Masterplan

MASTERPLAN

IN THIS ISSUE

Postgraduate Headlines at LJMU

Graduate Stories

Student Support Team Updates

CONTENTS

Pages 2-3 Welcome to LJMU

Pages 4-5 News and Views

Pages 6-11 Reaching New Heights

Pages 12-15

World-class Choice

Pages 16-19

Overcoming Obstacles

Pages 20-25 Changing Direction

Pages 26-27

Pages 28-29

Postgraduate Finance

First Class Support

Pages 30-31 A Place to Call Home

Page 32

Careers Expertise

Welcome to MASTERPLAN – the magazine for those considering postgraduate study at LJMU.

In this edition, as well as useful links on accommodation, student support and funding your studies, you’ll find lots of heart-warming stories about our past and current students. You’ll hear how postgraduate study has changed their lives, how they pursued their passion for their subject, how they secured the job of their dreams and how they juggled day-to-day life with university education.

We hope you find MasterPlan both informative and inspiring and we look forward to welcoming you to LJMU in the near future.

Welcome to LJMU

EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE CITY

Recently voted by Condé Nast as the best English destination outside London, Liverpool really does have it all. Busy enough to feel exciting, yet small and friendly enough to feel like home, this multi-cultural destination is a massive hit with students from all over the world.

Whatever you look for in a city you’re sure to find it – and much, much more – in Liverpool.

CULTURE VULTURES

If you’re a lover of architecture, you’re sure to be in your element exploring England’s finest Victorian city with over 2,500 listed buildings. And if it’s culture you’re looking for, why not visit the city’s amazing free museums and galleries including The World Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Tate and the Walker Art Gallery?

For theatre and classical music, head to the RIBA award-winning Everyman, the Playhouse, Royal Court, Empire and the Philharmonic. And thanks to our partnerships with cultural organisations across the city, discounted student tickets are often available.

TIME TO DINE

Should all of that exploration leave you feeling a little peckish, you’ll love Liverpool’s amazing dining scene. With restaurants representing

the wonderful multicultural nature of the city, there’s always something new to try no matter your budget or taste. And if it’s more of a snack than a meal that you’re looking for, Liverpool has a huge variety of options. From our independent cafes on Bold Street to our busy Baltic Market, you will find something perfect to satisfy your taste buds.

BUSY BUSY BUSY

When living in Liverpool, you will never be bored. Whether you like shopping, activities, or learning about something new, there’s always something to do. From shopping in Liverpool ONE to rooting around independent boutiques, playing mini golf at Golf Fang to going up to the top of the Radio City tower, there is always something to keep you busy.

In the evenings, you can jump straight into the famous Liverpool nightlife with a range of bars, clubs and venues to visit. Whether you like a boogie or enjoy discovering new bands, there is somewhere for you. We are the home of the legendary Bongos Bingo and regularly have new act nights in our Cavern Club, where the Beatles officially launched their music back in the 1960s. Is music not for you? Visit our Hot Water Comedy Club and enjoy their free open mic nights. There’s no better night out than an evening in Liverpool.

AND RELAX….

And finally, should you ever need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Liverpool’s green spaces are plentiful and beautiful. From Sefton Park with its historic Palm House to Calderstones Park with its 1,000 year-old oak tree and Stanley Park with its Grade II listed Isla Gladstone Conservatory, there’s everything you need to de-stress and unwind.

Need more inspiration?

NEWS AND VIEWS

EUROVISION MAKES A TATTOO ON LIVERPOOL

In May 2023, Liverpool hosted the worlds largest music competition: The Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine.

An incredible fortnight-long cultural festival took place over the city, creating a moment of collective and cultural resilience with Ukraine. The contest was watched by 162 million people worldwide.

LJMU played its own role through research, collaborations and celebrations, bringing together both student and staff contributions in this significant international event.

LIVERPOOL SCREEN SCHOOL STUDENTS WORK AT EUROVISION PRESS OFFICE

A lucky group of second year undergraduate and master’s students studying journalism within the Liverpool Screen School worked with the Liverpool City Council to deliver multimedia content and to work as part of the press office team.

RESEARCH INTO THE IMPACT OF EUROVISION 2023 ON HEALTH RISK

In conjunction with the Public Health Department at Liverpool City Council, experts from the Public Health Institute within LJMU’s Faculty of Health are undertaking research to look at the health risk of behaviours associated with nightlife during the Eurovision period.

A survey will examine individuals’ past, present, and future use of alcohol and drugs - as well as measuring

sexual behaviours, exposure to anti-social behaviour and violence, and feelings of safety during Eurovision week.

A series of other evaluation studies, commissioned by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, took place to determine the social impact of Eurovision 2023 on wellbeing, cultural legacy and the economy, and LJMU sits on the Steering Group to report back their findings for the final report.

