Progressing to Postgrad: Millie

Posted on: 6 December 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Millie Stayner is a Class of 2022 English Language and Politics graduate and current MA Political Science and International Relations student.     

I had thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Liverpool, especially within the Politics Department. The Political Science and International Relations MA was a new course starting in September 2022 and the module content and the opportunity to complete a placement within the MA really appealed to me. I also wanted the challenge of furthering my education and studying a course that really interested me and would benefit my future career. Liverpool is also a city that I felt very at home in with lots of friends.            

I spent this past year studying for my MA, it was challenging at times and a lot of work but I feel as though it paid off. I had lots of great people around me and support from the politics department. Throughout the year I completed a part-time placement at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and worked as a conference ambassador at the International PSA conference which was held in Liverpool in April this year. Throughout the MA I had lots of opportunities to take part in extra-curriculars which would help to benefit my future career.        

Finishing my MA thesis and getting to celebrate with my course mates. It wasn’t easy completing the piece of work but I was very happy with what I achieved and the hard work that I had put into it.   

The step up from undergraduate to master’s isn’t easy, it’s a very different experience to undergraduate and it can be lonely sometimes. It takes time management and learning how to prioritise tasks to complete the high volume of work that you have to complete for the course. Despite this initial setback when I first started the course, I made lots of friends and had a very sociable year. It felt a bit like going back into first year, having to put yourself out there again to meet people and try different things.     

My advice for current students:

1. Don’t feel that you are alone in feeling overwhelmed about the future

2. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else, it may feel as though people are ahead of you and have their future mapped out, but everyone is managing their own struggles.

3. Enjoy it! Studying for a master’s degree in a subject you really enjoy is such a great experience, take up all of the great opportunities that are presented to you as you never know where they might lead you.