Do you mean anything like sexuality/gender studies and Applied Psychology?

I don't think you can say what the 'right' reason for doing a Masters really is, yes a lot of people (myself included) want to do one in order for a specific career, however a lot of other people do it for personal fulfilment, as an extension to their degree. Have you found any specific Masters degree courses that you would like to apply for yet? How much did you enjoy your undergraduate degree and do you feel that you have more to offer to the subject? It sounds that you are thinking this through carefully, and that you want to make informed choices about your career so you probably are suitable for postgraduate study, however am not really one to judge as I'm only starting my MSc course this year, and I can't tell that much from your post. Masters degrees are not only for entry into PhD study, they should make you more employable in general, and in this current climate a lot of people are choosing postgraduate study. If you find a course that you're really interested in, I would go for it. The only problem is your time might be running out now, some places might be full and some stop taking applications in July. Good luck though, I hope I've helped!

Try to make yourself a timetable, and factor in time to have away from your work, exercise or whatever you enjoy doing. Break your work down into smaller achievable tasks so you can see results quickly, that will make you feel better and more motivated. Also mix up where you work; spend some days at home, some at university, some in the library - you will feel like you are taking more of an active part in your work and will be more productive than if you were in the same place every day. What are you studying? Good luck!

I know exactly what you mean, even though I live at home still so I do have people around, it is lonely. Its good though because its peaceful, you can get a lot done but if you feel down about it, it can be counter-productive. Don't you go into uni and see people from your course, have you made friends with any of them? They're probably feeling like you, maybe meet up with them if they live near you during the day for a coffee and to get out of the house. Make sure you go out every day, even if you just go for a walk or to the gym, exercise makes you feel better, and don't feel guilty about doing that either when you have work to do. Speak to at least 1 of your friends every day as well, remember although studying is and should be the priority, you have to look after yourself in order to do well - don't feel guilty for taking a little time out each day to do something sociable, even if you only have a telephone/facebook conversation, you need to get away from your work sometimes.

Hi Button, I'm in social sciences too (going to do MSc Psychosocial Studies at Brighton) - what are you doing your Masters in and what have you just done? I'm really bored today, just had a look at one of the module handbooks for the course and it just looks so difficult I'm really worried that I'm going to be way out of my depth even though deep down I know I'm basically capable (depending on BA result), there just appears to be an unbelievably huge jump between undergrad and Masters level and I think I'm going to be one of the youngest on the course which is a bit daunting. Just a bit worried about what I've let myself in for, even though its what I've wanted to do for the past year!
Good luck with everything, Nx

Thanks for the replies, I think I need to learn how to relax properly! I have worked constantly for my degree, as most undergraduate students do if they care about what they're going to achieve, so its hard to suddenly have nothing to do. I've never been very good with holidays as I love to be constantly occupied, but like some of you have said this is the last break I'm going to have for a while so I need to make the most of it! To be honest though, although studying and working to deadlines is stressful, in some ways I find it relaxing as well, therefore I don't feel that desperate for a break from it. I think for the summer I'll do some reading when I really feel like it rather than knowing I have to do it (I have to do it as well because there'll be no time at the beginning of the MSc course to catch up), earn some money and enjoy my horse - my competing etc has been pushed to the side a bit with my degree so will do more with him, hopefully will find the time to get out to something once a month when I am studying again if I get into the habit now.

From speaking to the tutors on the course, the Masters requires students to be original with everything they do, so I think I'll be asking tutors (at the beginning especially) if I am being original in the 'correct' way, if that makes sense. Basically they will expect us to know the theory inside out from the beginning, hence the reading during the summer. Some of them know I want to do a PhD and I know who I want to supervise mine already, if I do decide to stay where I am. However, I really am undecided about what I want to specialise in eventually for the MSc dissertation and/or a PhD, I really need to start thinking about that properly.

There is so much to think about and worry about, and I haven't even got my undergraduate results yet! Can't wait for the next stage though!

