From Undergraduate to Masters: My Journey at Essex

Studying my undergraduate degree in modern history at Essex was truly a life-changing experience. Despite beginning my course in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, I immediately felt a strong sense of community and formed incredible friendships within the first few weeks. When I started university, I was incredibly nervous, unsure if I had chosen the right course, and uncertain about myself. Over the last four years my confidence has developed, my passion for my subject has grown and I have gained invaluable skills that I will take with me into the future. Despite facing many challenges during my course, struggling to balance paid work with my studies while also dealing with mental and physical health difficulties, I received incredible support from the University, the Student Wellbeing Team, and my personal tutor, who helped me cope with these challenges and make progress with my assignments, enabling me to graduate with a First Class degree.

When it came to deciding where to study my Masters, Essex felt like the natural choice, as I had truly made it my home. Although many of my friends had graduated and moved on, I continued to feel connected to the wonderful Essex community and knew I would receive the support I needed for my postgraduate studies. The Alumni Loyalty Discount was another great bonus! When applying for my Masters by Dissertation, I received so much assistance from my department. Writing a research proposal was something I had no experience with, but academic staff helped me to refine my research topic and feel confident moving forward with my research independently.

One of the key reasons I chose to stay at Essex was the opportunity to work closely with academics who are truly passionate about their work. I was especially inspired by the work of academics in my department who dedicated their research to focusing on marginalized communities. This helped to shape my undergraduate dissertation and I completely fell in love with independent research, going on to win the dissertation prize from my department. Studying a Masters by Dissertation felt like the natural next step for me to be able to continue my research and contribute to my field in a meaningful way. My current research examines the state response to the British Black Power movement, exploring the repression of freedoms of people of colour and how this was orchestrated. This work is essential in filling a gap in existing literature, which has primarily focused on Black Power in the United States and also aligns with my aspiration to pursue a career advocating for human rights and equality. Through my research, I have enhanced my ability to think critically, manage complex projects, and effectively gather and analyze data.

My experience as a Masters student so far has been incredible. It is truly rewarding to work so passionately on a project and feel like I am making a real impact. My supervisor has been fantastic, and my department has been incredibly understanding when I have needed extra support. I have also made many new friends through university events, and my role as Postgraduate Convenor in the Students' Union has allowed me to connect with fellow students, offer support, and help build a strong postgraduate community. For anyone considering applying for a Masters degree, my advice is simple: don’t overthink it! You don’t have to be the perfect student to succeed at the postgraduate level - just passionate about what you’re studying, and willing to ask for support when you need it!

Discover more about staying at Essex for postgraduate study.