[Serena] Hello. My name is Serena and I'm a first year english literature student at the University
of Aberdeen. I did a vlog a couple of months ago about the start of my PhD journey. I'm back to talk about
my experiences as a Postgrad student and how they differ from being an Undergrad student. It's
aimed at anybody interested in PhD or Postgrad research programs, and also for anybody who's
curious about what us researchers get up to. So in no particular order here are four key distinctions
between Postgrad research and Undergrad study. 1. Self-direction and independence.
Assignment deadlines, attendance records and grading systems are all things of the past. It's in your hands now.
I actually like the format of Postgrad study much better than Undergrad. I always hated waiting for
grades to come back. I work to my own schedule and I enjoy getting stuck into a topic for a
sustained amount of time. It's also great being able to have my supervisor read drafts of my work.
However if you struggle with procrastination or lack motivation, a research degree might
not be for you. You don't have classmates or lecturers. If the highlight of your degree is
contact with others within a classroom environment, it might be quite isolating.
If this type of study doesn't sound appealing, remember there are always other options.
2. Research focus and depth. Your Undergrad degree introduces you to a range of theories, approaches
and topics. It gives you a good understanding of your field, transferable skills and tools to help
you prepare for further study. Your research degree is much more focused and in depth
because you're training to become an expert in your field. More specifically you are training
to become an expert within a specific area of your field. So, for example, my research is focused on how
Autism is represented in 21st century narratives, with a particular focus on environment. I'm now
expected to have expert knowledge in Disability Studies and Environmental Criticism which
are specific areas within Literary Criticism. It sounds like a lot of work when I put it that way.
If you tire of topics quickly or you want to throw out all of your textbooks after one semester,
it's likely that you're not going to want to spend a number of years on one particular area.
3. Student supervisor relationship. The student supervisor dynamic is different, and I'd say better
at Postgrad research level. If you're doing a PhD, you can be working with a single supervisor
for years and years, so ask yourself if the relationship will be sustainable in the long run.
Student supervisor relationships are extremely rewarding.
If you've found the right supervisor, it's likely that you're not only going to ask for
their academic judgment, but you're going to also rely on them to help boost your morale.
However, like many things in life, you get what you give. To be taken seriously you have to act
professionally. This means staying in contact, showing up and taking feedback and criticism
in your stride. Something that I'm admittedly still working on. Your supervisor also has certain duties
when taking on research students, so it's worth checking out what these are in advance. If you feel
like they're not fulfilling their role, then there are people you can contact within your school.
In general you can expect immense gratification and enrichment from working with your supervisor
who will be with you from beginning to end. 4. Timing. At research level you no longer have two
semesters over the course of the academic year. You manage things like time off, holidays and breaks.
As I said at the beginning, this can be both a blessing and a curse.
One thing to be aware of is how your supervisor plans to use their time.
If they're on research leave or have personal or professional commitments, it's wise not to
submit a chapter or rely on their feedback at this time. Avoiding these pitfalls is all about
staying in contact with them and making sure you're on the same page at all times.
Conclusion: If you're thinking about doing a research degree, I hope you found this video
helpful. Remember, this advice is based on my own situation. So don't substitute it for specifics.
Remember to ask for the perspectives of as many people as possible.
And, if I had a single piece of advice to give, it would be ask yourself why you want to do a
research degree. If it isn't because of passion and a genuine love for your subject, then your skills
are better suited elsewhere. Be open, patient and inquisitive and you'll find your niche eventually.