As the new year (2026) began I got an exciting new career opportunity, but it also meant I had a choice to make around my academic learning (Masters).
Some Background
I’ve discussed in my last personal update how the move to a new job role with new work skills (and learning) alongside the learning (and work) involved in a Masters (MSc) was challenging for me. I found myself struggling to give the Masters the time I felt it needed, and I was using more personal / family time in chasing it. I was hitting the marks needed and I had completed two thirds of the Masters (120 out of 180 credits).
However, on further reflection since my previous personal update, I think I was hitting some level of burnout. My blog posting had reduced, my interest in researching/learning new technologies waned, and I had greatly reduced the time spent on my other hobbies. More time and effort was going into the Masters, reducing the time spent on other things I enjoy.
So, with a new career opportunity I weighed up starting a new job with a new employer alongside finishing a Masters.
The Make Up Of My Masters
My Masters is a (UK) level 7 degree in the Digital and Technology Specialism, specialising in Digital Futures (DevOps). The degree is made up of 6 modules each weighted at 20 credits. Completing all 6 modules means 120 credits at level 7. Then there is a final project weighted at 60 credits. All the modules (120 credits) and the final project (60 credits) is the Masters (180 credits).
Supportive Eduction Provider
I reached out to my skills coach as my point of contact with my education supplier, to discuss what was happening and to ask what options were open to me. Having got two thirds through the degree, and put in a lot of work, I did not want to give it all up.
My education provider was very supportive and came back with different options. Weighing up a pause, and then tackling the major project in a new role with a new employer didn’t really appeal to me as I want to learn about my new role and have time for my family and hobbies.
Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip)
Although I had enrolled on a Masters course, the credits I had earned could be converted into a qualification between a Bachelors (BSc) and a Masters (MSc). 60 completed credits would be a Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert), but with 120 completed credits I had earned enough for a Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip).
So I am happy to write that I now have a Post Graduate Diploma, which I am very happy about.
Always Learning?
However, this does not mean an end to my #AlwaysLearning attitude. It just means a little less formal academic learning for now, and more learning in other areas when and as they interest me. It’s also given me opportunity to read more content that is not academic papers, in recent weeks I’ve completed several great books such as “Fancy Bear Goes Phishing” (Scott J Shapiro), “The Lazarus Heist” (Geoff White), and “Cult of the Dead Cow” (Joseph Menn).
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