Studying Opportunities

Abstract

Working in a fog of confusion is the worst possible way to tackle a postgraduate course, yet sometimes you might feel as if you cannot help but be confused. This is not necessarily because you are unsure about your subject or your area of research — these will probably be clear to you — it is because you are unclear about the demands that will be made upon your time and the input that will be expected of you. It can feel as if all sorts of demands are being placed upon your work schedule and it is not always made clear to postgraduates how these activities will support their work, which elements are compulsory and which are optional and the level of involvement required of you. The best way to approach this is to see each scheduled activity as a learning opportunity. If you begin in this positive way, asking what you can get out of each aspect of your course, you will find it easier to cope and maximise those studying opportunities. In this chapter, the most common studying opportunities open to postgraduates will be explored and the ways in which you can tackle each one will be explained. Not all these course elements will necessarily be available to you, but most will become familiar as your course progresses.