After seven years of full-time employment in Human Resources, Kara Killeen sought a postgraduate course that combined academic rigor with practical skills to support her career change. Kara chose QMU due to its reputation for vocational ties and career-focused degrees. She was also drawn to the blend of communications and public policy in her course. In this Student Story, Kara tells us how her journey at QMU has been enriched by engaging lectures, a supportive community, and valuable insights from fellow students and mentors.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Margaret University?
QMU stood out to me as a university that is well integrated with the world of work. Having worked in HR full time for the past seven years, it was important to me that this Masters would support my career change. I was looking for a course that had both academic rigor but also practical skills that would prepare me for a role in my newly chosen field. QMU has a reputation of strong vocational ties and programmes such as career mentorships.
What interested you about your chosen course?
The course appealed to me as it combines two popular types of courses in the UK – both communications and public policy. The course offers real value in teaching about the range of political communications and the connection into public affairs as a profession.
Why attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
I am lucky enough to be a ‘New Scot’ – or not so new, as I’ve lived here for 12 years. I have been in Edinburgh for many years and can’t think of anywhere I’d rather live, either in the UK or across the world. It is not only a beautiful city, but its small size means all types of activities are easily within reach. The QMU campus is accessible by bus and train which makes it convenient for students living in the city.
What have you most enjoyed about your course? What has been the highlight?
The element of my course I have most enjoyed is the lectures.
"I have found my lecturers to be incredibly well-informed, friendly, and welcoming people, who are happy to answer questions and teach in a relaxed format."
Have you participated in a course activity you found especially interesting?
The most enjoyable activity was just getting to know fellow students and understand why they were on the course and what they wanted to get out of it. I was glad for interactive class activities not just for learning but to stimulate conversations with others I may not otherwise get to know.
What have been some of your challenges with the course and university life? How have you overcome them?
My biggest challenge has been balancing a part-time weekend job and the full-time coursework at age 30. I remember having a weekend job during my undergraduate and managing the balance – which seems a bit more difficult 10 years later! Nonetheless, if I needed help, there have been plenty of resources I could have reached out to, as the university is great about assigning you a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and signaling available help.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for this course?
"My best advice would be to participate in the Career Mentoring programme. My mentor has offered some valuable insight to working in my field, alongside the coursework and lectures."
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Don’t say you’ll do something ‘next week’ or ‘next time’ – the year as a Masters students goes quickly so make sure you join that club or participate on a beach clean when you see them advertised! Get involved as soon as you can, if you don’t want the year to zoom by.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned at university?
You’re never too old to learn new things – or try for a new career. There are much younger and much older people on my same course, and our different experiences in life have made for better conversations and thoughts in class. Now imagine that in the workplace! It’s made me more confident in going for roles as a newly-graduating 30-something year old.
What are you plans after graduation?
My plans for after the Masters course is to get a role in policy development at the Scottish government or as a Public Affairs professional, whether for an agency or perhaps third sector. It feels a huge weight off my shoulder to not be looking at a lifetime of corporate roles in a field I wasn’t passionate about, but before the course I felt like I had so few options. I feel significantly more confident in being able to go for roles in this field, now that I know what skills and knowledge they are looking for.
Find out more about our postgraduate Media, Communications and PR courses.
