One of the most challenging decisions before venturing into a Master’s programme is – when to start. Most of us are so engrossed in our daily lives, trying to make a living, juggling family and work that the thought of starting a Master’s is often put on a back burner.
However, I feel when you fear the unknown, start small and take baby steps before taking the plunge.
This is precisely what York St John University is offering now in partnership with Robert Kennedy College.
Dr. iur. David Costa, Dean of Robert Kennedy College, explains the Online MBA Entry Module.
All you need to know about the Online MBA Entry Module
Why enrol in the entry module?
The online open access entry module is easy to get started with. It is a gateway to enrol for York St John University online MBA.
What is the duration of open access module?
You can complete the access module in as little as 3 months. The full MBA can be completed in 12 months.
What do you receive at end of the programme?
At the end of the programme, you will receive the University transcript from York St John University. You also will have the opportunity to continue to pursue Full Online MBA.
What is the fees for the programme?
1000 Swiss Francs (approx. US$ 1079) payable in 3 monthly installments of 333 CHF. You can register and start with just 333 Swiss Francs. If you decide to progress with the full York MBA the 1000 Swiss Francs Entry Module fee will be deducted from the full MBA fee.
What are the steps to enrol and study the open access module?
Here are few simple steps to get enrolled and started:
Register for Entry Module: Just one click and you can get started. Start your MBA with just 333 Swiss Francs
Access to Online Campus: Once you pay the registration fee, you will receive access to OnlineCampus and University Library
Study 100% online: The programme offers flexibility to view the recorded lectures anytime, anywhere.
Submit assessments: Prepare for the assessments. Our Professors will assist you in preparing for your final assessment.
And Finally… Start your MBA: After successful completion of the entry module, you can choose to continue with the MBA programme.
Still have more questions? Talk to one of our advisors live on WhatsApp to know more.
The vast majority (if not all) of our students are working and leading remarkably busy professional lives. Some are motivated and have already decided to undertake a master’s, while others contemplate the unknowns of an online programme. In my experience, two things affect their decision the most.
First – finances, and second, being able to strike the perfect work, study, and life balance. While I cannot completely help you with the finances (partially yes – check out the discount offers currently being offered on our online MBA, MSc, and LL.M programmes), I thought what I could do to help was to bring some facts to light about the other unknowns – what does a typical day in the life of an online master’s student look like?
I asked a few of our students from different walks of life, occupations, and personal situations to answer a few questions on their study tactics and strategies, plans and reality, and so on. I thank each one of the respondents for taking the time to share their experiences and give valuable advice to you – possibly future students. In our ‘a typical day in the life of a master’s student’ blog series, we bring to you one of our real students or alumni sharing the insights.
Today, we’re looking at one of our students journey, a busy professional being a CEO of an International NGO, who got only busier during and after Covid.
An Introduction
Which programme did you choose and why?
MBA Leading Innovation and Change, because the “Aid industry” needs to innovate and change and I needed to learn so I could play a small part in that.
The Study Plan
How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?
Given my intense work schedule I chose to do the program over two years committing to 25 hours per week of study during the time actively enrolled in a module plus pre-reading between modules. It all went well for the first module and then I had to take a few years off due to a serious medical situation.
Since restarting It will took me two years to complete the remaining 3 modules and the dissertation. Time commitment on modules 25 hours per week average was close, albeit closer to 40 hours a week closer to deadlines.
What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)
Well, for me it was evenings and weekend, sometimes late evenings as late as 3am. I eventually understood that the studies cannot be done effectively in an hour or two at a time. It definitely needed longer periods of intense study.
How much time did you devote for each assignment?
I took the 300 hours recommended very seriously in my planning (25 jours per week per module) In the end, I probably averaged 350-400 per module. There is so much reading to do and lots of great rabbit holes 🙂
Immensely! My job involves me being all over the world 6 months out of 12 and this heavily impacted one module. I planned the best I could, but it was a huge challenge and in the end I had to get board permission to back off on some work commitments to ensure I succeed in my studies. Fortunately, my board is very understanding, I don’t think everyone would have that privilege. In the end, Covid slowed travel, but at the same time increased my workload very heavily.
