Anne - MSc Ancient Worlds (Online)

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Why did you choose to study this programme at Edinburgh?

There were a couple of reasons that I chose Edinburgh. Firstly, the scope of modules available was wonderful - I think I could have studied the programme twice over with the number of modules that interested me and that I would have liked to have studied. Secondly, the idea of studying at a well-respected and highly rated university really appealed. Lastly, the flexibility of the programme with a choice of between 2 and 4 years to complete it.

What attracted you to online learning?

My personal circumstances of being a more mature student with four children meant that online learning widened the range of universities to which I could apply; it also meant that my study pattern could be fitted around the differing circumstances that life has a habit of throwing at you! I had previously studied a BA online with the Open University so knew that the lack of in-person interaction would not be a hindrance.

What have you learnt about yourself during your time at University?

My MSc has been the most challenging educational experience I have had particularly, as a fairly disorganised person with a tendency to be easily distracted, however this programme has really bolstered a sense of belief in myself as I have come out of it much better at self-organisation and with a real sense of achievement.

What was the standout moment of your university journey?

The highlight of this MSc has to be the dissertation; I have never previously written one, and to be faced with having to write 15,000 words was daunting. I had very little previous knowledge of my topic; I naively thought it sounded 'interesting' and chose to complete it over the shorter period available. However, after four months of living and breathing it, I was sad when I had to submit it as it was so intellectually stimulating to get into a subject with such depth. When I received a decent mark and feedback, it was an incredible feeling.

How has online learning benefitted you?

Online learning benefitted me because it permitted me to do the MSc. Without this opportunity, it simply would not have been an option as there are too many other things going on in my life that are non-routine. This makes it difficult to attend an in-person course with more structured lectures; The flexibility of online learning meant that I adjusted when I did the readings each week, allowed me to either attend the online seminars or watch the recorded versions and, when there were issues that hindered my progress, I was able to take a break from studying for a semester.

What is something that you didn’t expect about this programme?

When I previously studied my online degree it felt quite solitary and I had little by way of interaction with other students; however with this programme I have been surprised by how much support has been offered by fellow students throughout the three years through both formal and informal means. It really made a difference through the tougher moments of the course.

What plans do you have after you graduate?

I have no plans as such, I am just keeping an eye open in case of opportunities. As a mature student I did my MSc for pure enjoyment and the challenge of doing it. Both of these were achieved so am happy that I have done it.

What new skills have you gained from your experience?

My analytical skills were significantly improved from the programme as were those of organisation and time management; I have also improved my ability to skim read since at times there was so much that I wanted to read from the reading lists that it was the only way I could achieve this.

What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Edinburgh?

My biggest takeaway was the reconfirmation to myself as to how much I enjoy researching and learning. The programme was thoroughly stimulating, and went too quickly. Often the subject of one week's reading could fill a module.

What is something that you’ll miss about online learning?

I will miss the way that studying a Masters lets you, within limits, follow what interests you. I would find that I would start the readings and get engrossed by the bibliography of one of the pieces and this would lead me down other paths! However the nature of the assessed work was such that you made, with the agreement of the tutor, your own question to answer, and I think the freedom this allowed was what made the whole experience so fulfilling.