ART STUDENT’S WORK TO BE EXHIBITED IN LIVERPOOL AND PHD STUDENT’S ENDURING LINKS TO UKRAINE PhD student, Nien-Ting Chen, a Taiwanese curator and artist, has been working with Ukrainian artists before the war broke out and has continued her collaborations during the conflict.

Having visited Kyiv and Dnipro in 2021, she went on to co-curate two exhibitions exploring the war and supporting the people of Ukraine in 2022. The first, a virtual exhibition ‘Unstable Condition: Greeting From A Stranger’ and the second in Taipei ‘News From The Fields’.

Read the full article about LJMU’s part to play in Eurovision 2023 here:

Created by students, run by students: LJMU’S SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

LJMU’s third edition of our MA Short Film Festival was held in March 2023, with 42 films being shown across the event. This year there was an additional category, Experimental Film, which featured entries that challenged the idea of conventional filmmaking. As always, this year’s student filmmakers worked toward taking home the prized ‘Paper Bird’ Award for Best Fiction, Documentary, Animated, and Experimental Film, while viewers will have the chance to vote for their favourite to receive the Audience Award.

Created by students as part of the module ‘Exploring Film Festivals, Distribution and Exhibition’, the LJMU MA Short Film Festival is a unique and innovative educational experience that is exclusive to Liverpool John Moore’s University.

The call for this year’s submissions went out in early 2023 and we received a staggering 1,400 films from almost 100 countries, which were then viewed and debated by the student programming team.

Jory Metcalf-Judge, MA Student and Festival Co-organiser, said: “My experience programming this festival has opened my eyes to how the beating heart of the city can be represented through cinema. From experimental film to more outspoken social commentaries, these films showcase the expanding cultural landscape of cities across the world.”

FROM LECTURE THEATRE TO BILLBOARDS

Liverpool football fan and LJMU MA Human Resource Management student, Selma Bazara, is one of the faces of the new Nike Liverpool Football Club kit.

The 22-year-old from Toxteth was contacted by the Nike team following her support for LFC on TikTok, and when they asked Selma to take part in the kit launch, she jumped at the chance.

“I literally grew up in a household that loves Liverpool FC so it’s in my DNA. When Nike got in touch and asked me to be involved in the shoot, I was screaming with joy. I have never done this sort of professional work before.”

And Selma soon found herself working alongside none other than Liverpool Manager, Jürgen Klopp and the players. “I didn’t even know I was taking pictures with the players until the day itself.’

“Jürgen was so lovely and so were the players, they all tried to make conversation to make me feel less nervous and help break the ice.”

Since the kit was launched last week, Selma has also received a lot of support on social media. “I expected to post the kit launch images on my social accounts and see support from my friends and family, but I got tons of messages from strangers saying how proud they are of me, especially young Muslim women who are proud that I am representing them.”

To find out more about our MA Film course, visit our website.

Want to find out more about postgraduate courses at LJMU?

Visit our website.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

Our students choose to study a postgraduate qualification for a variety of reasons, from wishing to develop their skills to pivoting their career path. Here we talk to students and graduates about their path to postgraduate study.

MANISHA AGGARWAL STRIVING FOR SUCCESS

Having completed her undergraduate degree in psychology here at LJMU, Manisha knew that she wanted to blend her passion for psychology with her desire to work in sport. An avid dancer, Manisha researched the different careers within sport and found a plethora of jobs surrounding athlete performance and wellbeing. This triggered her exploration of this career path.

“To be able to become an accredited Sport and Exercise Psychologist, I needed to complete stage 1 training which I could gain by doing the master’s,” she explains. “To me, it made sense to stay at LJMU as I knew the campus, loved the city and knew it was good for sports courses.”

During her undergraduate degree, Manisha had a placement with the Merseyside Dance Initiative (MDI) where she was supporting their Dance for Parkinson’s classes. This sparked the exploration of a whole new career that she wasn’t aware of. “I thoroughly enjoyed this placement, but I realised that I actually wanted to help dancer’s themselves with their mental health and performance. This is when I then found out that sport/performance psychology was a thing. It also made me realise how relevant all experience is to helping you to figure out what you want to do with your career. Especially as I was then successful a year later in securing a paid internship with MDI and organised a mental skills project for dancers within the organisation.”

After her move from psychology to sport, Manisha’s supervisors helped her get the most out of her studies. “My supervisor was massively supportive throughout the course and with helping me with my dissertation. I often went to them

when I was struggling and they were always happy to help whenever I had any concerns. I also felt I could speak to some of the academic staff about career progression and my own personal concerns that I had wanting to work in sports – luckily they’re psychologists so they were always keen to listen.

It wasn’t long after the completion of her master’s when Manisha landed her first graduate position. “Within a few weeks of finishing, I started my role at University Campus of Football Business (Eithad Campus) as a learning support advisor.” Not only did Manisha develop her academic knowledge during her time at LJMU but she equipped transferable skills that allowed her to land roles that she dreamt of. “I do believe that some of the skills that we learned during the master’s around relationship building and listening skills have helped me in this role.”