How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?
I was so disappointed with the switch to an on-line residency because of Covid. Other than that, online interaction was fine and time differences were not a major issue for me.
A typical day as a master’s student
What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?
There was no typical day for me, intense travel schedules and work responsibilities made that extremely difficult. Some weeks I could not get more than a few hours and in other weeks I studied 60 to 70 hours.
Any advice?
Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.
Do not undertake this lightly. Be realistic in your planning, consider your work loads and travel schedules and make sure you build a realistic study plan around them. It takes huge discipline, you have to make it a priority and in doing so consider your family situation too. I am thankful that my wife understands how important this is to me and continues to support me throughout.
All right folks, this was a sneak peek of a typical day as a master’s student. I hope you find it insightful and informative and that it gives you an idea of what to expect when you enrol for our master’s programmes. Watch this space as we have many more interesting insights coming up!
Welcome back readers. Continuing about the economic predictions for 2023, let’s understand what recession is, its cause and effects on global economy.
What is a Recession and How Does It Affect the Economy?
A recession is a period of economic decline characterized by a contraction in economic activity. It is typically measured by a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over two consecutive quarters. Recessions can have significant and far-reaching effects on the economy and can lead to high levels of unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and a decrease in business profits.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global economic recession in 2020, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimating that the world economy contracted by 3.5% that year. The pandemic also led to widespread job losses and business closures, with many countries implementing lockdowns and social distancing measures to slow the spread of the virus.
What causes a recession?
Recessions are often caused by a variety of factors such as a decline in consumer confidence, a decrease in business investment, or a financial crisis. During a recession, businesses tend to cut back on spending, which can lead to job losses, reduced salaries, and a decrease in overall economic activity.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy Measures: Since last year, Banks have aggressively raised interest rates to bring inflation under control. This would cool the consumer demand as borrowing becomes expensive, resulting in less spending and slower price growth.
The global economy is projected to grow by 4% in 2021, following a contraction of 4.3% in 2020. Photo credit: Canva.com
Global GDP Growth: According to the World Bank, the global economy is projected to grow by 4% in 2021, following a contraction of 4.3% in 2020. However, the recovery is expected to be uneven across countries and sectors, with some countries and industries experiencing a slower recovery than others.
Unemployment Rates: Unemployment rates have increased in many countries as a result of the pandemic and recession. In the United States, for example, the unemployment rate rose from 3.5% in February 2020 to 14.8% in April 2020 before declining to 6.7% in December 2020. As of January 2022, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2%.
Inflation: Inflation has been a concern for many countries as the global economy recovers from the pandemic. In the United States, inflation has risen to its highest level in over 30 years, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising by 7% in December 2021 compared to the previous year. The Federal Reserve has responded by raising interest rates and tightening monetary policy.
How Can We Prepare for a Recession?
While it is difficult to predict when a recession will occur, there are steps that individuals and businesses can take to prepare for an economic downturn. Here are some strategies to consider:
Build up savings: Having a cushion of savings can help individuals and businesses weather a recession. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses or revenue.
Reduce debt: Reducing debt can help individuals and businesses manage their finances during a recession. Consider paying off high-interest debt and reducing expenses.
Diversify investments: Diversifying investments can help minimize the impact of a recession on your portfolio. Consider investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes.
Focus on cash flow: During a recession, cash flow is key. For businesses, focus on improving collections and managing inventory. For individuals, consider taking on extra work or selling unused assets to generate extra income.
Stay informed: Stay up to date on the latest economic news and trends. This can help you make informed decisions about your finances and investments.
In conclusion, recessions can be challenging and have far-reaching effects on the economy. However, with careful planning and preparation, individuals and businesses can minimize the impact of a recession on their finances and even use it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Effect of recession
The effects of a recession can be particularly severe for certain groups of people, such as those in lower-income brackets, as they may be more vulnerable to job loss and reduced access to credit. Recessions can also lead to a decrease in public services, as governments may need to cut back on spending to manage their budgets.
