Hi, my name is Holly, and I’m studying a Master’s degree in Nature Recovery, Restoration, and Rewilding (NR3). Undeniably, the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study has been a significant step for me, and my first semester has been a whirlwind of course content, workshops, deadlines, and field trips. After a gap year and relocating for my Master’s, I’ve experienced a steep learning curve, so here are a few differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study to help you prepare for the transition.

1. The workload and timetable

The most notable difference between my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees is the volume of work. As a full-time student, I have 4 units per semester compared to my 3 units per semester during my undergraduate degree. Each unit includes preparatory lecture work, workshops to discuss research and ideas, field trips that require preparation, and often tight assessment deadlines. Therefore, I strongly suggest staying on top of work from the start of the degree, consider making a schedule and sticking to it, and engaging with the extra material to bolster your learning. If you have days without lectures, consider using them to catch up on any work or prepare for the week ahead, but remember that you are human and need to take breaks. Time management is something I struggle with, and I have found it difficult to maintain a work-life balance at the postgraduate level. However, lecturers and the SEED support hub are there to support students and advise on how to manage their workload without experiencing burnout.

2. Cohort size

During my BSc Zoology degree, there were about 80 people on the course, so it was often difficult to get to know everyone. However, the cohort in my Master’s degree consists of about 30 people with different levels of experience, which makes for really interesting discussions and debates. I am an introvert, but have managed to interact and discuss ideas with most of my cohort, and I feel more confident in expressing my views and fully engaging in conversations. If, like me, you are a bit introverted, there are always people to talk to, and with fewer people in the class, it may be less overwhelming to put yourself out there and make some new friends.

3. Field trips

Due to the pandemic, I did not have many field trips as an undergraduate. However, in my first semester on the NR3 degree, I have had multiple field trips, which have been great opportunities to apply my knowledge in practical settings and learn new things. While I do not want to spoil the surprise by revealing locations, the trips have improved my monitoring skills, surveying and classification techniques, and provided me with a deeper understanding of stakeholder perspectives on rewilding. Field trips vary by degree and require preparation, but I have thoroughly enjoyed mine so far and look forward to applying more skills and knowledge I have learned during my lectures and workshops.

While the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study has been a significant leap for me, I have gained valuable academic and transferable skills. Postgraduate study is not a decision to take lightly, but know that there is accessible support and the university faculty are here to guide you on your academic journey.

Written by Holly, a current postgraduate student in SEED. 

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