Judy Hague, MSc in Organizational Behaviour, 1991

When I took my Masters I was working as a manager in the NHS. The opportunity to undertake the Masters by computer conferencing was perfect for me.It allowed me to study at times of my choosing. Attending the programme in the evenings at Birkbeck would not have been compatible with my job so the network learning option made it possible to do the course. I bought my first PC and Allan Tagg the computing person helped us all install the software. We had 3 weekends to attend each year and the first we met our tutor groups - all of whom came in my case from the London area - and off we went. My group also used to meet up from time to time. 

I took 3 years rather than 2 to complete the MSc taking my research on mentoring in management development into a 3rd year. This flexibility was important to me. During the programme I made the change from the NHS to international work. Having a postgraduate qualification made a difference to my career path. I subsequently completed an MSc in (International) Development Management at the OU. My Birkbeck Masters allowed me 60 credit transfer points so that saved me a year's work ! I have used my Masters directly in my international work which has focussed on Human Resource Development.

And I still have all the original learning materials for the Birkbeck Masters !