Global economic activities are affected heavily by geopolitical trends. The world economic forum suggests that amongst major factors resulting in slow down of business activity in 2023 are weak consumer demand and high cost of borrowing. This downturn would result in cutting business operational expenses and optimizing supply chains.
Photo credit: World Economic Forum
Correlation of Recession to Inflation:
The relationship between recession and inflation is complex and can vary depending on the specific economic conditions at play. In general, however, recessions and inflation are often seen as opposite sides of the same coin, with recessions tending to put downward pressure on inflation and expansions tending to put upward pressure on inflation.
During a recession, economic activity slows down, which can lead to lower demand for goods and services. As a result, businesses may lower their prices to stimulate demand and stay competitive, leading to lower inflation or even deflation. In addition, high levels of unemployment during a recession can reduce workers’ bargaining power, leading to lower wages and less pressure on employers to increase prices.
On the other hand, during an economic expansion, increased demand for goods and services can lead to higher prices and inflation. This can be exacerbated if there are supply constraints, such as a shortage of workers or raw materials, which can drive up prices further.
During an economic expansion, increased demand for goods and services can lead to higher prices and inflation. Photo credit: Canva.com
It’s important to note that the relationship between recession and inflation can be influenced by a range of factors, including government policies, international trade, and changes in commodity prices. In addition, there can be lags between changes in economic activity and changes in inflation, as businesses may take time to adjust their prices and workers may negotiate wage increases on an annual basis.
Overall, while there is no direct causal relationship between recession and inflation, the two are often intertwined in complex ways, and policymakers must consider both factors when making decisions about monetary and fiscal policy.
Can recession be avoided?
Recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle, and it is difficult to completely avoid them. However, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood and severity of recessions:
Fiscal Policy: Governments can use fiscal policy to stabilize the economy. During times of economic growth, governments can save money, pay down debt, and build up reserves, so they have more resources to use during a recession. During a recession, governments can use fiscal stimulus measures such as tax cuts, infrastructure spending, and transfer payments to help boost demand and support the economy.
Monetary Policy: Central banks can use monetary policy to stabilize the economy. During a recession, central banks can lower interest rates and increase the money supply to encourage spending and investment. During periods of high inflation, central banks can raise interest rates and tighten monetary policy to cool down the economy and reduce inflationary pressures.
Structural Reforms: Governments can implement structural reforms that make the economy more efficient and more resistant to shocks. For example, reforms that increase competition, reduce regulation, and promote innovation can help the economy adapt to changes in the global marketplace.
International Cooperation: International cooperation can help reduce the likelihood and severity of recessions. For example, countries can work together to reduce trade barriers, coordinate their fiscal and monetary policies, and share best practices for economic management.
It is important to note that while these steps can help reduce the likelihood and severity of recessions, they cannot eliminate them. Recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disasters, geopolitical events, and changes in consumer behavior. However, by implementing sound economic policies and promoting international cooperation, governments and central banks can help create a more stable and resilient global economy.
On a brighter note, recessions can also lead to opportunities for economic growth and innovation. For example, during the Great Recession of 2008, the rise of new technologies and increased competition led to the growth of the gig economy and other forms of flexible work. Similarly, many businesses have used recessions as an opportunity to restructure and streamline their operations, leading to increased efficiency and profitability.
Share your thoughts about recession in comments below.
The last few years have been like a foggy, fading memory, from the Covid-19 pandemic to the US Capitol attack in 2021 to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Who would have thought about these events’ disastrous effects on our lives?
Advent of Covid-19 in 2019 impacts our lives even 3 years later. Photo credit: Canva.com
And with not much relief from the dire repercussions of the last three years, the impact of these events on our lives continues in 2023 as well.
What does this mean for the world economy?
I am not an economist. I work and run a family. But I understand simple economic terms and their co-relationships. I can do the math when I see increasing grocery bills, and my household income remains unchanged. I feel the pinch on my wallet, and I know I cannot afford to indulge in any ‘extra’ luxuries anymore as I have bills to pay and ends to meet.
