Keele University offers a range of postgraduate taught and research degrees, both in person and online. Postgraduate students are central to our learning community, where our rural campus community provides an environment that is focused, relevant and mature.

Emma Price, Postgraduate Student Recruitment Manager (UK) talks to PhD Candidate Amy Blaney about her time as a postgraduate student at Keele University and how her postgraduate degrees have enhanced her career prospects.

1) Tell us about yourself and what you’ve studied at Keele?

I arrived at Keele in 2018 when I returned to study for my MA in English Literatures. I decided to remain at Keele to undertake my PhD in English and am now in the final stages of writing up my thesis, which is provisionally entitled ‘King Arthur in British Literature, 1660-1830'.

2) How did you find the transition from your undergraduate to postgraduate degree?

I had an 11-year break between completing my undergraduate degree and starting my MA, so it was a little bit daunting! I was worried that I would be a lot older than the other students on my course, and that I would find it difficult to make friends, especially as I would be commuting and wouldn’t be living on campus. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that Keele’s postgraduate community is so diverse and that there were lots of students who, like me, had returned to study after a break.

My MA course was very intense and a definite step up from undergraduate, especially in terms of the amount of reading and independent research required. However, I had lots of support from my tutors to help me adjust. I also went to training sessions run by the Library and the Academic Skills team, which really helped me get used to systems and technologies that hadn’t been available when I was an undergraduate.

And, how about the difference between studying for your master's and PhD?

Oddly, the transition from MA to PhD didn’t feel like quite such a leap. By the time I completed my MA, I had already managed a small research project (a 15,000-word dissertation) and had undertaken two modules on Research Skills as part of my MA programme, so I felt as if I had a good grounding for going into the PhD itself. Staying on at Keele also really helped because my main PhD supervisor supervised my MA dissertation, so we had already established a good working relationship.

4) What opportunities have been available to you to enrich your student experience and gain key employability skills?

During my MA programme I opted to undertake a Work Placement module. I ended up working with a local museum and helped them to improve digital access to their collections by starting up a collections blog and making some video user guides. In addition to giving me work experience within an area of interest, the placement subsequently led to further collaboration as I partnered with the same museum during my PhD to run an archival skills training day for PGR students. The skills gained as part of that module also helped me to secure a paid internship with another local heritage organisation during my PhD.

5) What kind of support do postgraduate students receive at Keele?

One of the main reasons that I chose to stay at Keele for my PhD was because of how supported I felt during my MA programme. My tutors were so approachable and always encouraged me to get in touch if I had questions or was unsure about any aspect of the course. I have also found the additional skills training offered by the Library, Academic Services, and the Keele Doctoral Academy (KDA) very helpful.

Keele is one of only two universities in the country to have a dedicated postgraduate student’s union – the Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA) - and that has been a huge source of support too. In addition to running regular social events that help to create a vibrant and friendly postgraduate community, the KPA provides advice, support, and bursaries to postgraduate students.

Studying a postgraduate course can be tough at times but there’s also lots of support for mental and physical health, ranging from counselling and wellbeing services to mindfulness activities, free or reduced-cost sports sessions, and wellbeing walks around our beautiful campus!

6) Can you tell us about the information and advice available to you with regards to postgraduate student finance, bursaries and scholarships?

I used a UK Government Masters Loan to partially fund my MA studies, and then worked part-time to fund the remainder of that MA year. However, when I applied to Keele, I was told by admissions that I had automatically qualified for – and been granted - two bursaries that helped to reduce the cost of my fees.

When I arrived at Keele, I was also made aware of other internal support that is available to our students, including the KPA Bursary and the Student Hardship Fund that is administered by Student Services.

During my MA, I had the opportunity to attend an information session about applying for a PhD. During this, we were guided through the various finance options available and through the process for applying for funded studentships within my academic school.

My PhD is funded but, to secure that, I had to apply for funding via a competition. My supervisor worked with me to help me turn my initial research proposal into a funding proposal. This was invaluable as I’d never written a funding proposal before so had no idea what information to include, or how to write such a document!

7) Are there any on-campus facilities that you’ve used and found really useful as a postgraduate student?

Having a library that is open 24/7 in term time is wonderful! I’m not a night owl but I’m often on campus quite early, so it’s great that I don’t have to wait around for the library to open and can just head straight there and get started with my work.

The KPA Clubhouse is another great space for postgraduates on campus. It’s where I go if I want to take a bit of a break during a busy day as I’m always guaranteed to see a friendly face in there. Plus, it does excellent food!

8) How have your postgraduate degrees enhanced your career prospects?

I decided to return to postgraduate study because I wanted to change career paths into academia. My MA and PhD have, I hope, equipped me with the skills that I need to pursue that career. In addition to

undertaking an extensive research project in the form of my PhD thesis, I’ve been encouraged and supported to present at (and organise!) conferences, to publish my work in appropriate peer-reviewed journals, and to get involved in teaching and demonstrating. I’ve also been supported in completing my Associate Fellowship for Advance HE, and have benefitted from additional training opportunities such as the sessions offered by the Keele Doctoral Academy and attendance at Keele’s Latin and Paleography Summer School.

Since returning to postgraduate study, I’ve also become much more aware of how the skills and experience that I have gained can equip me for life beyond or outside of academia. Whilst I still want to pursue an academic career, my tutors have always encouraged me to think in terms of skills rather than just knowledge, and this has helped me to broaden my scope when searching for and considering future job roles.

9) And, have you accessed the careers service and if so, how useful have you found this?

I’ve found the Careers and Employability team to be invaluable. I’ve worked in several part-time roles during my MA and PhD and have always turned to them for advice when it comes to putting together my CV and Covering Letter. Whether you’re applying for an academic post, a graduate role, an internship, or a weekend job, they have the skills and the knowledge to make sure you’re saying the right things and showcasing your skills in the best way!

10) What would you like to say to anyone who is considering a postgraduate degree, either taught or research, at Keele?

I would say go for it! Although with the caveat that you do need to make sure you choose the right programme of study for you, and that you undertake it for the right reasons. Postgraduate study is a real step up from undergraduate, so you need to have that reason to keep going with it when times get tough.

Reach out and speak with our admissions and enquiries team, as well as with course leaders/potential supervisors to find out more about the courses you are interested in and, if you can, come along to one of Keele’s Postgraduate Open Events to meet current postgraduate students and representatives from support services and various academic schools. That way you can ensure you are making a fully informed choice and that you’re excited and prepared for your postgraduate degree!

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Did you know that Keele alumni can be eligible for up to 20% discount on the standard postgraduate taught and research tuition fees - Find out more here