Alastair Wallace
MSc Organizational Behaviour
With a desire to further his career in learning and development, Alastair chose to study at Birkbeck, because the flexibility of learning offered was best for him. And his employers were willing to pay 50% of his course fees:
'Birkbeck has an excellent reputation for organisational psychology, and the option to complete the course through remote learning and weekend workshops, rather than traditional evening lectures, was a very attractive prospect for me, because I had to combine my studies with my job.
'I did not have a degree when I applied to Birkbeck, so the transition of returning to education was particularly challenging for me. My first essay took me quite some time, but practice and working with my study group really helped.
'The reading was also pretty difficult at times, particularly some of the more complex psychological studies, but it gets easier as you progress through the course.
'It helps that the teaching is good. All the lecturers were passionate about their subjects. Also, I met some really good people though the course. It is an excellent chance for networking and building your contact base.'
How does he feel now that he's finished?
'I was really pleased when I passed the course! My family are probably sick of me moaning about how much work I had to do; however, I know they will be really proud of me when I graduate.
'My Master's degree is already opening up career doors that would have previously been closed to me. The course has really developed my critical thinking process and taught me not to just accept theories and ideas, but to challenge and explore them in much more detail. I think the knowledge I have gained will help me move into a more challenging and senior role.'
What advice would he give to others thinking of doing the same?
'Think carefully about what you want to get from the course. Consider how much time you have to dedicate to studying over the full duration of the course, and how you will keep yourself motivated.
'Studying and working is always going to be hard. Good time management and being able to prioritise are really important skills.'
