From Undergraduate to Postgraduate: My journey on the MA Education Course

Safa Hussain

Master's Graduate in Education

Hi, my name is Safa and I graduated from the MA in Education in 2025. In this blog, I share my journey from studying Childhood Studies to pursuing an MA in Education at the University of Huddersfield.

Progressing from an undergraduate degree to a postgraduate course is a big step, one that can shape your future career. In this blog, Safa Hussain shares her journey from studying Childhood Studies to pursuing an MA in Education at the University of Huddersfield. She talks about what inspired her, how she found the transition, and what her experience has been like.

What led you to study Education at undergraduate and postgraduate level?

I started my journey at the University of Huddersfield in September 2021, studying Childhood Studies. I’ve always known I wanted to work with children and learn about their development in depth, and this course gave me a broad understanding of childhood across all ages. I graduated in July 2024 with a 2:1, thanks to the incredible support from my tutors, Dr Lindsey Watson and Dr Dimi Kaneva. Their encouragement kept me motivated throughout my degree.

After graduating, I decided to continue my studies with a one-year, full-time MA in Education (Teaching and Learning). This course allowed me to explore the education system in greater depth, including leadership and curriculum design.

Content image — Safa Hussain with Dr Lindsey Watson.

How did you find the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?

The transition was challenging, but not as overwhelming as I expected. Having just completed my undergraduate degree helped me adapt quickly. The main difference is the level of depth and critical thinking required. Postgraduate study demands more independence and higher standards, but it’s manageable with the right support.

What inspired you to continue onto an MA in Education?

I wanted to deepen my knowledge and stand out in my field. Education is my passion, and I aim to be the best version of myself so I can make a real difference for young people. Having a master’s degree gives me the confidence and expertise to do that.

What did you enjoy most about the MA in Education course? Were there any standout modules or topics?

My favourite module was Leadership and Management, taught by Dr Adrian Jarvis. Learning about different leadership styles and how they apply in education was really interesting. Dr Jarvis made the module engaging and supported me throughout, I couldn’t have completed this module without his support and help.

How has the university supported you during both your undergraduate and postgraduate studies?

The support from tutors has been excellent. They respond quickly to emails and are always willing to help. Dr Adrian Jarvis, in particular, has been a great mentor, his teaching style and encouragement made a big difference to my academic journey.

What are your career aspirations now you have completed your MA in Education?

I aspire to work in a leadership role within a primary school and make a positive impact on children’s lives. This degree has given me a deeper understanding of the education system and leadership principles, which will help me take on responsibilities and progress into senior roles.