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Aberystwyth University - Equine Science and any words of advice for MSc?

Given that the choice of unis for this course is pretty limited, I think I've chosen the best to suit. I've lived here all my life, so know the "outsider" life pretty well e.g. where everything is, transport etc. but what about student life as in lecturers, facilities, library, access to online resources etc? Also, any words of wisdom for undertaking an MSc from someone who has nobody to turn to for advice (my family are from abroad so from a totally different education system).

Many thanks!

Reply 1

Original post by Ola.O
Given that the choice of unis for this course is pretty limited, I think I've chosen the best to suit. I've lived here all my life, so know the "outsider" life pretty well e.g. where everything is, transport etc. but what about student life as in lecturers, facilities, library, access to online resources etc? Also, any words of wisdom for undertaking an MSc from someone who has nobody to turn to for advice (my family are from abroad so from a totally different education system).

Many thanks!


Heya, I've moved this over to the Aberstwyth Uni forum for you.

You may find this Q&A thread useful.

Whilst you may not have a source of external advice, there should be people at your university to talk to (eg an academic skills centre, personal tutor etc) to talk to so you won't be completely lost at sea.

All the best :h:

Reply 2

I give a few lectures on this course, so I think I can help with your queries.

Firstly, the MSc students have a study room dedicated to them, so that is great to help you settle in to the student life and get to know your classmates. Get a laptop and use the Uni wifi in there.

Secondly, in the first week you will do normal registration, library tour etc. but you will be given the opportunity to meet the lecturers with other students (Mina bakes some cakes, it's nice). Go to that and try to be brave and talk to some lecturers!

You also get the chance in the first weeks to get feedback on a piece of coursework from a lecturer. Students usually hand in work from their previous undergrad degree. DO THIS. It will give you insight into the style, structure, referencing, tone, content level etc. that is expected of you.

You really should talk to the lecturers as much as possible - don't be embarrassed about not knowing something or wanting clarification on feedback. We are here to help, not just give a lecture and leave. Consider emailing them now to ask for their most recent publication, it may help you get into reading primary research papers.

At MSc level, time management and independent research will be the biggest challenge. You will be expected to drive your own education and plan work appropriately. This come into play most clearly during the dissertation but you won't need to think about that for now.

Finally, some students (especially international students) don't realise the marking is anonymous, so don't fear that asking "I don't want to look stupid" questions impacting your mark.

Reply 3

Original post by Abervetbio
I give a few lectures on this course, so I think I can help with your queries.

Firstly, the MSc students have a study room dedicated to them, so that is great to help you settle in to the student life and get to know your classmates. Get a laptop and use the Uni wifi in there.

Secondly, in the first week you will do normal registration, library tour etc. but you will be given the opportunity to meet the lecturers with other students (Mina bakes some cakes, it's nice). Go to that and try to be brave and talk to some lecturers!

You also get the chance in the first weeks to get feedback on a piece of coursework from a lecturer. Students usually hand in work from their previous undergrad degree. DO THIS. It will give you insight into the style, structure, referencing, tone, content level etc. that is expected of you.

You really should talk to the lecturers as much as possible - don't be embarrassed about not knowing something or wanting clarification on feedback. We are here to help, not just give a lecture and leave. Consider emailing them now to ask for their most recent publication, it may help you get into reading primary research papers.

At MSc level, time management and independent research will be the biggest challenge. You will be expected to drive your own education and plan work appropriately. This come into play most clearly during the dissertation but you won't need to think about that for now.

Finally, some students (especially international students) don't realise the marking is anonymous, so don't fear that asking "I don't want to look stupid" questions impacting your mark.


Thank you so much this was very helpful! I am aware that the class size won't be as large as undergrad, which I think worries me as this was my way of making friends, study partners etc. I am really interested in the feedback on previous work as I'd love to know what to expect, will this be announced during registration week or do I ask for this myself?

Reply 4

I think that finding study buddies is not too much of an issue as the MSc students have their own room, so you will likely be together a fair bit. Group work and the excellent trip to Gregynog will also help you get to know the others.

As for friends, remember that their are also lots of PhD students, MRes students etc. to chat to as well as your class. My experience is friendships usually come more slowly in post-grad compared to under-grad but lasted longer through my life.

I am sure Mina will mention the feedback exercise in the registration week but you will also be assigned a personal tutor, so you can discuss with them when you meet.

Dr. Iain W. Chalmers (@AberVetBio)Programme coordinator BSc Veterinary BiosciencesInstitute of Biological, Environmental & Rural SciencesPrifysgol Aberystwyth UniversityRoom 1.20 IBERS New BuildPenglais CampusAberystwythSY23 3FGTel +44 (0)1970 628505

Reply 5

my daughter is considering staying on to do the masters course. if you need help im sure she will be happy to help. her year their are only 7 doing the degree she know 3 folks planning on doing it.

Reply 6

Hello, I'm also thinking of applying - are you enjoying it/could you give me any more information than what's on the website about the course and what it's like?

Reply 7

first its a science degree. its not a horse management course. i know but some folks get confused. you will be studying a lot of classes with the animal science people. a part from the odd field trip its class based. you are required to buy a dissection kit as you will need it. dont ask me why but my daughters dissertation is not even on horses.
daughters mates have their horses nearby. its possible to carry on to a masters. its a small group but they seem to enjoy it.

Reply 8

Original post by paulbarlow
first its a science degree. its not a horse management course. i know but some folks get confused. you will be studying a lot of classes with the animal science people. a part from the odd field trip its class based. you are required to buy a dissection kit as you will need it. dont ask me why but my daughters dissertation is not even on horses.
daughters mates have their horses nearby. its possible to carry on to a masters. its a small group but they seem to enjoy it.

Hi
My daughter plans on coming for her Masters on Equine Science .

Having read certain reviews on the modules ,tutors and many negative comments . I would like to know how the lectures are.
Are the tutors available for feedback, what is their attitude towards internationals since the education system is quite different

Being an US student we are open to feedback and constructive criticism.
How us the University on terms of grading .

The more insight we have the better it would be.
How do they respond to a a situation.

Appreciate your thoughts
Thank you

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