What is postgraduate studies all about?
Postgraduate studies commonly known as graduate studies, encompass advanced academic programs beyond the undergraduate level. These programs, such as master's and doctoral degrees, aim to impart specialized knowledge and skills within a specific study area.
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Postgraduate studies typically entail coursework completion, research endeavors, and submitting a thesis or dissertation. Engaging in doctoral studies can significantly augment one's expertise and career opportunities, paving the way for advanced professional roles and academic pursuits.
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My Name is Blessing Ameh, and I am a lawyer and researcher. I began my Postgraduate studies in 2018. 2018 was the year that I migrated to Scotland from Abuja Nigeria. This post is on one hundred things I wish I knew before migrating to Scotland, United Kingdom.
I am the founder and creative director of Arthur's postgraduate Students Essentials and Side Hustle Hub. We create and sell postgraduate student essentials, business planners, Nigerian language learning resources, and gift items. We also sell and develop digital products.
So we are a registered business located in Aberdeenshire. We are a family-run business that believes in wellness, creativity, and productivity.
So, I have always been about passive income and multiple income streams. In my few years of active law practice, I gained a commendable amount of experience. I was in one of the fast-rising law firms then. It is now one of the top firms in Abuja Nigeria.
I know you want me to dive straight into 100 things to know before migrating to the United Kingdom for Postgraduate studies. You would expect that my post is centered around 'hardship' and 'tribulations'. Yes, I did face my share of life, but not early in my Scotland adventure.
So, are you considering Postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom? This post is a self-help article or guide on 100 things to know before migrating to the United Kingdom.
Let us consider the essential requirements/ checklists if you are considering migrating to the United Kingdom for Studies for international students typically involves several key requirements:
Academic Qualifications: Applicants generally need to have an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. The specific grade required can vary depending on the university and the course, but a minimum of a second-class honors degree is usually expected.
English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English. This is often done through standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English exams. Each university and program will have its minimum score requirements.
Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require two or three academic or professional references. These letters should attest to the applicant's capabilities and suitability for the intended course of study.
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose: A well-crafted personal statement is crucial. It should explain the applicant's motivation for choosing the course, how their background has prepared them for it, and their future career aspirations.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: A detailed CV or resume is often required, highlighting the applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and any relevant skills or extracurricular activities.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions need to be submitted. These should provide a detailed record of the courses taken and the grades received.
Application Form: A completed application form specific to the university and program is required. This is often submitted online through the university's application portal.
Interview: Some programs may require an interview, either in person or via video call, as part of the admission process. This is an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess the applicant's suitability for the program.
Portfolio: For certain courses, especially in creative fields such as art, design, or architecture, a portfolio of work may be required to demonstrate the applicant's skills and creativity.
Work Experience: Some programs, particularly those in business, management, or technical fields, may require relevant work experience. This is more common for MBA or specialized master's programs.
Additionally, international students should also be aware of visa requirements. Upon receiving an offer of admission, students will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. This process includes providing evidence of financial support, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university, and passing any required health checks.
Once I secured a conditional offer from the Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, I knew that it was the exact place that I wanted to be. Then, I started preparing for my Postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. I started So, I would take you on a step-by-step journey on how I applied for a place at the prestigious Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, the interesting journey, which happened to be my first international flight.
Wow! Mama I made it. So, this was in January 2018. At this point, the whole 'Japa' syndrome was not a thing. I remember in 2014 when I just relocated to Bwari for my one-year law school program. After this, I was called to practice law at the Nigerian bar in December 2015.
So, back when I just moved to Abuja, I saw all the 'rich kids', 'kids of influential parents'. There was this set of people that I admired so much. The 'bar 1' students. They were so so posh.
They had the best phones, flashy rides on campus, and all. A lot of them had come from the United Kingdom for their 'Bar 1' program. We joined them a year after they learned all they could about the Nigerian legal system and legal practice. Some students made it, while some had to resit some or all of their papers.
I was friends with some of the 'foreign students'. The UK students caught my fancy the most. I was determined to travel to the United Kingdom in pursuit of further studies.
I remember one of my friends advised that I pursue a Master of Laws degree in the United Kingdom. I started to wonder, what was running through this woman's mind.
My dad had just retired from civil service. We were the average middle-class Nigerian family. So when I got my conditional offer, it was time for reality. At an exchange rate of 480- 500 Naira to £1, my tuition fees stood at eight million naira in total.
So, I managed to raise my school fees deposit to make my conditional offer unconditional.
