Before the MSc, I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Organisational Psychology. I am from Chicago in the US and the prospect of getting a Master’s degree from the University of Strathclyde’s prestigious business school in just one year was an exciting opportunity for me. Most Master degrees in the US are over two years, meaning a larger time and financial commitment. It just made sense to complete a Master’s in the UK.
By choosing to study at Strathclyde, not only was I able to gain valuable skills and knowledge regarding my career, but I was also able to be immersed in a different culture and make friends with peers in my programme who were from all over the world. This diversification of my environment was well worth it to me.
I would advise any American to take advantage of this opportunity - it will expand your knowledge, allow you to meet people you may not normally meet, and learn and experience things you would not be able to experience by not taking a chance to live somewhere new! You’ll be better off for it.
People make Glasgow
The phrase “People Make Glasgow” could not be more true. The people are down to earth and have a unique Glaswegian sense of humour, which would make anyone feel right at home. Glasgow is a wonderful city, with so many things that make it special. It’s known as “Dear Green Place” in Gaelic, and it is true. While Strathclyde is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, there are plenty of gorgeous parks to explore all over the city. There are cafes, restaurants, bars and museums to try in your free time as well as a fantastic music scene. I never felt at a loss for things to do in the city, and if I wanted a change of scenery, there are so many trips to be taken to beautiful places nearby in Scotland.
Strathclyde itself sits in the city centre, which creates a great motivating atmosphere to keep up with the fast pace of the city. The Business School is brand new and has pristine lecture halls as well as good study spots, not to mention is surrounded by lovely cafes for a coffee break in Merchant City. It was also really helpful that almost every university building has a cafe inside for food and coffee if needed!
In the Business & Management programme, the classes covered a variety of subjects, so I learned about multiple different aspects of business. While the core classes were set, in the second semester I had the chance to choose electives which fit with my interests. I also chose my dissertation topic so that it aligned with my career aspirations and was able to work under the supervision of a lecturer who was an expert in the field.
Throughout the year, the classes and coordinating projects are highly practical and will prepare you with tools and knowledge that will guide you in the workplace. The coursework truly embodies Strathclyde’s motto, “the place of useful learning”. For example, in one of the classes we worked as consultants for a real company in Glasgow. The lecturers were brilliant and helpful. Our course director was there to listen to any of our questions and concerns and we had an administration team to support us. The Career Service was a great resource for CV checks, practice interviews, job fairs, as well as general career advice and related events. Everything is at your fingertips at Strathclyde, so be sure to take advantage of it all!
