Masters graduate — Lucy Dixon

After completing a degree in education studies and drama at the University of Winchester, Lucy decided to continue her studies at the university with a Masters in philosophy of education, before progressing to a PhD

Why did you decide to pursue a postgraduate course?

I knew I wanted to carry out PhD research, so I thought I would complete a Masters degree first, to gain a deeper knowledge in my field before cultivating an idea for a thesis topic. I finally settled on 'Reproducing Nazism: a feminist ethical critique of women's complicity in National Socialism at the intersection of maternity, care and thinking'.

What was the application process like?

Applying for my Masters was really easy, as was my PhD application. For my PhD application, it just took a little longer as I had back and forth conversations with my now supervisory team and had a more comprehensive application to fill out.

Why did you choose this postgraduate course and institution?

I decided to stay at Winchester for both my MA and PhD due to the amazing academic staff. There aren't too many universities with well established philosophy of education teams, and I already had a taste of the support during my undergraduate course.

How did you fund your postgraduate study?

I paid for my MA course myself and have received annual fee funding from the PESGB (Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain) for my PhD.

What did the course teach you that your first degree did not?

A deeper understanding of the subject, as well as a wider scope of philosophers of education, which I have taken with me to reading groups, conferences and my own research.

Tell us a bit about the course and what it involved.

The Masters course was two evening lectures a week, and over the summer you completed a 12,000 to 15,000-word dissertation. I got to look at multiple different modules, but particularly enjoyed the module on 'Pedagogical Ethics' as we looked at thinkers such as Al-Ghazali (who I then continued to look at in my Masters dissertation), Hannah Arendt and Nel Noddings, who have become integral to my PhD research.

How does postgraduate life differ to undergraduate?

The biggest difference, which I personally love, is the progression of freedom you get, especially as you progress from a BA to an MA and then to a PhD. Your opportunities to look at theories in depth, especially those you are interested in is invaluable.

What did you hope to do when you graduated?

I'm not too sure what I expected, but I got more clarity for my PhD proposal. I knew the rough area I wanted to focus it on (Holocaust education/studies/perpetrator research), but didn't know how to make it original, which your thesis needs to be. After studying the ethics of care during the 'Pedagogical Ethics' module, this gave me the inspiration I needed.

What would you say to others considering a Masters degree?

If you have any thought about doing one, then do it. I loved mine and the academic and interpersonal skills I gained.

Find out more

• Get the lowdown on Masters degrees.
• Explore PhD study.
• Consider studying at the University of Winchester.