Lesson Number One: Never trust anyone to 'help' you. Everyone has got their stuff to deal with. HELP comes from those who want to help you, who can sacrifice their all to see you happy. My tuition, flight expenses, visa application fees, and other expenses, came from sources that I least expected. So, if you have very supportive parents and friends like mine, hold them close. The friends that I expected would rally around me to assist or even as little as encouraged, became bitter once they heard from other persons who had seen my posts on the streets of Aberdeen.
So, in my preparation phase for my Postgraduate Studies in the United Kingdom, I learned to depend on just ME.
Lesson Number Two: Not everyone is your friend. I know you might be thinking that 'this is not a new lesson. This is a lesson that we learn every day in different forms. I believe that if you are alive, you will always reach the point of letting your guard down. You forget about past betrayals and other belittling behaviors of others.
So permit me to dwell on this lesson. 'Not everyone is your friend' After I moved to Aberdeen Scotland in January 2018, I was so focused on my studies, that I had no time for social media. It was always school, library, or my part-time care assistant job.
So back to the lesson, after a few months, it was my birthday, and I made a social post wishing myself a very happy birthday.
That was when I started getting messages like, 'Wow, na so life be' which simply means 'Wow, is this how life is?' I got more questions like 'So you traveled and you did not tell anyone right?
These were friends who had not been in touch for over two Christmases. Some 'friends' unfollowed me on social media and all sorts.
But it is cool to me. I enjoy my own company. I am creative, therefore, I never lack what do. I am either studying, working, dancing, crocheting, or even writing my articles. I am a certified loner.
Lesson Number Three on Postgraduate Studies in the United Kingdom.
Research extensively on scholarships and tuition discounts.
So, I had a couple of promises from friends and friends of friends on the PTDF scholarship for my PhD program.
Guys, I traveled back home to remind those who have promised to help with this competitive scholarship. Long story short, I did not get any scholarships. It was time to face reality. One thing that I researched extensively, was the cost of living in the Aberdeen area.
The University offers its alumni a 20% discount on tuition. The university accommodation at Pittodrie Place was pocket and budget-friendly.
Take a look around at the Robert Gordon University Postgraduate schools. Kindly click on the green tab for redirection to the Robert Gordon University Aberdeen website.
Other Universities also offer scholarships and tuition waivers. Read the blog post here
Lesson Number Four:
You do not need 23kg x2 luggage. Did you know that only 20 percent of the clothes that I brought with me to Aberdeen made it past the first week?
Before I left Nigeria, I decided to shop for some 'winter-appropriate' clothes. I did not know the meaning of indoor and outdoor wear. I just bought pretty much everything that I could find.
One thing that I noticed about the thrift clothes and accessories I purchased at Garki market, they looked like I had just walked out of a 1980 film in my costume.
Because I was going to Scotland, I aimed for tartans!
To my greatest surprise, the tartan jackets and sweaters that I brought from Nigeria could not cut it. It was not warm enough, the color was a bit dull, and the jacket, I could not classify after I had met 10 other students in class. I should have noticed at Dyce Airport in Aberdeen, the moment I touched ground.
So, I decided to go shopping at Primark. I could not afford the big brands. I got myself. some nice pair of jeans and a few cold gear.
Primark was the 'ASWUWANI' and 'ABA standard'. Most people shop there first before they start learning about sales from other brands. People from Lagos and the Eastern parts of Nigeria would understand that 'ASUWANI' covers thrifts and second-hand goods. While the 'ABA standard' was 'not expensive, but looks like your favorite designer labels. For Example 'GGUCI', 'CHANELL' and so on.
The next day, I was starting to shine in class. I joined in the conversations. I did not know that I paid some much attention to what I wore or, how it could set the mood for the day.
So, try to research properly on your outfits if you care about your appearance just like yours truly.
Lesson Number Five
You should travel light if you need to. There are African shops around that sell African food. Especially bulky and heavy stuff like beans, palm oil, and even yam. Except you love to lift stuff, or you like to burn some bicep fats while traveling, travel light.
Save yourself from unnecessary checks and delays at the airport. There are also so many websites where you can shop for your clothes and accessories.
Lesson Number Six
Take advantage of longer flights. Research on routes, layovers, and whether you need a visa or not for the layover countries. This is ideal if you are traveling without children. So, for me, I purchased a flight ticket from Air France. There was a 3-hour stop at the Charles De Gaulle airport. It was an exciting experience for me. Before my Master's education which started in 2018, I had never been outside the shores of Nigeria. It was a great experience. I loved how almost everyone, or everyone speaks French to you.