In layperson’s terms, the 2023 economy can be described as a chain reaction of the following events:
Spiked inflation levels – Raised interest rates – Fall of GDP/economic growth – Fear of spreading recession
Interest rates are increasing due to high inflation. Photo credit: Canva.com
Let’s understand what inflation is.
Inflation is a measure of the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, and purchasing power falls. Various factors, including economic growth, interest rate changes, and supply and demand shifts, can cause inflation.
Common causes of inflation
Economic growth: There is an increased circulation of money as a country’s economy grows and expands. This increased money supply can increase prices as businesses raise prices to take advantage of the extra demand. Additionally, wages tend to rise as the economy grows, which can contribute to higher prices.
Changes in interest rates: When interest rates are low, it is cheaper for businesses and individuals to borrow money, which can increase spending. This increased spending can cause prices to rise as companies raise prices to take advantage of the extra demand. On the other hand, borrowing becomes more expensive when interest rates are high, leading to decreased spending and lower prices.
Shifts in supply and demand: When demand for goods and services is high, businesses may raise prices to take advantage of the extra demand. Conversely, companies may lower their prices to attract customers when demand is low. Additionally, when the supply of goods and services is low, prices may rise due to the limited availability of goods and services. On the other hand, when the supply is high, prices may decrease as businesses try to attract customers.
Natural disasters, wars, and government policies: Natural disasters can lead to higher prices for goods and services as businesses struggle to keep up with the extra demand. Government policies, such as printing money or increasing taxes, can also lead to inflation. Wars can cause inflation as governments increase spending to fund the war effort.
Understanding the causes of inflation is essential to manage its effects on the economy better.
Shifts in demand and supply causes inflation. Photo credit: Canva.com
Types of Inflation
Cost-push inflation: This occurs when production costs increase, leading to higher prices for goods and services. For example, if the cost of raw materials or labour increases, businesses may pass on those costs to consumers through higher prices. This can also happen due to increases in taxes, tariffs, and regulations.
Monetary inflation: This occurs when there is an increase in the money supply, which can lead to higher prices as more money chases the same amount of goods and services. This can happen if a central bank, such as the Federal Reserve, increases the money supply through monetary policy.
Expectations of inflation: Inflation can also occur if people expect prices to rise. This can happen if they think that the economy is growing too quickly, interest rates will increase, or due to any other reason. If people expect prices to rise, they may start to spend more money now, which can lead to actual inflation.
Imported inflation: This can happen when a country experiences inflation due to the increased prices of imported goods. For example, if the value of the country’s currency decreases, imported goods will become more expensive, leading to higher consumer prices.
Foreign inflation: This refers to the inflation that occurs in a country due to inflation in other countries. For example, if a country’s main trading partners experience inflation, it may increase the prices of imported goods and services, which in turn can cause inflation in the country.
How inflation can be controlled
Changes in Monetary policy can help curb inflation. Photo credit: Canva.com
Monetary policy: Central banks, such as the Federal Reserve in the United States or the European Central Bank, can control inflation by manipulating interest rates. When interest rates are high, borrowing becomes more expensive, decreasing spending and lowering prices. On the other hand, borrowing becomes cheaper when interest rates are low, leading to increased spending and higher prices. Central banks can also use other monetary policy tools, such as open market operations, to control inflation.
Fiscal policy: Governments can also control inflation by using fiscal policy, which includes government spending and taxation. For example, if the government increases taxes, it can decrease spending, which can help reduce inflation. On the other hand, if the government increases spending, it can increase demand for goods and services, which can cause prices to rise.
Supply-side policies: Governments can also use supply-side policies to control inflation. For example, suppose the government reduces regulations and taxes. In that case, it can make it easier for businesses to produce goods and services, increasing the supply of goods and services and helping to keep prices low.
Incomes policies: Governments can also control inflation by using income policies, which aim to control wage and price increases. For example, the government can impose wage and price controls, which can help to keep prices low.
