With a Postgraduate course lined up, it’s time to start preparing. Those few months between finishing at UG level and beginning at PG are filled with many different emotions – excitement, fulfilment, and also worry and uncertainty. It’s okay to feel all of these things because you’ve worked so hard to get to this point so it’s difficult to know whether you can relax and have fun, or whether you have to immediately start working for your PG course. I graduated with an honours degree in BSc Psychology and had the MEd Psychology of Education course lined up to begin a few months later. After working so hard for 3 years to get to this point, it’s normal to feel a little lost. On reflection, I found a few things that supported me in this transition…. 

Embrace the change! 

It seems daunting to go into a PG course, especially one where it includes more independent research and study, but all your previous work has equipped you with the relevant skills to succeed at this higher level. The structure of lectures may also change, where you’re expected to contribute more. Again, this may seem scary, but when you’re in lectures engaging in conversation and debate with like-minded people, this big change doesn’t seem so big anymore.  

Develop time management and motivation skills! 

Depending on whether you study part-time or full-time at PG level, your timetable and personal routines may look different. I have fewer lectures than I did at UG, but this is for a reason – independent study is a big part of my course, and you’re expected to get on with this. It may be hard to find the motivation for this sometimes, but there are techniques out there to help with focus. Also, you may find yourself having to take part-time work alongside your studies to help with finances. This is a key moment to develop those time management skills and figure out how to balance this with having enough time to focus on your education – which is of course why you’re in Manchester! I found it really helpful to make clear schedules of my day-to-day life, breaking it down hour by hour to see where I could fit in study and revision time.  

Find your new community! 

Visit the open days, network with your lecturers, build connections with your new classmates! Quite often, PG courses may have a smaller number of students compared to UG, so it’s easier to build these relationships. Helping and supporting each other will enhance your postgraduate studies and you can make friendships for life. The beauty of PG courses is that students come from all different academic backgrounds, not just the same UG course you too, so it’s helpful and exciting to hear different perspectives on topics – which can also help to strength your own knowledge base.  

Overall, whilst this transition is undoubtedly challenging at times, it offers a unique opportunity for personal and academic growth. The university offers an intense amount of support for anyone, so there’s no need to worry – just work hard and take it all in. Congratulations on graduating! Enjoy your summer, you deserve it! 

Written by Katie, current Med Psychology of Education Student

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