As a Birmingham alumni, I received the £1500 Birmingham Postgraduate Progression Award. I also successfully applied for the £2000 Birmingham Master’s Scholarship, which the University offers to applicants whose previous academic performance demonstrates they would benefit from further study. Receiving these tuition discounts meant I was able to commit to postgraduate studying, as without them I financially could not have done so.

This year I have begun to step out of my comfort zone, and have seized every opportunity available to me. As a Postgraduate ambassador I have been able to challenge my fear of public speaking, and I am proud of myself for giving open day presentations and assisting at postgraduate study fairs.

After three years of living in Birmingham I felt settled and confident, having become familiar with the city and the University. After researching the rankings of MA History degrees online it was clear that Birmingham had an excellent reputation, and so solidified my desire to spend another year here.

I spent three years studying BA History here at UOB, and absolutely loved it. Even before it was over I knew I did not want to leave, and so began exploring the possibility of postgraduate study.

Look at the list of available modules and begin researching whatever looks most interesting to you. It will help you establish what topics you are genuinely invested in, and having foundational knowledge of a topic going into the course can only benefit you!

Without a doubt, the best thing about my course is the staff. They are not only extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their discipline, but they are also genuinely happy to talk to students – whether it be for help on an essay or just to chat about topics of interest, they make you feel so welcome.

I have a genuine enthusiasm for the historical discipline, and was keen to challenge myself at an even higher academic level. Pursuing postgraduate study can be a rewarding experience, both at an individual and career level.