International coordination: Inflation can also be controlled through international coordination. For example, if a country’s trading partners are experiencing high inflation, it can increase the prices of imported goods and services, which in turn can cause inflation in the country. In such cases, governments can coordinate with other countries to stabilize prices.
Inflation can have various economic effects, such as reducing purchasing power, making exports less competitive, and increasing the risk of recession. Central banks and government try to balance stable prices and economic growth. It’s essential to understand the causes of inflation to create policies that can mitigate its adverse effects and maintain economic stability.
Inflation can lead to recession. Photo credit: Canva.com
Controlling inflation is not always easy and can have negative consequences, such as reducing economic growth, increasing unemployment, and creating imbalances in the economy. Therefore, central banks and governments usually aim to balance stable prices and economic development and use different tools and policies to achieve that balance.
It seems like inflation is here to stay in 2023 for most of us from a global perspective, as the underlying problem of imbalances in the supply chain persists. And world leaders have thought of reducing overall economic activity as the answer to the inflation problem. And as the ripple effect stems from reduced spending, a recession is soon knocking on our doors. Watch this space as I discuss the recession in next week’s blog.
Here’s presenting another gem of our #dilo -a day in the life of RKC student series. We asked some of our past and current students to share their thoughts and opinions and give feedback on how they handled the challenges of online learning.
There is no better way to learn from those who came before and see if what worked for them will help you become a better student! Hopefully, this will help you to make an informed decision.
An Introduction
Who are you, really?
I am an entrepreneur in charge of a couple of SMEs in the Caribbean. I had to delay embarking on the ‘MBA journey’ as for many years I would work up to 16 hours/day. But alas, MBA was always one of by 2020 ‘Things to do’ so I embarked on the journey mainly because of this reason. A plan must be executed.
Which programme did you choose and why?
MBA Leadership & Sustainability.
The Study Plan
How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?
Prior to MBA, I read widely on many subject areas, so that helped me while studying. Unfortunately, notwithstanding all my good plans at the beginning of each module, most times I would get started late. In reality, I must run two companies first – then study. I try to put in 3 hours, 3 times per week. Sometimes I get in as much as a full day – usually because I was behind and had to catch up.
What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)
I study better at quiet times such as evenings and weekends would work best for me. This means I have to spend a lot of time planning ahead to reduce competing personal and business priorities. Most of the time when I settle down to study, I made sure I have little or no distractions.
How much time did you devote to each assignment?
Usually, I use less than the recommended time. If the recommended time for preparation is say, 2 weeks, I have to get it done in half the time. This means reading all the recommended material and external material. As I said, I really try to read widely.
Photo credit: Canva.com
Travelling and Communication
How did travelling impact your ability to study?
Little or none at all. Prior to MBA I advised my associates that I did not wish to travel much until MBA is completed and so far so good. I do not do a lot of local travelling.
How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?
For my business, I use a suitable app communicate with multiple people in different time zones. I simply added Zurich to the list. Not much trouble there and the time stamp on the study portal helps.
A typical day as a master’s student
What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?
A full day of work and then some studies. Some days I get in up to say 1 hour during the work day (his happens say once or twice weekly). During this time, I participate in the learning forum. The forum is a healthy place to learn other perspectives so I go back to read other students’ posts whenever I miss them. These are very important – similar to being in a physical class room.
At the end of the day, I try to put in more time before heading home, and if unsuccessful, try to make up before heading off to sleep.
Photo credit: Canva.com
Any advice?
Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.
Yes. I do not think I am a poster student for giving advice to students on this topic as I am working daily to improve my own scheduling. I think my present mode is at about 70% and based on grades thus far it is clear to me that all I have to do is get some more time in. Students (and myself) could:
1. Schedule time away from work as is required. In the end, an MBA is an investment and ‘time’ is money.
2. If possible, have discourse (outside of the forum) with someone on the subject area – including via video conferencing. Great if its another student. This is also good for long-term collaboration and networking.
