Mark's Story from Undergraduate to PGT - a Student Champion
Hi there, my name is Mark, and I am currently studying a Master’s in Adult Learning, Community Development & Youth Work Practice at the School of Education. In June 2025, I completed my Honours Degree at the School and was eager to further my academic pursuits at the University of Glasgow.
There is a clear link between my undergraduate studies and my current program. I aim to continue to a PhD and, ideally, build a career in academia afterward. My experience of working in Community Development, along with the skills gained throughout my studies, I want to pass on to others.
As a student, I fall into the Widening Participation category. I’m from a working-class background and living in a deprived area according to the SIMD. Also, I’m the first in my family to even go to university, never mind following my current plan! As a carer for my mother, I have balanced my academic responsibilities with my caregiving duties. Through effective time management and with support from both my family and the university, I have been able to navigate these commitments successfully. I began my path to university by earning an HNC at college, which helped me find the course that suited me best!
The programme and lecturing team have been incredible, checking in regularly to ensure I excelled in my studies, and am coping in general. The fantastic support from the School of Education has helped me get to where I am today.
I am quite keen to use my experience to assist a broader community and contribute to the promotion of events at the University of Glasgow. It was from talking to my lecturers during my undergraduate degree that helped me realise I could aim for a PhD too! It seems simple when you imagine it as just one step further!
I have become quite involved in important extra-curricular activities at the university, including being a class rep for the entirety of my undergraduate degree. During my time as class representative throughout my undergraduate studies, I took great satisfaction in supporting my peers, and building connections that role allows me to do. I improved my leadership skills as a class rep and worked closely with the other rep for the course each year. I am continuing as class rep for my master’s degree, and got involved in supporting the launch of the School of Education’s Student Champions initiative.
If you’re considering a Master’s, I advise you not to take life too seriously. You should take a breath and remember that everything will work out in the end. I’ve loved my time at the University of Glasgow, and I’m sure you would too.