I finally got an offer for the MSc I wanted to do!! Was absolutely delighted and I'm really looking forward to starting, even though it looks like a real challenge. I have finished my undergraduate degree now and even though I am working as of next week I am just so bored and irritable, I now have time to see my friends again etc and thats great, but I want to be working again, however strange that sounds! But I feel a bit weird doing it because I don't know my undergraduate degree result yet, it feels like I'm tempting fate! So basically I'm asking, what did you all do between your undergraduate and masters degrees to prepare yourselves, and when did you start to do anything? I have access to a reading list so that would be a start, also from my degree I have a few relevant papers etc that I could re-read and put together.

Also I am doing my masters at the same university as my undergraduate degree, and most of the tutors on the new course have taught me before. But is there any difference between how you are treated as a postgraduate than an undergraduate? All I know is that the class sizes are a lot smaller (there are only about 8 on the course) so I guess you'd get more attention and help with things, as the course is a lot more intense and generally difficult. Are you treated more like someone who is hoping to have an academic career, if that makes sense - are they more likely to talk to you about PhDs etc?

Any advice/information appreciated, Natassia

I think its very difficult to predict in terms of proportions, as it totally depends on the course and where you're applying, some places would be full now and others take applications until July. Try not to worry about it, you've submitted an application that I presume you're happy with, and all you can do now is wait. You'll probably have to wait up to 3 weeks for a response, but a lot are much sooner. Then you'll have an informal interview which could be in a group then individual, or just individual. Then they'll either tell you there or you'll get a letter shortly after.

People do get rejected, but as long as you are what the university is looking for you should be fine. Try not to be too nervous in the interview, they aren't trying to catch you out. And if you do get rejected (it happened to me), there is always a plan B, and it might be better for you. Just try not to over-think about it, don't put it on too high a pedestal, just be confident in your own abilities. The fact that you've been working for 4 years could be an advantage as well. Good luck!

I have a meeting tomorrow to find out a bit more about the course I have applied for, at the university where I have just completed my undergraduate degree. The course I want to do is only available in 2 places in the UK, Birkbeck and Brighton. Unfortunately and rather surprisingly, Birkbeck rejected me. Therefore, I decided to apply to Brighton, I didn't apply before as I wanted the change of scenery and everything was really positive with Birkbeck until I got rejected, also tutors told me just to apply for the course I really wanted to do. Now I feel so so foolish for not applying to Brighton in the first place, with hindsight the course is actually much better for me and I'm not so concerned about having a change now. I have always loved it at Brighton and the familiarity is there which would make the transition easier for me.

So tomorrow I have a meeting with the professor at Brighton, he validated the course at Birkbeck so obviously knows both of the courses very well. He probably won't tell me much more than I already know about the course, but I thought it would be good to register my interest in person, like at an open evening for example, before the interview (if I get one). I don't want him to just see me as a 'Birkbeck reject' that he would never consider having on his course, I don't want him to think I see his course as second best. Of course it appears to be, but I think and hope this is an example of a second choice working out much better, and I so want to do this course. I have the grades and think I have a fairly strong application, however he will be the judge of that.

So what can I say tomorrow to give the best impression possible? This is my last chance and I so want it to work out, my confidence (that I didn't have much of initially) took a real knock when Birkbeck rejected me and I feel that everything that I do and say is being scrutinized, its so hard at the moment.

Any advice appreciated, Natassia

Thanks KB - more good advice!
My MSc is all taught apart from the dissertation, I know it will be quite full-on, but I think I will be able to work part time as well, and I'll need the money. My tutors all seem to know that I am totally dedicated to the course, it will always come first for me as it should do. I have always had quite a busy lifestyle, comprising my horse, work and studies but they all seem to mutually benefit and work around each other, if that makes sense. My prospective employer is totally fine about me working considerably less hours when I start studying again, as long as I am honest and up-front about what I can and can't do.

I'm just feeling so paranoid about not getting onto this course after being rejected from the last one, it was a bit of a shock and I was so devastated, its made me feel like I can't do anything I want to do and that everything is going to stop me...even though everyone at university has been so supportive and helpful its like there is something in my head telling me I shouldn't get my hopes up, even though I know I want to do it more than anything and that I am capable. I just want things to start working out for me!

Congratulations!