3. If you were pursuing MBA in a physical lecture setting, travel time, traffic and other factors would have ensured more time is spend pursuing MBA – even if some are wasted on transportation. So, while studying online result in less CO2, be careful it does not necessarily also result in less time studying.
Enjoy the benefits of this mode of study, but remember, its an investment of time and money and the returns can make a big difference in your life (and your family’s).
I hope this blog has answered some of your questions, and please watch this place for similar blogs. So, if you have been thinking about doing a master’s degree and now understand how to study better for an online programme, look at our programmes and see if anything interests you.
A bachelor’s programme is a stepping stone in the field of specialisation in which one wants to build their career. Bachelor’s degree is a degree awarded by a college or university in the subject of choice upon completion of undergraduate studies.
A bachelor’s degree enables you to gain advanced knowledge of the subject, learn new ideas, enhance employability skills, boost earning potential and provide networking opportunities. Obtaining a bachelor’s is usually the first step towards achieving a higher academic degree like a master’s or doctorate.
A bachelor’s degree is usually the first step towards achieving a higher academic degree
While a bachelor’s degree can be pursued soon after finishing high school, it has become increasingly common for people to undertake a programme later in life as well.
Traditionally one had to go to a university to study bachelor’s degree. But in the modern context, earning a bachelor’s degree online has become much easier.
RKC has pioneered business and legal education online for over 24 years, allowing thousands of professionals from every continent to achieve new heights in their lives and careers. Today you can benefit from our latest bachelor’s in business administration programmes.
Robert Kennedy College offers the following two bachelors programme in business administration:
Diploma in Business administration
BA (Hons) Business Administration
Diploma in Business Administration
The diploma programme offers fundamental knowledge and understanding of business administration and management. This programme is suitable for someone looking to advance their career in any industry, equipped with advanced business intellect to help improve businesses and their operations.
Five reasons to study Diploma in Business Administration:
The Diploma is delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria, rated in the top 10 in the UK for developing business leaders and ranks 14th overall in the Top 50 universities for business.
The course can be studied entirely online to graduate in just nine months.
Enhance your employability with strong problem-solving aptitude, practical business knowledge and skills and applied leadership.
No traditional examination system, but one learns through real-life case studies, essays and assignments.
Gain entry to the next step in your career: study Bachelor’s BA (Hons) in Business Administration.
The course can be studied entirely online to graduate in just nine months
The programme consists of the following six Level 5 modules. Each module is worth 20 credits:
Organisational Behaviour
Services Marketing
Culture and International Business Systems
Corporate Social Responsibility in Practice
Global Economics
Operations Management
BA (Hons) in Business Administration
BA (Hons) in Business Administration is a bachelor’s degree programme offered by the University of Cumbria, UK, ranked 8th in the world (Times higher education impact rankings). The programme is provided exclusively to the RKC’s diploma graduates who have gained a solid foundational knowledge of business subjects.
University of Cumbria, UK
The programme is delivered online and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
The bachelor’s programme consists of four modules. The Level 6 modules total 120 credits, including a 40 credits independent business project:
Business Psychology (20 credits)
International Marketing (20 credits)
Global Business (20 credits)
International Human Resource Management (20 credits)
Business Independent Project (40 credits)
Upon successful completion, an internationally recognised British Honours degree is awarded by the University of Cumbria.
Upon successful completion, an internationally recognised British Honours degree is awarded by the University of Cumbria.
The bachelor’s programme serves as a solid base to launch and spearhead a career in business. Apply online today and become part of a professional network of business students. Chat live on WhatsApp with our education advisors to learn more about the admission procedure, eligibility requirements, fee structure, payment plan and upcoming intakes.
This series has fast become one of our most appreciated blog posts. This “day in the life of” series focuses on the challenges and rewards our students derive from doing an online master’s degree with us, and we have been blessed with students who were more than happy to volunteer their time and share their experiences.
There is no better way to learn than from those who came before and see if what worked for them will work for you. It will help you become a better student and, hopefully, help you make an informed decision.
