Postgrad post (issue 4)

POSTGRAD POST

We talk to Jennifer Ratcliffe a current MA Nature and Travel Writing student at Bath Spa University

Hello

Postgrads!

Welcome to the fourth edition of the Postgrad Post, and the first edition for the academic year 2022/2023. Inside you will find a profile on one of your fellow students, another interview with a fantastic alum, and an article written by a current student completing their Postgraduate degree parttime, distance learning.

If you would like to be featured in the next edition of the Postgrad Post then please email us at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk. Maybe one of our regular features appeals to you or you might have an original idea for an article. We are always happy to listen!

POSTGRAD PROFILE ON ... Niamh McGrogan

Every issue, we’ll bring you an interview with a postgraduate student or member of staff who are making a positive impact on the postgrad community. In this edition we talk to Niamh McGrogan, Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer, Primary PGCE at Bath Spa University.

WHAT COURSE DO YOU STUDY AND AT WHAT LEVEL?

Doctorate Teachers as Researchers: Understanding the Lived Experience of Engagement in Research Through Collaborative Close-to-Practice Inquiry.

IF YOU WERE EXPLAINING YOUR COURSE TO A CHILD, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

I’m trying to understand what teachers think about investigating their teaching while they’re doing it.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE?

Learning and finding my way out of the uncomfortable spaces. I’m also a Programme Leader on the PGCE at Bath Spa and I talk to students all the time about learning sometimes being in an uncomfortable space and how that’s okay; it means you’re growing and developing as a learner. I’m reminded of this when I’m stuck... these aren’t always pleasant spaces to be in and I have to keep reminding myself that I’m learning. It feels so good when I come out of those spaces having learned something new or made sense of something I didn’t understand and that’s where I find a lot of joy.

HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON ANYTHING EXCITING?

In my work I’m hearing a lot about research informed and evidence based practice from policy makers and education researchers. I don’t hear anything from teachers or teacher

educators - those microphones are literally on mute. In my research, I’ve been listening to the experiences of teachers, understanding what research means to them and what it means for them to engage in research activity. Having attended so many meetings where the silence of their voices has been so loud, I’m finding it so exciting to hear those voices and understand what they’re telling me.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANY OF YOUR WORK WITH US?

Sure! I’m learning that a lot of the literature out there is appearing in my data - the teachers I interviewed struggle with managing the demands of their workload and engaging in research and they really value researching in collaboration. The teachers also only find value in research that directly relates to their practice and how to support pupil learning. However, I’ve also learned that there was an emotional aspect to research for these teachers. They found it ‘exciting’ or felt ‘scared’ by it; they talked about these strong emotions and when looking at their engagement I can see connections between these and their engagement with the process. It’s really interesting to hear what they said and then analyse this to understand what was shared without being explicitly said. I’ll stop there otherwise I’ll end up writing half my thesis here!

Do you have a furry buddy that keeps you company while you work? Let us know at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk and you and your pet may be featured in the next issue!

Meet Siobhan and Dotty!

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF, YOUR COURSE OF STUDY, AND YOUR FURRY FRIEND.

I’m Siobhan and I’m currently studying for an MA in Fine Art, and this is my dog Dotty.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? At the Locksbrook Campus. WHAT BREED IS YOUR PET?

Dotty is a Terrier cross border and Norfolk - she looks like a jack Russell.

HOW OLD IS YOUR PET She is four and a half.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR PET FROM A PUPPY OR DID YOU RESCUE THEM?

I’ve had her since she was a sixweek-old puppy.

HOW DID YOUR PET HELP YOU DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Dotty kept me sane. The daily walks and company really helped.

HAS YOUR PET EVER MADE AN APPEARANCE IN A LECTURE OR SEMINAR?

Not yet!

HAS YOUR PET EVER PROVIDED INSPIRATION FOR ANY OF YOUR WORK? DO YOU HAVE A SHORT EXTRACT?

