I’m a comms professional with a real passion for people experience - it’s been the golden thread running through every role I’ve had. While I’ve always had great mentors and experts to lean on, I was drawn to this course to give structure to my experience and bring clarity to my expertise. I’d reached a point in life where I felt ready to take on something more. With the full backing of my manager and company, I believed in myself, and what an adventure it turned out to be!
But what I got from this course was so much more than just a qualification.
I still remember that first induction day - excited but nervous, like it was my first day at school. From day one, my cohort and tutors were incredible. The support I received went far beyond comms theory - it was a full-on learning journey.
Completing this MA wasn’t easy. Getting back into academic reading, critical thinking, and analysis was a real shift. Even though I write for a living, academic writing felt like a whole new language. There were plenty of wobbles in those early months, moments of “I can’t do this,” followed by “maybe I can,” and eventually, “I will do this.”
The tutors were brilliant. Honest, direct, and genuinely invested in our growth. Their feedback was tough but fair, and it helped me stay on track. You could tell they really cared, and that made all the difference.
Time management became my superpower. As a single parent, most of the life jobs at home fall to me, but oddly, having structured study time helped me focus better. Daily dog runs were my exercise sessions that gave me space to think and recharge - essential for both my wellbeing and productivity.
Our cohort became a lifeline. They say tough times bring people closer, and that couldn’t be more true. We all had jobs, families, and lives outside the course, but we lifted each other up, personally and academically. Our WhatsApp group was a constant source of encouragement, laughter, and support. I honestly don’t know how I’d have managed without them, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be friends for life.
The course content was spot-on for anyone working in internal comms. Every assignment was rooted in real-life scenarios, which made it feel practical and immediately useful. Being able to back up my work with theory and research gave me a new level of confidence and conviction in my role.
Towards the end of the course, my manager shared that she’d noticed a real shift in my strategic thinking and confidence - and that feedback helped support a promotion. That recognition gave me a huge boost during the final stretch.
Now, I lead a larger team and have the privilege of mentoring other comms professionals. I look back on the course fondly (now that the dust has settled!) and would recommend it to anyone. But I’d also say: go in with your eyes open. Be ready to work hard, make a few sacrifices, and stretch yourself - because the rewards are absolutely worth it.
