Sophie Harrison, MA Consumption, Culture and Marketing, talks about balancing part-time study with work.
Why did you choose to study at Royal Holloway?
I chose Royal Holloway for postgraduate study as I was an undergraduate here, and I enjoyed my experience so much that I wanted to stay on. What I really like about my course is that it’s completely different to any other management and marketing course out there – it brings in a bit of sociology, which I really enjoy, but it also has all the core skills you need to know for marketing. I’ve chosen to study part-time; I wanted to make sure that it was suitable around my work. So to gain those relevant management qualifications to take me to the next step to be a line manager or a senior manager this course was completely perfect. Royal Holloway has been amazing to do part time study with. They’ve been extremely supportive – all of the tutors I’ve had have been really helpful and flexible around my work.
What do you enjoy most about your subject area?
Over the course I’ve been studying a range of different aspects – everything from consumption and sociology; so why people buy things, why people engage with markets, to more core skills; so how to use marketing communications, and why people might buy different goods and services. I started this course being really interested in sport. I’ve always done sport at Royal Holloway, but I wanted to take that even further - looking at consumption practice, why people engage with sport, especially women’s sport. But over the two years my interests have developed through all the amazing courses available, and I’m now working on how the Tudors are an iconic brand!
What is your favourite thing about being a student at Royal Holloway?
One of the best things about being a student at Royal Holloway is the buzzing social life on campus. The student experience here is second to none. We have a range of amazing sports clubs. Anything from Women’s Rugby, all the way to Chess, a great bunch of societies – you can even give something a go for the first time. You can also represent your course on campus. If you’re really passionate about education, you can make sure you lobby the college for change. It’s great – there’s so many different options you can do and all the facilities here are amazing. It’s even nice to be in leafy old Egham, because you’re close to Windsor but also London so it’s a really lovely campus environment.
What is the student life like?
The main difference between postgraduate study and undergraduate study is the level of work you have to do on your own. I really enjoy this – looking into different topics and researching on my own is something I’ve really enjoyed this year. But it’s definitely a step, if you want to take it, that you can manage. All of the tutors around you are really helpful.
