Martina – MSc Human Resources Management

Business School

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree at Cardiff University?

First and foremost, I chose Cardiff University because I was impressed by the variety of subjects that the Human Resources Management Programme covers.

In addition, since it is accredited by the
CIPD – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – I knew that I would gain cutting-edge knowledge which would help me to have the career I have always wanted.

Along with that, I chose Cardiff University because of the wide range of student support that it provides. It was an extremely important criteria as I am a student coming from overseas. I wanted to be sure that I would have the necessary support if need it.

Another reason for choosing Cardiff University was the study environment where students can develop their skills freely and be critical and creative.

Last but not the least, my decision for Cardiff University was definite when I knew it was a Russel Group University. I am glad that I have chosen Cardiff University for my postgraduate studies. I can sincerely say that it has met all of my expectations.

How was your experience as a postgraduate at Cardiff University, in terms of the programme?

The programme is organized in a way that allows me to gain theoretical knowledge and practice at the same time. Every session includes a discussion part, in which we have the opportunity to apply our newly gained knowledge into practical working situations.

The course challenges my assumptions about Human Resources and is allowing me to be critical and to think outside the box.

All academic staff is extremely supportive and engages with all of us.

Also, because the course has a condensed lecture schedule I have enough time to prepare for the following lectures and work part-time to support my studies.

How was your experience of living in Cardiff, in terms of the city, social life and accommodation, again specifically as a postgraduate student?

Cardiff is a wonderful city, with lots of places to visit. Students can easily enjoy a day out at the beautiful Cardiff Bay or just go for a walk in Bute Park.

Cardiff has a buzzing live with plenty of art venues and museums, restaurants and shops.

I am living in a postgraduate student accommodation – Talybont South. My room has plenty of space for all my belongings. I was also provided with all the necessary furniture.

The kitchen is also big enough to accommodate all five people living in my flat. There is a study center in the residence which is open 24 hours for all residents.

It is a useful space, especially during the days you do not feel like going to the Library.

There is also a gym in the residence and Bute Park is five minutes away. There are also a lot of shops open 24 hours around, so you can easily go and shop when is convenient for you.

Living in the postgraduate student accommodation is a great experience and I would not change it for another place.

What was different about your postgraduate experience at Cardiff University compared to your previous degree?

My postgraduate studies are making me more organized and self-aware. They are also teaching me to challenge assumptions and be critical.

One of the biggest differences when compared with my undergraduate degree is the amount of research that I have to do for my assignments and the vast support that I am receiving from the academic staff.

Another difference is the freedom to choose our own dissertation topic. This has allowed me to choose a research which is closely related to the Human Resources part that I am interested in.

How did you fund your postgraduate degree?

I have always dreamed about studying abroad. Thanks to the Master Excellence Scholarship and the Welsh Government Funding loan, I am able to fulfill such dream.

I received the Welsh Government student loan. I also received additional funding from the Welsh Government and additionally, I was awarded Cardiff University Masters Excellence Scholarship.

How do you think that your postgraduate degree is helping prepare you for the future – job aspirations, career development, future study etc?

The cutting-edge knowledge that I am receiving will not only make me more competitive and attractive for future employers but will also help me to become the Human Resources professional that I have always wanted to be.

Furthermore, throughout my studies I am developing key skills, such as time-management and negotiation, which will be useful in my career development.

In addition, I am learning to successfully communicate and collaborate with people from multiple backgrounds and nationalities, which is a skill becoming more and more important to employers as most companies have an international portfolio.

I am confident that as a result of my postgraduate studies I will have more job opportunities and a bright professional future, full of success.