Recently, Manisha was successful in applying to study a Professional Doctorate in Sports and Exercise Psychology here at LJMU to get her one step closer to her dream of being a qualified sports psychologist. “This qualification will allow me to complete my stage 2 training, which means I’ll be one step closer to becoming an accredited sport and exercise psychologist.” We are excited to see the next steps for Manisha in her career.

AZIZEH LOTFIVAND

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

Azizeh Lotfivand had been working in the oil and gas industry in Iran when she decided to study for her PhD at Liverpool John Moores University, with her family being the driving force behind her decision.

Passionate about creating a better future for herself and her family, Azizeh decided to move from Iran to Liverpool to study for her PhD in Electrical Engineering at LJMU. Thanks to this decision, she claims that all her problems have been solved.

“I had been working in the oil and gas industry,” Azizeh explains. “But I worried about the future, especially for my daughter. My main focus was having a job in the electrical and electronic engineering industry – my degree previously focused on electrical charges and battery management systems. I wanted to make a better future for my family, and I knew that further study was the way to do this.”

Studying at postgraduate level in her home country of Iran was not an option for Azizeh. “I felt like I needed

more current information about this field, which isn’t possible in my country,” she explains. “I knew that the UK would be a good choice, so I made the big decision to leave my career and move here. I do not regret it – I find the UK a good place to study. I chose Liverpool because I had heard that the people here are really kind and supportive, which I have learned is definitely true.”

Despite taking the brave step of leaving her job and family to study at LJMU, Azizeh could not be happier. “After coming to Liverpool, gradually all my problems have been solved,” she says, smiling. “I strongly recommend doing all you can to make your dreams come true. You can do anything you want. It might take time, but do not give up – if I can do it, you can too.”

JESS TOOTILL CONTINUING HER STUDIES AT LJMU

After completing her undergraduate studies, Brain and Behaviour graduate Jess Tootill didn’t feel ready to say goodbye to Liverpool or academic study. With a clear goal in mind regarding what she would like to study at postgraduate level, Jess realised she didn’t have to go far to find the ideal course for her. “I chose to do a postgraduate qualification at LJMU as I loved the university,” she explains. “The university offered a course that other universities didn’t, with a combination of interesting modules, excellent facilities and a strong team of academic professionals. A variety of topics were covered on my course, from biological psychology to cognitive psychology. I wanted to learn about psychology at a more advanced level and expand upon my knowledge.”

“I already knew from studying here previously that the facilities that LJMU offer are amazing,” Jess explains. “It was an exciting environment to be in – for both the staff and the students. That has continued into my postgraduate study.”

In terms of choosing a course to study at postgraduate level, it was important for Jess to gain skills that would improve her employability. “My postgraduate course is essential for my career progression as it shows I have determination and motivation for growth and development. My

postgraduate course expanded on my knowledge and gave me practical experience which is essential for the roles that I am currently working towards.”

Jess also recommends attending one of the postgraduate events before starting your studies, to really get a feel for the course. “All the people I met at the Open Days were so welcoming,” she says, smiling. “They had so much knowledge and expertise, which really intrigued me about the course. The staff and support at LJMU are amazing – they’re always there for you in case you need help with assignments or exams, and even just little things too. Nothing is too small – I am really glad I’ve continued my studies at LJMU.”

During her studies, Jess started to develop a keen interest in consumer behaviour and investigating the key touchpoints in a customer’s decision-making process. Shortly after graduating, Jess secured herself a role as a customer journey specialist in London. Day to day, Jess communicates with retail clients and provides them with data to help them optimise their consumer journeys. As the role involves a combination of research, consumer psychology, data and marketing, Jess is busy using all her skills from her studies to excel in her new position.

WORLD CLASS CHOICE

Home to a variety of museums, football teams, cultural festivals and this year’s Eurovision, Liverpool is one of the most exciting cities in the world. A maritime heartland that is a melting pot of cultures, the city happily invites those from all over the world to experience what it has to offer. We are very proud to welcome staff and students from over 100 different countries. Here we talk to some students whose overseas roots have played a key role in their learning experience.

RAFFAELLA MINELLA FROM ITALY TO LIVERPOOL

With a wish to work in forensic anthropology, Raffaella knew the best way to continue the development of her skills would be through completing a postgraduate degree. Despite never having been to the UK before, Raffaella moved from Italy to study at LJMU and could not be happier with her decision.

“I had no idea what to expect from the people and the place,” she admits. “I did not even know much about the university system in the UK. My main concern was the language barrier because despite studying English at school, it is not the kind you use in everyday life.” Raffaella was pleased to find her worries were unfounded. “I never felt judged in the city, even though I am not from here. You will always find people to help you within the university, so you are not alone. If you need support in anything, they will always be there to guide you. All the struggles have been worth it.”

