Why staying at Essex for my postgraduate studies was a no-brainer

Why staying at Essex for my postgraduate studies was a no-brainer

When it came to deciding where to pursue my postgraduate studies, the answer was as clear as my love for campus life here at Essex. The familiar surroundings, the gorgeous lake, and the variety of food outlets made the decision effortless.

Why leave a place that already feels like home? Campus is like that friend who knows your coffee order by heart, I already knew where the library was, the secret quiet spots, how to avoid the long queues at the SU bar, and most importantly, the exact timing of Pebbles’ daily strolls. Why start fresh somewhere else when Essex already has all of this?

Money talks, and it says stay!

Let’s be honest – money matters and the Alumni Loyalty Discount was too good to pass up. If you’re anything like me, you’ll jump at the chance to save some cash. This 33% fee discount felt like Essex saying, “We love you so much, we’ll even give you a cheaper Masters degree!” And honestly, who can say no to that?

Thanks to the discount, I could justify those late-night coffee runs from the Greenhouse Café, my favourite spot to catch up with friends while cramming for deadlines.

The fast-track application

Another win? The fast-track application process. Filling out long complicated forms can feel like writing a novel you didn’t sign up for, but Essex simplifies it. All you have to do is log into your MyEssex account, input the course code you want to study, and you’ll get a decision quickly.

Master’s degree: the ultimate flex

Let’s be real – there’s nothing cooler than saying, “I’ve got a Masters”. Whether it’s to impress future employers, open new doors, or even just add some extra letters to your email signature, a Masters is a game changer.

For me, it was about deepening my knowledge in sociology and criminology while standing out in the job market. I also secretly wanted to become that person who starts sentences with, “Well, during my postgraduate research…”

During my undergraduate studies I wasn’t really thinking about what came next. But by my third year, when I started applying for graduate schemes and jobs, I realised I needed more research qualifications to give me a competitive edge. That’s when I looked into the Masters programmes at Essex and saw how they aligned with my goals.

Learning from the best

One of the things I love most about studying here is the opportunity to learn from staff who are actively engaged in groundbreaking research. Their dedication is inspiring and it gives students like us a chance to be part of cutting-edge work.

Staff don’t just teach, they mentor. They guide you through your journey to becoming a researcher, offering advice, encouragement, and the tools you need to grow and excel. They genuinely want you to succeed and make a meaningful impact in your field.

A postgraduate community like no other

Postgraduate life at Essex is something special. The smaller class size means more personal connections with lectures and a stronger sense of camaraderie among fellow postgraduates. Whether it’s monthly meetups in the Atrium, networking events within departments, or quiz nights at Top Bar (aka the “home of postgrads”), there’s always something to look forward to.

And let’s not forget the peace that comes with studying on a campus you already know and love. Balancing studies, work, and the occasional Netflix binge feels much easier when you’re in a familiar and supportive environment.

Why Essex was the perfect choice

For me, staying at Essex for my Masters was a no-brainer. It’s given me the chance to advance my knowledge, amazing resources, and countless opportunities. It’s the perfect place to take that next step in your academic journey.

Discover more about staying at Essex.