Re-learning how to study
A chance conversation with her line manager led Andrea Boyd back to study after a break of 20 years. Andrea, a Practice Development Occupational Therapist in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, took the leap with the University’s MSc Gerontology with Dementia Care as a way to progress her career.
“I felt like a rabbit in headlights at the start,” said Andrea (pictured below). “Postgraduate learning is quite different to what I experienced during my undergraduate degree.”
But the support of the lecturers and interaction with other students on the programme helped Andrea to become more comfortable with her return to study.
“The online and library resources were great – everything is at your fingertips. The support I received from my dissertation supervisor was also invaluable – she helped me to navigate what seemed like an overwhelming challenge.”
Andrea’s decision to enrol on the course was all about advancing her career. Andrea has worked with older people for most of her career, so this course was ideal.
“The MSc has supported my career development goals and played a part in me securing my current role as a Practice Development Occupational Therapist.”
“My learning has already improved my practice. I have become a critical thinker and have learned to look at things through a different lens. There can be many different arguments or points of view to an issue and my new skills enable me to make informed decisions after taking a balanced view.”
What would Andrea say to anyone else thinking about studying this course? “Believe in yourself. I wasn’t sure that I could do it, but with belief, anything is possible.”
HERE FROM ANDREA AND ONE OF OUR OTHER ALUMNI
You can find out more about our MSc Gerontology with Dementia Care programme here.
Last updated: 01/02/2024