One of the things that most impressed Raffaella about studying Forensic Anthropology at LJMU was the resources available. “There is a huge collection of skeletal remains here, which is not that common at most universities,” she explains. “Very few universities offer this type of programme. The teaching staff are all amazing people too, and highly qualified in their field.”

During her studies, Raffaella was able to get involved with many different projects, including a humanitarian project in Cyprus. Raffaella, along with her lecturers and selected students, were able to exhume and identify the remains of Greek-Cypriots who were killed during

the bombing of a temporary field hospital in the Paphos area over 50 years ago. “The Cyprus mission has been one of the best professional experiences I’ve ever had, and I am extremely glad that I jumped on the opportunity despite the fact that I was in the middle of my MSc dissertation data collection,” she explains. “It gave me the chance to apply everything that my degree has taught me in some real-life context, and to observe how experienced professionals in the field behave and work, constantly learning something new from them.”

After gaining this experience, Raffaella then was offered the opportunity to get her master’s research project published in a major academic journal. “My teachers were really supportive,” Raffaella says. “They believed in my work and persuaded me to send it out to journals and conferences. They helped me through the whole publishing process, and it was one of the best things that could have happened to me.”

Raffaella’s studies have not ended here. She is now considering a PhD; however, she wishes to continue gaining practical experience before continuing with her studies. “After a few excavations as a volunteer, I’ve been made lead archaeologist of my team for summer excavations!” Raffella explains, smiling. “I am really happy about this because the experience I am gaining is going to help me so much in the future. In the meantime, before this next project begins, I am doing an internship, working on an anthropological project. Everything has fallen into place, and I am so thankful to LJMU for the support it has shown me.”

From developing her knowledge to landing her first lead role on an excavation, Raffaella knew studying a postgraduate qualification in Liverpool would open all the right doors for her career.

SEBASTIEN PAYAN DISCOVERING A PASSION FOR RESEARCH

Sebastien Payan had already been working in addiction for 10 years before starting his master’s in Public Health Addictions. Having a professional background behind him before starting his studies enabled him to dig deeper into the work he had been doing previously, as well as discovering a passion for research.

Returning to study as a mature student was initially daunting for Sebastien. “I was scared about going back to university after so long,” he admits. “I was worried about what it was going to be like and how I would cope being in a city where I didn’t know anybody. I was worried for nothing – right from the start, the international team supported me. They helped me with visas, and someone even came to meet me at the airport when I arrived. They alleviated a lot of stress – it’s a good feeling.”

When deciding where to study, Sebastien knew that he wanted to prioritise a suitable course over it’s location, therefore he decided to make the move from Canada to the UK. “I was born in France, but I’ve lived in Canada for the last 15 years,” he explains. “Choosing to study at Liverpool John Moores University was an easy decision for me, though. The combination of addiction and public health is something I hadn’t seen offered in many universities, so LJMU really stood out.” Our MSc Public Health Addictions course is one of only a handful of its kind in the UK.

“I had a really good feeling about studying here from the start,” Sebastien adds. “I went to some of the webinars, and it enabled me to get to know a bit more about the teachers at the university. The webinars on offer are really useful to get a bit more confidence before starting. They allowed me to read up on some of the academics’ work and it was interesting, which ignited my passion for research. There was also a lot of support around writing essays and referencing properly – I had

forgotten about all those things, so it was comforting to know that so much support was there. I could ask questions and attend workshops; I felt supported and confident, so I thought – let’s do it!”

The research element of the Public Health and Addictions course was something completely new for Sebastien, and he worried he wouldn’t be able to cope with this different mode of studying. A research degree enables students to explore a topic in-depth, which can feel like a large change from an undergraduate course. Thankfully, there is so much support available for students at LJMU. Research supervision is provided by an academic with specialist expertise in the relevant area of interest, who will also offer support in the form of advice, guidance and feedback.

“I discovered a passion for research that I didn’t know I had! I’m excited about it and it’s just spurred me on to keep learning. I love the academic approach of doing your own reading and research, controlling your own development, asking questions and pushing yourself – all within the setting of this great university. In terms of employability, I think showing that I can manage a research proposal and all the skills that come with that is going to open a lot of doors for me in the future.” And that is what happened. With his experience in the field and in research, Sebastien was able to return to Vancouver after his studies to his previous team, to take a leadership role and share his new knowledge with his colleagues.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Choosing to study a postgraduate qualification can be a big step. However, for those facing challenges outside of their studies, choosing to continue their studies can feel like a tougher decision. Here we speak to students who have overcome various obstacles to flourish as postgraduate students here at LJMU.

ALISON ROBINSON NOT LETTING DISABILITY DEFINE ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Studying a postgraduate degree can be a challenge, especially for those balancing family life and living with a disability. Ali Robinson is proof that if you have the determination to succeed and support from LJMU, nothing can stop you.

Mum of two, Ali Robinson, returned to education to study a master’s in Mental Health to enhance her career in counselling and expose herself to new opportunities. However, with taking care of her two children and living with a disability, she sometimes felt that she required support to make sure she achieved her goals.