I think it would be nice to send a short email, and would start things off well with the supervisor. Just say what you think is right, maybe some reading that you've done lately that you think is particularly relevant, and asking for suggestions like you've said.

Maybe ask the admissions secretary about the funding issue, but I doubt theres a problem and I'm sure its probably funded.

Thanks, thats good to know. I think our tutors expected that we worked during the undergraduate degree (I always did), but obviously the MSc is more intense and would demand more independent study time. But, in my opinion, if you're dedicated and motivated enough to want to do a Masters, then you would be organised enough with your time to fit it in around work, if that makes sense. I will be working practically full time during the summer, but when I start the MSc course I'll cut down, I told my employer 20 hours max and she was fine with that, she accepts that studies are most important to me and that I will have to fit work around them, they have employed students before even though it is quite a professional position.

Hopefully I'll be ok then, whats your subject out of interest?

I graduate this year and hope to study for an MSc beginning in September. I have just secured myself a job which will be part/full time in the summer and part time for when I start studying again. I need to work as my MSc isn't funded and although my parents are helping me out, I will need an income.
Do most people work part time through their Masters degrees? If I were to continue and study towards a PhD I would get funding/a studentship so I wouldn't have to work (probably), as I think that would be too much given the demands of a PhD.
The problem is, I am going through the application process for a MSc at the university where I am now, and it is looking hopeful. However, at my job interview today I had to give the details of two referees. As I didn't think my current employer was suitable I gave the details of two of my tutors at university, who both know me quite well. I had to tell them obviously, so now they know that I am working. Will that affect my chances of getting onto the MSc course, if they know I'm working part time as well would they question how dedicated I would be to the MSc course, even though I am a good student? Surely they don't expect students to do nothing all summer?!

I'm probably being totally paranoid here, but I really want to do this course so much and don't want anything to let me down, any advice/reassurance appreciated, Natassia

I haven't even started a PhD yet but I hope I can say something useful...
You say yourself he is a very good supervisor and that his comments were justified, he sounds like a very professional and experienced supervisor so I think he would understand how upset you are feeling about it, ultimately it shows that you care about your work. I'm sure all PhD students go through these 'dramatic' stages and its all an expression of stress getting to you, you might feel slightly foolish afterwards but its all to be expected. He probably went through the same with his PhD! Try to look at the bigger picture rather than this isolated experience, yes it is a setback but its all part of the process and you have a chance to now articulate some of your concerns, like you could tactfully mention the parts that you thought were good about your work. If you can go back to him and progress through this stage the working relationship you have with him could become stronger.

He should have respect for you, and he probably does. He might not be replying to the email for another reason totally unrelated to work, or he might be waiting for you to think things through a bit more. He suggested ways of improving your work and asking you to meet him soon...that shows that he cares about supervising you.

Try not to take it all too personally, its much easier said than done but I'm sure that if you emailed him again in a few days arranging a meeting he would be pleased that you had given yourself the time to think, distance from your supervisor can really help you to think for yourself (I only found that recently with my undergrad dissertation but I hope it still works with a PhD).

I know I'm not a PhD student and might sound a bit naive, but I hope I've made some sense. Natassia

I hope I get into the MSc, my tutors are quite hopeful...but then they were with Birkbeck and I got rejected. However, I am 21 and my tutor said that they might have been expecting older students with more professional experience and that could have gone against me, even though my application was strong with good references. Its a shame because the evening learning at Birkbeck would have suited me really well, and I loved the course. At Brighton (where I am now) they do take more younger students so I might fit in a bit better and as they know me they are more aware of my capabilities. My tutor (who is providing a reference) is also the postgraduate coordinator and she said she could basically guarantee me a place. Still, I won't be relaxed and happy about it unless I have an official offer.

I have had a look at research interests and my dissertation supervisor's profile said that he was interested in taking on research students with interests "broadly similar" to his own, and I think mine are; he seemed interested in my dissertation anyway and I think we got on quite well, he also wrote me a really good reference. I think I'll see how I do with my undergraduate degree, then maybe approach him early into the MSc course.

Thanks for all your advice, Natassia