Hi everyone,

I'm due to start an MA course in September 2009 and was wondering if any of the experienced and wise ones amongst you could advise me how I could spend the year in preparation for the MA.

I'm working part time till then by choice so I can try and do some reading and research etc in my own time, something I've already started (and yes - I have a very boring life!).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and seriously considered - especially those with the benefit of hindsight.

If you had a year (and some spare time) until your MA course started what would you do? How would you prepare?

Kind Regards People

why don't you write your subject, and we'll recommend some appropriate reading, exhibitions etc.

Is there any relevant work experience you could do? That might help with future jobs or PhD applications. I'm guessing by the MA that you're in the Arts, so it might not be as obvious as science-based work experience, but as the last poster said we don't know your field...

My subject is Islamic Studies - Quran and Hadeeth Studies, Hadeeth Translation and Islam in South Asia.

The reason I did not mention the subject was because I was looking for generic tips and advice such as attending exhibitions or conferences perhaps, work related to the MA etc sound advice provided by you all already, but if more specialist advice is available out there please feel free to send them forward.