My work is often based on photos I take while on our walks. So indirectly she influences my work. Every morning and evening we are out walking up and down the hills.

IS YOUR PET HELPFUL OR A HINDRANCE TO YOU WHILST YOU’RE WORKING?It hasn’t been easy. I have to work my day around university and walking her. I don’t like leaving her for long periods during the day but I’ve had to. I have someone who helps with walking her if I can’t do it but it’s not the same as doing it myself. On the other hand, she’s a great stress relief and allows me time to think when I’m walking her. In that way, she’s an asset because some of my best ideas happen when I’m with her!

AND FINALLY, ARE YOU YOUR PET’S FAVOURITE HUMAN?

Definitely!

STUDY

SUPPORT•SUCCEED

Welcome to ‘Study, Support, Succeed’, the section of the Postgrad Post that keeps you in the loop with all things Student Wellbeing Services, Careers and Employability, and the Library and Learning Services.

STUDY LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES

The Library is here to support you throughout your postgraduate journey and can offer advice and guidance with finding and using resources and academic texts for your course, and supporting you in your studies.

You can find out more about the Library and its services in our online Library Brochure, or by visiting the Library at Newton Park. Either in person or online, we’re always here to help.

WRITING AND LEARNING CENTRE (WLC)

The Writing and Learning Centre is available to support you with your study skills. Their one-toone appointments and workshops are a great way to brush up on writing essays and reports, creating presentations, applying maths and statistics to survey and research data, and more. Sessions are available to all students, at all levels, and can be useful if you’re returning to academic writing after a break, or wanting to polish up your existing skills.

To find out more information about sessions, workshops, or to book an appointment, click on this link. You can also ask questions by emailing the WLC at wlc@bathspa.ac.uk

INTER-LIBRARY LOANS

While the Library holds a lot of resources, on occasion you might need a book or journal article that we don’t have in stock. If that’s the case you can request the item through our Inter-library Loans service. If you’ve not used the service before, watch this short video on how to make a request.

If you have any questions about the service, or how to make a request, feel free to visit us in the Library at Newton Park, or email internp@bathspa.ac.uk

YOUR SUBJECT LIBRARIANS

If you need help with research during your studies, your Subject Librarian is a great person to speak with. The library’s print and online resources are quite extensive, so your Subject Librarian can help you to navigate what resources we have available and what additional resources might benefit you with your research.

You can book one-to-one meetings, either online or in-person, and they will also provide group sessions in collaboration with your lecturers.

If you would like to contact them or book an online appointment, you will find their details on the Library’s subject pages

STUDY

SUPPORT

SUCCEED

Student Wellbeing Services understand how important it is to look after yourself, alongside your academic studies. Here’s how we can help you and enable you to thrive during your time at the University.

• Cost of Living

• Support to Study

• Medical Service

• Mental Health

• Wellbeing

• The Chaplaincy

• Young Adult Carers

• Care Leavers

• Estranged Students

• Accessibility and Disability

• Events, workshops, short courses and more

If you wish to access Student Wellbeing Services you can book appointments, ask queries and view upcoming events online. You can also find more information on each of the above here

MYWELLBEING

MyWellbeing is your platform to log queries, book appointments, register for events and find out about all available services in one place.

If you have any questions about mental health, wellbeing or disability, we can provide professional advice and guidance to help you make the most of your studies and university life through MyWellbeing

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

The Student Assistance Programme enables 24/7 access to ‘in the moment’ support and advice from qualified mental health practitioners who are experienced in personal and university-related issues, and can support students struggling with depression, anxiety or stress, as well as provide guidance on addiction, relationships, grief and much more. You can request to speak with a female or male practitioner, someone from a diverse community or someone with specific LGBTQ+ knowledge.

The service is available to all Bath Spa University students; it’s free, confidential, and available 24/7 by telephone, online chat function and WhatsApp.

You can also visit the Student Assistance Programme Portal where there are sections on wellbeing, financial advice, cooking, fitness and much more.