“It has been hard work but I’m in a really exciting place now,” Ali says, smiling. “I’ve got so many professional opportunities that I would never have had before. My goal was to be able to work in the mental health sector and really make a difference to people’s lives. I’m now providing counselling and mental health advisory services both within schools and with private clients. It’s a dream come true!” In addition to this, the skills that Ali has gained during her studies have allowed her to reach new heights in her career. “I feel like my master’s has allowed me to add specific services to my private practice and hopefully I will be further utilising it with some of my plans and ideas moving forward. I genuinely feel that it has put me in a very privileged position within my career.”

LJMU was an obvious choice for Ali, as she was already aware of its great reputation. “I already knew of the University and the work it does, because they have a really good Outreach team who visit my children’s schools and the college I was studying in,” Ali explains. “Besides that, LJMU was the one university that offered the course I

really wanted to do. The course programme and the modules available were too good to miss – it really looked amazing!”

Choosing to study her master’s was a difficult decision for Ali because she had to consider how she would balance her study with family commitments and fluctuating health due to fibromyalgia and ME. Despite these barriers, she was able to achieve her goals by taking advantage of the support and wide variety of services available to her as an LJMU student. “Before starting my studies, I was able to contact my course leader and ask the questions I needed to about my disability,” Ali says. “I felt totally reassured that they would help me every step of the way. LJMU has an amazing support system in place for students. When I’ve had to miss any part of the programme due to my health, they have put in extra tutorials for me or given me extensions for assignments when necessary. I’ve felt supported in my mental health too, with staff just checking in to make sure I’m okay.”

“I’ve spent many years allowing my disability to define me,” Ali admits. “I thought my dreams would never be achievable due to my illness. But now I won’t let my disability define me – I can be the driving force of my own future. If you want it enough, you can do it, and there is so much support available for you at LJMU. It’s just been amazing – an amazing achievement.”

PATRICK HANNON OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Many postgraduate students choose to study part-time while working. LJMU offers plenty of support to ensure students thrive in both areas of their lives. Patrick Hannon is one such student, who returned to LJMU after completing his undergraduate degree a few years ago.

After completing his Law undergraduate degree at LJMU, Patrick had some time after graduating to decide what he wanted to do next. He is now studying his LPC course. “It is the follow-on course from my Law degree,” Patrick explains. “Completing it means I will be qualified to practise as a solicitor – my dream is to work in employment law. I have always wanted to fight for the little guy.”

Patrick didn’t jump straight into further study, and initially he had some reservations about returning to university. “I was worried that after a few years out I wouldn’t be able to cope with studying again,” he admits. “But I can, and I would never have known that if I had not just jumped in and had a go. I enjoyed my undergraduate degree at LJMU, even more so than I originally thought I would, so it was a no brainer that I would do my master’s degree here.”

Studying with a disability can feel overwhelming too, but Patrick has felt really supported by LJMU. “Both the disability team and the law school have been really good in terms of additional support,” he says. “When it comes to exams, you can get extra time and smaller exam rooms where you might not feel as overwhelmed or stressed. The staff really want to help and ensure you unlock your full potential.”

As well as being impressed with the master’s itself, Patrick has also enjoyed having the ability to network with local law firms during his studies. “We had mock interviews too. These were so useful because I believe that, thanks to them, I was able to get my current job within a law firm. The contents of the course really prepares you for the working world.”

Patrick admits that balancing work and study was hard, but he is proud of himself as he overcame his own challenges to get to where he is today. “Studying at master’s level is incredibly challenging, but I am proud of myself that I have been able to get here. I am so grateful to LJMU for everything.”

CHANGING DIRECTION

Choosing whether to change career path can be incredibly daunting. However, here at LJMU, we support all of our students in finding a career that allows them to work in a field they are passionate about, as well as excel professionally. Here we talk to some of our students who chose to pivot their career with postgraduate study.

LILA TAMEA CHANGING DIRECTION

Despite completing an undergraduate degree in Law, Lila Tamea knew her true passion lay elsewhere. Choosing to study a master’s in Education may have been a change in direction, but Lila could not be happier with her new career path.

“I actually made the decision that I didn’t want to go into Law during my undergraduate degree,” Lila admits. “I went out and did work experience during my second year of study, and I realised then that it wasn’t the career for me.”

Changing direction was not a decision that came lightly to Lila, who was initially apprehensive about returning to study. After being in the Student Officer Team at the JMSU for a couple of years, Lila realised that her passions were outside of law and actually in education. After receiving an email from a student about their MA in education, she knew that was the direction her career was naturally heading. “I thought ‘this is it’,” Lila says, smiling. “Since starting my postgraduate course, I realised it was a perfect fit for me. Postgraduate study is going to help me unlock opportunities that I would not have had with just my undergraduate degree. Now I want to eventually specialise in Higher Education (HE), potentially even become a consultant. And it was all because of that email that I am where I am today.”