The language sounded even better than what I learned in high school.
The airport was beautiful, I had never seen anything like it. It is not like I have been to other international airports before this moment. The only international airport I knew then was in Nigeria, my home country.
Since Charles De Gaulle I could not agree more with the saying that travelling is learning. The few hours at the airport was an eye-opener for me. From the janitor to the simple off-duty store managers, to the airport security.
The unique thing that resonated with me was that the Frenchman is a man of culture. They spoke their language. They converse with you in French until it is necessary to speak English.
I found that kind of cute because I am an enthusiast of Nigeria's people and culture. Languages and culture are a big thing to me.
If You do not mind the stress of waiting at the airport, explore the option of flights with multiple stops. I heard that they are more pocket-friendly.
Tip: Travel with friends, or a friend to help with the boring bits and with photography and even chat.
Lesson number Seven
Always keep to time.'African time' is not a thing in the United Kingdom. Starting from bus times, hospital appointments, work, and school. You can not afford to be late.
Get to the bus stop late, and be sure to miss the bus most of the time. You can not hail or flag buses. This means that you head for designated bus stops and wait for the bus.
When I first arrived in Aberdeen, I worked part-time as a care worker on Weekends or in the evenings. I remember how I arrived at the bus stop late on a Sunday. I missed the bus and had to phone a taxi.
Again, you can't hail a taxi, so I had to wait for a few minutes. I got to work in good time, but I had spent an extra £16 on a taxi.
Lesson Number Eight
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism is real. The higher institutions in the United Kingdom and the laws frown greatly on academic dishonesty. So, you might want to brush up your research skills.
Did you know about self-plagiarism and is it possible to plagiarize one's work?
Self-plagiarism is when you present your old submitted or published work wholly as new research or, as part of a new research without referencing. Brush up your analytical skills. You get to speak in class. The learning model is mostly 'student-focused' the implication of this is that you get to participate more. Postgraduate studies are advanced as a result of which some level of analytical and research skills are expected to be demonstrated by students.
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Lesson Number Nine: You should know this by now if you are planning to study in the United Kingdom. Your point-based tier 4 visa, only allows you to work for only 20 hours in one week. So, you can not aim to rely on your wages. As a newbie with no experience, your hourly wage might be around £9.00
However, during your non-term time and school holidays, you can present a signed letter from your institution to your employer to show that you are on holiday and can work for over twenty hours.
In essence, aim to pay your full tuition, to avoid looking for 'help' from left, right, and center.
Lesson Number Ten: If you have fairly dry skin like mine, you want to invest in some shea butter and coconut oil. The weather over here is cooler than most of the places you might have visited. If you are from Nigeria or West Africa, you know the importance of unadulterated or refined shea butter and coconut oil. These two would be handy for your skin and hair. It gets cold and the skin a lot of times responds poorly to this change.
Lesson Number Eleven There are Domestic Violence-specific laws in the United Kingdom. The law is clear, the law is trite on domestic abuse and gender-based violence. So, if you have a quick-tempered person, you need to watch it. Do not get into trouble. Concerned neighbors or, passers-by can raise alarm if they believe someone is in trouble. Do not be caught on the wrong side of the law. These laws protect both men and women alike. Ignorance is not an excuse.
Lesson Number Twelve You can not litter the street. I repeat you can not just throw thongs out of your moving vehicle. You can not throw your sweet and biscuit wrappers on the streets. There are usually giant bins on the streets at intervals. So, if you are one of those who do not care about your environment, the law would teach you to.
There are recycling bins apart from their general waste bins. Broken bottles and sharps should be safely disposed of.
Lesson Number 12: The wages or salaries over here are usually per hour. You get paid as much as you work. There is dignity in labor, there are specific tasks for everyone at work. You can not hide from your job. You can not find a good job where you play truancy.
So, if you are migrating to the United Kingdom on a work visa, kindly take note of the terms and conditions of your contract. Ignorance is never an excuse.
Lesson Number 13: Appointments and schedules are important in this part of the world Remember that we are still talking about things to know before moving to the United Kingdom. You need to phone the general practitioners before you attend an appointment. Save for emergencies and Accidents.
So, you need to start preparing your mind for keeping to time if you are not a time-conscious person.
Lesson Number 13 on things to know before moving to the United Kingdom- 'Sales' and 'discounted' do not necessarily mean inferior or faulty goods. Especially with clothes, shoes, and other accessories.