What motivated you to take a master’s as opposed to a shorter course?

Since leaving the military in 2010, I’d wanted to study a master’s. I’d taken a few short courses and completed various qualifications over the following years, which have been useful to understand specific subject areas. But the prospect of a broader curriculum in which I could explore a range of issues in great depth was appealing. I’d say a master’s is also instantly recognisable as a benchmark of academic achievement in a way that other courses are not.

What was your end goal? What were you hoping to get out of it?

I got three things from the course:

• A far deeper understanding of international relations in theory and practice.
• Confidence that I have the academic ability to study at this level.
• A solid degree from a world-renowned academic institution.

How easy did you find getting back into studying? What resources really helped you through this and why?

I’m not going to lie – I went into the first module with a sense of trepidation, having completed my bachelor’s degree almost twenty years prior. It was a bit of a challenge, getting into the rhythm of the course, getting to grips with academic jargon and getting stuck in to studying. But I followed the very structured schedule and plan, participated in the seminars, watched the lectures, devoted the recommended time to complete the lessons and get through the core reading, and I managed to get a decent mark in that first essay. That really helped me build confidence that the course was within my capability and that I could manage. After the first module, things became much more routine.

What support did you receive during your studies?

The King’s team were always there, either through the student advisor for support on administrative aspects, or the academic staff with support about the course. I had to take a break mid-way through the course as I was moving country, but the team were incredibly supportive in facilitating that, and explaining the best way to do it so as not to interrupt studies. I also had regular contact with the course directors on course design and delivery, giving my feedback and so forth.

Why did online learning suit you better?

My job involves significant amounts of travel, and I don’t live in the UK. This means that I cannot commit to regular attendance in a designated location, but I can always find time and an internet connection – the two things you need to study online.

What was your experience of studying an online programme like? How would you describe the experience of online learning?

The online programme was outstanding. During the programme, I was living in Singapore, and travelling almost every week to various parts of South East Asia and I very rarely had any issues engaging with the course content. All I needed was a stable internet or on some occasions a mobile connection to log into the course, participate in the meetings, or get through the reading. While it’s best on a computer, the mobile app was handy as well.

If you could pick out one key moment during your studies that made you feel most proud or happy that you chose to do a master’s, what was it?

There were a couple of modules that really clicked. I really enjoyed studying the ones when I felt like I was in the zone. It helped having completed the ‘research skills’ modules already – which gave me confidence that the course’s approach was in line with academic best practice. I was then confident to explore those modules and let my academic curiosity loose, reading deeply because the subject matter had innate appeal. These were the modules where I could see a direct overlap with my work, the ones that seemed almost effortless to go through, and where I ended up getting the best marks.

What did you enjoy most about the programme?

I enjoyed the online participation and collaboration with a really mixed group of peers. There were several people in a similar position to me – working and studying, and often in a similar field. But there was a range of people from all over the world, including diplomats, journalists, academics, and plenty of military folk, which meant that there was always a robust discussion taking in a range of views.

How has the programme helped you in your day-to-day role?

It’s certainly helped with improving my research and writing skills whilst giving me a broader understanding of the international arena.

What are you most excited about over the next few years?

Now I have completed the course, I am enjoying putting this knowledge into practice on a daily basis. The course has been directly relevant to my work.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying an online course with King’s?

I was part of the first cohort going through this course, so there was very little information out there to give me an understanding of what the course would be like – but now there will be lots of people who are taking or who have completed the course. Talk to them and find out what the course is about and whether it’s right for you, and whether you have the time to commit to getting it done on top of other commitments. I spoke to people who left the course saying it was ‘too academic’ and not practical enough for them, and others who left because they simply didn’t have the time. Both of those things you can find out before you start, to make sure it’s right for you.