LJMU hasn’t only offered Lila the perfect postgraduate course, she has also been able to put the theory into practice thanks to a variety of work experience opportunities. “While studying my master’s, I worked part-time with the Outreach team

here at LJMU,” she explains. “My first assignment was around Higher Education; looking at the barriers surrounding HE, and issues around access and participation. Being able to demonstrate my skills working at the university has been invaluable, and then also from an academic point of view, linking this practical experience to my assignments has been really helpful.”

Lila has been a lot more confident in her choice of course at postgraduate level. “I did it backwards this time! I looked into the career I wanted first, then chose what to study off the back of that, rather than the other way around. This means I have made more of an informed choice instead of just jumping in, and that has made me more confident in my decision. Being on my course and enjoying it has made such a difference – I have found my passion in Higher Education. It is never too late to change your mind and find a new path!”

After graduating nearly a year ago, Lila is now moving from her graduate role working at an online legal education provider and returning to LJMU as a trainee lecturer. Along with that, she will be pursuing a PhD. Keeping herself busy, Lila will also be maintaining her positions on the board at the Baltic Creative and LJMU’s Centre for Educational Leadership advisory board. We are excited to see Lila’s next steps at LJMU.

MICHAEL SIMPSON

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

It’s never too late to change career paths – Michael Simpson has proved that. He left his job as an accountant in Scotland to pursue his passion for performance sport at LJMU.

Switching from accountancy to further study may seem like a big decision, but it was something that had always been on the cards for Michael. With a wife and a house back in Aberdeen, Scotland, he knew it could be challenging to adjust to the new way of life, but it has all been worth it to help Michael achieve his dream of working in performance sport. Now, he is studying his MSc in Exercise Physiology at LJMU.

“I’m going to be working for the next 30 years,” Michael says. “Do I want a career where there’s potentially more money? Or do I want a career where I will be happier? That was my main motivation for moving from accountancy to the field of sport and exercise science. I knew that to stand out from the crowd, I needed to do a postgraduate course after my undergraduate degree. The time and academic study is worth it for a career in a field that I ultimately want to work in and am passionate about.”

Choosing where to study was an easy decision for Michael. “I always had my eyes set on coming down to LJMU,” he recalls. “It was always the plan, even at undergraduate level, that I would eventually come here to do my master’s. This kind of course is not available in Scotland, so it immediately made it more attractive.”

Michael has found studying as a mature student easier to adjust to than he expected. “Everyone is here for the same goal – to progress their career,” Michael explains. “That immediately helps put your mind at ease. Everyone remains focused which makes it a great environment to thrive in.”

Despite living in a new city away from his family, Michael settled in well. “So far, so good!” he shares. “We are fortunate at postgraduate level because we work in really small cohorts, so we get to know each other quite well. Besides individual study, we work on group tasks as well, so we are building on these personal relationships constantly throughout the year.” Being able to reflect on his choices with life experience behind him has ensured that he is doing what he really wants to do. “I made the decision to work in accountancy at an early age. I have so much experience behind me now – I can make an informed decision about what I would like to do with the rest of my life, and what is going to make me happy. I am studying to eventually get a career I really want, and that makes it all worth it!”

ELYSIA GREENWAY AS EASY AS ABC...

Elysia herself admits that her path to studying a PhD was very unusual. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school,” she confesses. “I thought, ‘what am I good at?’ and I was good at Art. From there, I went on to the A-Z course pages on UCAS and came across archaeology, which I would never have thought of before. I fell in love with the ideas of anthropology, archaeology and eventually osteology, this led me to my PhD Research at LJMU’s Face Lab after studying MSc Forensic Art and Facial Identification.”

When it came to choosing where to study for her PhD, Liverpool John Moores University offered Elysia some exciting facilities that allowed her to delve deeper into her passions. “The resources available here are excellent,” she says. “LJMU is home to Face Lab, which is a renowned institute for facial reconstruction. It is the best place to study in this field, using the great technology, and building on the practical skills I already had from studying at undergraduate and master’s level.”

Despite her passion and drive for research, just like many taking the postgraduate leap, Elysia still had concerns before starting her PhD. “I think the main concern a lot of PhD students have before their studies start is imposter syndrome,” she admits. “I was thinking things like ‘I’m not good enough,’ ‘how can I be here,’ ‘how can I contribute?’”

Now mid-way through her studies at LJMU, Elysia teaches a wide range of modules within the University. “I do a fair amount of teaching and demonstrating within both the School of Biological and Environmental Science, mostly around forensic anthropology and anatomy, and at the art school teaching academic skills to our foundation students,” she explains. “I

am passionate about promoting equality, diversity, inclusivity, and respect (EDIR) within the university. Our society (RIDE) has won awards for hosting the best student events – fostering EDIR in the university and proving that undergraduates do not have all the fun! I am also a trustee for the John Moores Student Union, again with a keen eye on EDIR matters.”

