Case studies: Employer funding: Adam Pennycook

Adam Pennycook is a HR advisor in the NHS. He did a Masters in Human Resources (HR) Management with Middlesex University which was paid for by his employer

I did my Masters through distance learning as part of my place on the NHS graduate management training scheme. The course is recognised by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and on successful completion of the course I became an automatic graduate member.

The course was tailored towards the NHS which was really useful as it is a unique organisation. This meant that the assignments had real value for me as they were based on the NHS and helped to embed the learning. It meant applying knowledge to my everyday practice was made easier, as all of it was relevant.

The course included modules such as: recruitment and selection; employment law; employee reward; strategic HR. As the course formed part of the graduate scheme, graduates such as myself in the north had 'protected time' where we were given time to attend teaching modules and revise for exams.

The fees were paid directly to the university and the NHS continually review their external education training programmes to ensure the course continues to be fit for purpose for its graduates.

There was an agreement that I had to meet the Middlesex University pass rates as part of my contract of employment. There was no obligation to stay with the employer on completion of the course however I was lucky enough to be offered a one year contract with a large acute trust after the graduate scheme finished, which has since been made into a permanent position.

Self-funding wasn't an option for me as it was important that I worked at the same time as doing the course to ensure I didn't miss out on work experience. This was because I had no specific HR experience prior to the graduate scheme and the start of the course. As the funding was already in place as part of the graduate scheme I was lucky enough that I didn't have to explore other methods.

I'm a firm believer that any form of postgraduate qualification - as long as you have some experience - can help you stand out from the crowd. With HR in particular the CIPD qualification is often a prerequisite for most positions. Despite the fact that I found it tough to work and study at the same time, I wouldn't have done this as a full-time course as the experience in the workplace was extremely important to me as well.

Postgraduate study can be hard - especially if you are working full time - but it is worth it in the end in terms of knowledge, career progression and it is something that will be with you for life so the two years of pain are worth it.