SBS Blog > Part time study leads to full time rewards by Siobhan Burns

Part time study leads to full time rewards

By Siobhan Burns - Posted on 2 May 2019

Fitting studying around life and work can be tricky but MSc in Human Resource Management graduate Siobhan Burns explains how doing the programme via part time study benefited her in many ways.

I joined the NHS after graduating with my undergraduate degree in Marketing and HRM in 2013 and proceeded to work in a number of different roles: Senior HR Assistant in Medical Staffing, Workforce Information Analyst in Workforce Modernisation. Prior to joining the course, I was an HR Adviser based within the Employee Relations department.

I decided to undertake a Masters qualification to increase my chances of progression throughout my career, given that a Masters/Postgraduate diploma is often an essential criteria for higher banded posts. However a contributing factor to deciding to study at Masters Level was that I wanted to challenge myself and my thinking.

Having completed my undergraduate degree at Strathclyde Business School, I was already familiar with the style of delivery and many of the staff. I didn’t really contemplate studying at any other University since I had such a positive experience during my last degree. I was attracted to this programme mainly because it allowed me to combine my studying with continuing to work.

I would be lying if I said fitting in study with work was always easy; it can definitely be challenging at times, particularly when multiple deadlines are approaching. However, on the whole, I felt the lecturers were understanding and give consideration to setting deadlines, ensuring sufficient time for those undertaking part time study. I liked that the course was structured over one day (afternoon into evening), since I may have found it more challenging to commit to multiple days given my work priorities.

An aspect of the programme which was particularly useful to me was choosing Employment Law as an elective on the course - it was very helpful to have an update on this since it is not always possible to take the time to refresh your knowledge in a fast-paced work environment.

While undertaking the course, I applied for a re-banding of the job I was carrying out and was successful. One of the modules on the course covered Learning and Development which I thoroughly enjoyed. This then prompted me to seek a career move into the Organisational Development department within NHS Scotland. I felt that the materials and theory covered in the course gave me the confidence to apply for a post in this department and I was delighted to find out a couple of months prior to my graduation from Strathclyde that I had been successful. I am really enjoying my new role, which I don’t think I would have applied for had it not been for the MSc Human Resource Management course.

I would definitely recommend the MSc part time course to others. Although working and studying can be challenging at times, I found the course more meaningful since I was able to draw on real life examples from my career which linked into the theory being taught. It was also an excellent opportunity to network with fellow students and I have made some great friends as a result of attending the course.

Find out more about the part time MSc Human Resource Management programme here and the full time HRM programme here. Both are CIPD accredited.