But the opportunities Elysia has taken do not stop there. “In terms of employability, LJMU is wonderful,” she explains. “I have been able to get additional qualifications through the doctoral academy and the teaching and leadership academy. I have completed my Associate Fellowship for Advanced Higher Education, and there are opportunities to start a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, although it is important to balance professional development with your research agenda. There are just so many amazing experiences and routes to develop personally, professionally, and academically at LJMU. For example, I have just helped to co-develop and run the PGR Festival 2023 and have previously co-created EDIR Training with the Doctoral Academy – the way the university embraces students and responds to our voice is one of my favourite things about LJMU.”

So, what’s next for Elysia? “This year I am continuing at Face Lab, focusing on finishing my research and presenting my findings at as many conferences as I can!” Elysia shares. “I am keen to really amp up my academic professional skills. In the future, I would love to continue at Face Lab or in academia, as I genuinely love what I do. I followed my passion to be here today, and I would not change a thing!”

Although some of our students have always dreamt of studying a particular degree, others take a different path to determine the course for them. Elysia Greenway is one of those students, now a PhD researcher in Forensic Facial Reconstruction after searching A-Z course pages for inspiration when she first left school.

POSTGRADUATE FINANCE

There are many ways to fund the next stage of your education and the great news is that our student advice team are on hand to guide you through all of the options. To speak to one of our team, email them at moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk. In the meantime, here’s a brief outline of the options open to you:

I POSTGRADUATE MASTERS LOANS

Students from England or Wales attending eligible full and part-time master’s courses can apply for government loans of up to £12,167* (England) or £18,770* (Wales).

Further information and details of eligibility are available at www.gov.uk/funding-forpostgraduate-study and www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/ postgraduate-students.aspx

Students who ordinarily live in Northern Ireland can apply for a non means-tested loan for their tuition fees. The loan is capped at £6,500 (2023/24 figure) per student and you can find out more at: www. studentfinanceni.co.uk

Students who are normally resident in Scotland can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan up to a maximum of £7,000* for full-time courses. Eligible students can also apply for a living cost loan of up to £4,500*. This funding is not means-tested. For more information and repayment details see www.saas.gov.uk

I POSTGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

LJMU offers a series of scholarships for international students on taught master’s programmes and research degrees. These scholarships take the form of fee waivers. For full eligibility criteria and details of how to apply, see the international scholarships section of our website here:

I GOVERNMENT DOCTORAL LOAN SCHEME

A non-means-tested loan of up to £28,673* is now available to assist with the cost of a postgraduate doctoral qualification. The loan is for eligible students in England, Wales and the European Union. Further information for those based in England can be found on the Government’s website. For information about doctoral loans in Wales, visit Student Finance Wales. For details of the new Doctoral Loans please visit: https://www.gov.uk/ doctoral-loan

I TEACHER TRAINING

Teacher training is funded in the same way that undergraduate courses are funded, via government loans and grants. There are also bursaries depending on your degree classification and the subject you are going to teach. Scan for more details. Funding applications open at the end of February.

I NHS COURSES

You can apply for a bursary for some master’s level NHS courses. The funding cycle opens in April for September starters.

See the NHS Business Services Authority website for more details.

* Loan rates quoted are for 2023 entry.

DID YOU KNOW?

I If you are a home graduate with a degree from LJMU, an Alumni discount of 20% off your postgraduate tuition fees is available**

I Funding is also provided by research councils, charities and trusts

I The University has a Student Support Fund for those facing unexpected hardship or who have caring responsibilities e.g. for a partner or children

I Equipment and support is available for those with an ongoing disability or learning difficulty, email: disability@ ljmu.ac.uk

**Subject to terms and conditions

FIRST CLASS SUPPORT

All LJMU students have access to a wealth of support services. Here you will find details of a range of support that we offer. Not sure what services you may need to access? Call into our Student Life Building when you arrive and we will be happy to help.

ACCOMMODATION

In addition to our central Accommodation team, our Student Advice and Wellbeing team can help you with any issues you may have once you have moved into your university accommodation. You can contact them by emailing accommodation@ljmu.ac.uk You can also contact our private sector housing adviser based at Liverpool Student Homes, email: LSH@Liverpool.ac.uk

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

LJMU’s dedicated international team is here to support overseas students from the moment you decide to study with us.

As well as letting you know all about LJMU before you come to Liverpool, the team provides a ‘meet and greet’ service when you arrive in the UK and will help with issues such as setting up a UK bank account and an email address and setting your immigration status to ‘student’.

To find out more about what the international team can do for you, email: international@ljmu.ac.uk

BUDGETING

Managing your money can be key to enjoying your studies. LJMU have collaborated with Blackbullion (www.blackbullion.com) to allow you to learn new budgeting skills and access their resources. All you need an LJMU student email address.