How to access the Student Assistance Programme

• UK Freephone: 0800 0318227

• Download the Spectrum.Life app in your app store

• Online: https://app.spectrum.life/login

• Organisation code: bathspa

BATH SPA’S CARE DOGS

Did you know you can book to meet one of our Bath Spa Care Dogs? Meeting one of the dogs can be a big help if you’re having a particularly stressful day, or if you feel like you just need a cuddle from a four-legged friend.

These accredited Care Dogs have adopted members of Bath Spa University staff and when they are able, come to campus to hang out with students. You can book 15-minute slots to meet the Care Dogs outdoors on the Newton Park Campus by choosing a slot that suits you.

Meet Bath Spa care dogs Georgie and Wanda

SUPPORT

SUCCEED

THE GRAD SUPPORT UNIT IS HERE TO HELP!

We wanted to remind you that you can continue to receive dedicated support long after you graduate through the Grad Support Unit in the Careers and Employability team. If you sign up for graduate support, you get:

• One-to-one career coaching appointments to help you with your future plans

• Exclusive careers events and graduate webinars

• Tailored resources and help guides

• Graduate jobs and opportunities

• Freelance and enterprise support and start-up grants through Bath Sparks

• Access to graduate internships

Signing up takes a few seconds and can be accessed here.

EXTRA FUNDING FOR YOU DURING YOUR STUDIES

You may be eligible for a grant and bursary funding from charitable trusts and foundations to support your postgraduate study, whether you’re undertaking a PhD, PGCE, PGT, PGR…or another exciting acronym. This is often an unexplored avenue that The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding can help take you through!

The guide provides relevant advice and a searchable database of charitable trusts and foundations where you can check eligibility criteria and apply for funding.

Whatever you do, don’t discount yourself based on the amount of time remaining on your course, as generally speaking applications for funding can be made at any time and can be very helpful for quick fundraising.

Access to all of this advice is currently available for free for Bath Spa students using an @bathspa.ac.uk email address.

GOT THE SPARK OF AN IDEA? WE CAN HELP FUND IT

Creative enterprise is at the heart of all we do at Bath Spa, and we want to encourage our students to innovate and develop sustainable, scalable enterprises for the future. If you’ve ever considered joining the growing number of Bath Spa University students and graduates that decide to work freelance or selfemployed, then we can assist you with specialist one-to-one advice and funding opportunities, all accessible through MyCareer. They can provide dedicated support and funding for your idea no matter the stage that it’s at.

RESOURCES THAT AREN’T MERELY ACADEMIC

If you’re a researcher who’s looking to continue and develop your academic career, we highly recommend Vitae as a very useful resource that provides advice and guidance on pursuing that route. Vitae hosts a database of career story case studies and provides an insight into what researchers do to support your career management.

GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE WITH A MENTOR

Some of the best have been mentored by the best. Mark Zuckerberg was mentored by Steve Jobs, Yves Saint-Laurent was mentored by Christian Dior, and J.J. Abrams was mentored by Steven Spielberg.

…Whilst the Careers team don’t have Spielberg on the books, through the mentoring scheme, MentorMe, they do have hundreds of industry professionals from all sectors who are ready to help convert your aspirations into practical steps towards the world of work.

In order to get in touch with one of the mentors and form a vital professional relationship, simply head over to the MentorMe Pathway on MyCareer to apply.

Following on from that, Jobs.ac.uk is an international higher education recruitment website for those wishing to work in academia. Their PhD Careers Advice section includes useful career development tools as well as practical advice on applying for academic opportunities, such as how to give a great sample lecture during an interview.

MY DEGREE:

BOTH PART-TIME AND DISTANCE-LEARNING

Jennifer Ratcliffe

I’m navigating my boat, searching for an internet signal, jotting down notes and intermittently chatting with my course-mates online. We’ve met just once, at an introductory writing retreat, but somehow I know who’s most likely to crack a joke or dislike custard. I’m in Staffordshire on my narrowboat where I live, later on, after the fire is stoked, I will log on to my lecture.

