MSc Education and Training Management

Student profile

Name: Anne Burrill - MSc in Education Training and Management

I am studying for the MSc in Education and Training Management part time. I am Director of Marketing at the University of Portsmouth.

There must be something about working for a university that has you wondering if you have enough qualifications! Or perhaps it’s seeing the breadth of teaching and learning going on around you every day.

I’m Director of Marketing for the University but I am also a student, having just completed my first year of an MSc in Education and Training Management. I’m seeing the University’s product from the other side of the fence and having a first hand experience of what I promote as part of my job.

I’m not planning a move into teaching, but I decided to do the course because I wanted to broaden my area of expertise and the course content really appealed to me. The University’s widening participation agenda means I get involved in a large amount of educational outreach work within local schools to promote higher education and raise aspirations. I thought the course would give me a great opportunity to strengthen my knowledge in this fi eld and gain a better credibility with my peers.

I wasn’t wrong. As well as providing an insight into my work within the University, it was also an opportunity to gain more in-depth knowledge of the teaching profession which I have found very useful in my role as a governor at a local primary school.

The course has a well balanced mix of core information, useful networking with others in the field and terrific class experience. The format of presentations and chat worked really well and a mixed group of students were able to exchange ideas and experiences. Reflecting on different approaches to education and management is a luxury I haven’t had much time for before.

I’m a single mum so balancing childcare and study can be tricky at times but it has been good to be doing something just for me. My son, who is currently at junior school, finds it fun that mum is also at school and we both have to do ‘homework’!