Rosie Donaldson completed an undergraduate degree with us in BA (Hons) Social Work in 2020 and went on to study MSc Developmental Psychology with the help of the Class of 2020 further study discount - now available for our Class of 2022 students in their final year along with other discounts for alumni.

‘I wanted to expand my current knowledge and explore a different career path. I wasn’t ready to leave Sheffield Hallam University, my home for three years.

‘After discovering the discounted fee for returning students, it was the cherry on top. This was coupled with a course I found incredibly interesting, at a university known for great teaching and facilities, so I was excited to continue my journey with them.’

‘Masters’ degrees are hard work, and having saved a lot of money due to the Class of 2020 discount, I was able to focus my attention to my postgraduate study and worry less about needing to find a part-time job that paid better.’

Rosie enjoyed the transition to postgraduate study, because there was much more freedom to research what she was interested in.

‘The best thing I did on my course has to be my dissertation. I loved doing such a large piece of research that was entirely my own. I ended up with a great piece of research that not only backed my original thoughts but that also came up with new, interesting data I hadn’t expected.’

‘Sheffield Hallam has a great postgraduate community with supportive lecturers who will take the time to explain something to you if you don’t understand it.’

To help her decide what to do after her undergraduate studies ended, Rosie received help from the University’s careers and employability service in her final year.

‘They were incredibly helpful with talking me through the different options, as I was still interested in a few different career paths. With the help of the careers team and my undergraduate course leader, I felt supported and sure of my decision to go into postgraduate study.’

‘During my final year, which can be a stressful time, I took advantage of the wellbeing services the University offers such as meeting with a wellbeing advisor, taking part in mindfulness sessions and online wellbeing courses.’

After her masters, Rosie is interested in pursuing a PHD so she can conduct more of her own research on a larger scale and is also interested in becoming a play therapist after being inspired by an elective module.

‘Postgraduate study can be the right route for many reasons. It can help you to change career path as you can study something different than you did in your undergraduate degree.’

‘The discount offer is incredibly generous and can help you to pursue your goals with less financial worries, so if you decide to study a masters and are eligible for the discount, it is a great option to consider.’