Both students successfully completed their studies in two years.
Comments from students
“My choice to study part-time was purely circumstantial, as I could not afford to stop working and take the full-time route. Had part-time not been an option, I would not have applied for the programme. For me, having the freedom to work and study was definitely the biggest advantage of studying part-time.”
“Another significant advantage was the opportunity to meet and work with a larger and wider variety of people - many of who I am still in contact with today. This was possible having studied over two years, which meant I was part of two different cohorts. My initial impression was that I would struggle to establish relationships, only being present half of the time. Surprisingly, this wasn't the case, as there was plenty opportunity to mix with other students.”
“I am so grateful to UoA for working with me to find a way to make the master work for me, I had lots of troubles throughout my studies and many time thought I would not make it, but I have. It made such difference being able to spread my studies over 2 years so I can take the time I needed to manage the work.”
There were aspects which did not work so well:
“the biggest disadvantage was that the research project was actually full-time, and I had to meet the same deadlines as everyone else. Due to the demands, I had to cut back on the hours I worked until I eventually stop working altogether in order to find the time to complete the project. Additionally, I had some personal commitments and health issues which exacerbated the situation and ended with me having to move back home with my parents for extra support. Overall, this resulted in me not being able to produce my best work, which was disappointing. Ideally, for a part-time student, the deadlines would be extended or project started earlier.”
Going forward, there are now three options for part time students. They can begin working on their research project in the summer of first year and then complete in the second year. Alternatively, they can extend the project in the second year over twice the period of study. However, this means that, due to timings of exam boards and graduation, they will then not be eligible to graduate until the 3rd year. Option 3 is they extend the project in the second year and instead of attending the November graduation they would be eligible to apply for February graduation in absentia.