This is all possible due to studying online and part-time. I can be adventurous and not worry about getting to a physical classroom. My course, MA Nature & Travel Writing, is designed to facilitate this type of learning and in turn, the way I live inspires the work I do on the course.

DISTANCE LEARNING VS ON CAMPUS

Experience: I don’t know Bath as well and sports clubs are a no, but some societies still stretch a hand to online campus users. I also found my role as student rep easier, already adept at online meetings through my lectures. I can’t grab a coffee with my classmates, but the distance has encouraged communication, we have a real community vibe that I thrive on.

Learning: Thanks to the internet, inter-library loan schemes and a great online learning services, things work. I can’t nag my lecturer at the end of a session but I find myself confident with independent research.

Living: Unconventional is my style and learning in this hybrid manner enables me to embrace this. I can pack up my four walls and learn from anywhere without hesitation.

PART-TIME VS FULL TIME

Experience: Communication is harder with a full-time course. You have to remember everyone is working a half week. Yet without my half-week, I wouldn’t be seeking as many experiences elsewhere. Such as starting our own Substack blog for the course or entering the Porthleven Prize of which I’m a 2023 finalist.

Learning: More time to gain insight. Some like to consume their subject all in one but I’ve always been a slow burner. Giving myself the time that suits my learning style makes me feel empowered and at ease.

Living: My routine hasn’t altered as much as before. My life has still has new possibilities, but I more downtime than I would if studying fulltime.

IS THIS TYPE OF LEARNING FOR EVERYONE?

Part-Time: I wanted to fully embrace my subject. For this I needed to maximise the time spent whilst having the flexibility to take on other projects. Consider both your learning style and other living needs.

Online: Don’t compare online learning with pandemic learning. This isn’t the pandemic, you are free to roam as you like; this is flexible learning. Decide if the medium suits you and your course instead. As a nomadic boater studying travel and nature, being able to log on from anywhere was the ideal choice for me.

Jennifer Ratcliffe is a current MA Nature and Travel Writing (Year One) student at Bath Spa. Find her online:

ASK AN ALUM

Jake Ogden

WHAT IS YOUR JOB NOW?

Currently, I’m Creative Director of Curv - A Social Media platform that’s reinventing what social media means. No likes, no followers, no echo-chambers. Instead, we’ve built a platform for real movements and people that actually give a sh*t about the world.

My role is very much all things creative, from photography, to film, all the way through to app design and marketing.

HOW DID YOUR COURSE HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

The Photography course didn’t only help with the actual skills I use day to day, but more so with the confidence I have in my work and what I can offer.

I used to assume when I started looking for ‘proper jobs’ I would have to sell myself as just a photographer, but after everything I learnt during my three years at Bath Spa I felt like I could really offer much much more.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS?

Get out there. Apply for everything, even if you don’t feel like you deserve the pay or the job. I got my job off the back of the two interviews, where the main bulk of work I showed had been done in my own time since finishing university.

Again, it just taught me that not everyone is looking at grades or what degree you have, there are many people and companies looking at your personality and passion work.

FINALLY, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER ARE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE GRADUATING?

Having the title of Creative Director at my age is something I’m very proud of. Being part of a startup is something to be proud of too.

Simply though, I’m mainly just proud of being able to move to London with a creative job and live here happily and stably, I’m super proud of that.

A massive thank you to all our contributors for this issue of the Postgrad Post.

We hope you’ve found it a fun read and that you’ll stick around for the next issue.

Want to give us some feedback?

We’d love to know what you thought about the Postgrad Post and if you would like to be featured in the next issue, either in one of the current features or maybe you have an idea for a new one, then drop us a line at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk

Would you like to include your short story, poem, or any other creative work in the next issue? Let us know, we’d be happy to consider your work!

See you soon!

The POSTGRAD POST team