COUNSELLING AND MENTAL WELLBEING

Talking therapy appointments are available Monday to Friday throughout the year and there is also a daily drop-in session, contact: counselling@ljmu.ac.uk

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

When you begin your studies at LJMU you may find you need help with certain academic topics. Our study skills classes provide valuable support for students at all levels. We offer a wide range of generic training sessions as well as specific support for international and postgraduate students. Details of sessions are sent out weekly via email. Bespoke sessions are also available subject to demand.

DISABILITY SUPPORT

If you have a disability and require extra support during your studies, please inform the Student Advice and Wellbeing Team as soon as possible, email: disability@ljmu.ac.uk

FINANCE

Whether you need information on scholarships, loans or bursaries or some help budgeting, our Finance Advisers have the answers you need, email: moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT

For one-to-one and group sessions on topics such as visa applications or cultural issues, contact: internationaladvice@ljmu.ac.uk

STUDY SUPPORT

If you need to develop additional skills to complement your studies, our study support team can help with topics such as academic writing, referencing, maths support and English for academic purposes; for more information email: studysupport@ ljmu.ac.uk or visit our student support pages on our website.

LIBRARY SUPPORT

LJMU has two libraries: the Aldham Robarts library on the Mount Pleasant Campus, and the Avril Robarts library on the City Campus. Providing a hub for all front-line student services, our libraries are the place to: register and enrol, hand in your coursework, pay fees and get guidance on anything related to the student experience.

John Moores Students’ Union represents all LJMU students. Run by elected student officers, JMSU prides itself on being an entirely student-led organisation, working solely to improve your University experience. To find out more, visit www.jmsu.co.uk

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION

Opt for university accommodation and we’ll give you the option to live with other postgraduate students and/or mature undergraduates.

To book your university accommodation:

1. Explore the accommodation options: www. ljmu.ac.uk/discover/your-studentexperience/accommodation

2. On accepting an offer from LJMU, submit your online accommodation request. The sooner you send a request, the more choice you will have

3. Your accommodation manager will contact you by email within 10 days. Follow the instructions provided and make the initial payment to finalise your booking

For further help or advice, please email: accommodation@ljmu.ac.uk

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

Liverpool Student Homes (LSH) www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org/ accommodation is the official provider of private accommodation for LJMU, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University.

LSH has the city’s largest choice of student flats, houses and rooms with over 16,000 bed spaces. It offers protection against poor housing conditions and also provides impartial expert housing advice when required.

For more information email: LSH@liverpool.ac.uk

ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE GUARANTEED A ROOM in University accommodation, no matter what your level of study. And what’s more, if you prefer privately owned accommodation, we can help with that too!

CAREERS EXPERTISE

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR SERVICE INCLUDE:

I Campus-based Careers Zones which allow you to access careers support closer to where you study – call in to find out about the range of services available to you

I One-to-one careers advice and guidance from expert Employability Advisers and Careers Advisers – call into your nearest Careers Zone to make an appointment

I Careers Zone 24/7 – a range of online careers tools, including CV and cover letter builder, interview simulator, employer advice videos, psychometric testing practice, assessment centre tool, GoinGlobal database and much more. Access the platform at ljmu.ac.uk/careers/ careers-zone-digital-careers-tools

I Our online jobs board where you can look for graduate jobs, LJMU-funded internships, placements, voluntary work and more – access the jobs board via Careers Zone 24/7. Opportunities from the site are also featured on physical jobs boards in Careers Zones

CAREERS SUPPORT AND MORE

Whatever your career ambitions, LJMU’s Student Futures team is on hand to help enhance your employability, add value to your university experience and help you take the necessary steps to achieve your career goals.

I School-specific Career Planning Guides (featuring student and graduate case studies and employability articles) and programme-specific Career Insight guides (highlighting career options related to your degree) are available to download from the Careers website –ljmu.ac.uk/careers

I Regular employer events and careers fairs as well as careers workshops and webinars (online classes) on CVs, application forms, interviews, psychometric tests etc. see https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk/Default.aspx

I Mock interviews to perfect your technique and build your confidence

* HESA, Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2022 leavers

It’s no accident that over 95%* of LJMU taught postgraduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation! We offer excellent career support to each and every LJMU student. This support enhances your employability, adds value to your university experience and helps you to take the necessary steps to achieve your career goals.

CONTACT DETAILS

FACULTIES

Arts, Professional and Social Studies: apsadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

Business and Law: busadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

Education: education@ljmu.ac.uk

Engineering and Technology: fetadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

Health: health@ljmu.ac.uk

Science: scienceadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

SUPPORT SERVICES

Accommodation: accommodation@ljmu.ac.uk

Finance: moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk

International enquiries: international@ljmu.ac.uk

Liverpool Student Homes: LSH@liverpool.ac.uk

Student support: studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk

The Doctoral Academy (contact form): ljmu.ac.uk/forms/enquiry