An Introduction
Who are you, really?
I am Andy Wertheim, a Robert Kennedy College and University of Cumbria MBA student.
The Study Plan
How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?
I planned to allocate a certain number of hours per week on fixed evenings and the occasional weekend, but it didn’t work out that way. I’m definitely a “deadlines” person, so the regular modular structure of the course helped keep things ticking along nicely, with draft essays and other assignments keeping me focused on making good progress. It became more of a challenge with the dissertation as there was a) a hiatus after finishing the last essay and then being allowed to start the dissertation, so I completely lost momentum, and, b) there were no intermediate milestones/deadlines to keep me ticking along. As a result, I had to be much more disciplined and ended up taking blocks of time off work to complete the dissertation. I clearly needed to get up a head of steam and tackle sections in a block rather than do a little often with stop-start not working for me.
What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)
As mentioned above, longer blocks of time suited me best rather than a particular time of day. That said because I was also doing a full-time job and other activities, I was mostly restricted to evenings and weekends.
How much time did you devote to each assignment?
Unknown, sorry – I didn’t keep a log.
Travelling and Communication
How did travelling impact your ability to study?
Work travel tends to be occasional long-haul flights for me, which helped as I could download relevant reading and could then take notes, etc., on the flight. Most of my study time, however, was spent at home.
How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors, given the time differences?
The forums were okay, but this is the biggest issue with remote courses, in my experience. You simply don’t get the same level of interaction, shared learning and general camaraderie / shared experience as you do with face-to-face learning. This was particularly noticeable with the excellent week-long sustainability residential in Cumbria, especially when juxtaposed against the comparative isolation (even loneliness) of the dissertation. The benefits of remote learning definitely outweigh the restrictions, however.
My advice
What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?
Lots of evening reading during the modules, completing the interim assignments and then a bigger burst of effort in 2-3 day blocks for the final assessment submissions. The dissertation was a whole new ball game with longer blocks of time needed to really focus on getting the job done.
Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.
I can only suggest people find their own rhythm – if you’re very disciplined, then a little often may work for you, but I’m not like that, so had to adapt to fit my own way of working within the wider context of work and MBA deadlines.
We at Robert Kennedy College are here to support you through the entire process and encourage you to get in touch with our team of Education Advisors and chat with them Live on WhatsApp if you have any questions about our programmes, fee structure, the application process, or details on discounts we might be offering at this time.
If you have already made up your mind and are ready to apply, then just click here.
The first thing anyone interested in enrolling for higher education in a college or University does is to check its legitimacy. And no surprises here, this is one of the top questions our education advisors get asked all the time – Tell me more about the college and partnership with British universities.
So, here is everything you need to know about RKC!
Number one of Number one: Who are we? An Introduction
Robert Kennedy College is a private educational institution based in Zürich, Switzerland. The College is a pioneer in Swiss quality online education offering rigorous but flexible learning programmes, through enhanced state of the art online e-learning technology that has been developed in-house entirely.
Exclusive Partnerships
The Robert Kennedy College online master’s and bachelor’s programmes are offered in an exclusive partnership with the University of Cumbria, the University of Salford, and York St John University
Student focused teaching
RKC’s online learning community greatly values and invests in each of its student. Here you get an opportunity to be a part of a prestigious international community of over 5000 students from 130 different countries and some world-class faculty. Chat with our education advisor to get your customized study plan.
World-class faculty
As a student at RKC, you will learn from some of best professors in the education field.
RKC’s dean Dr. iur. David Costa is one of the founders of Robert Kennedy College. In his current capacity as Dean of Faculty, he oversees the faculty review process and several of the college’s academic programmes. He lectures at Robert Kennedy College in Contracts Law, Transnational Business Law, Investment Law and Money Management, and is a frequent guest on business TV channels such as CNBC Europe and Bloomberg Television.
Our instructors are graduates from some of the best universities worldwide. Other key faculty members are Prof. David Duffil, Dr. Radu Negoescu, Dr. Alistair Benson and, Emeritus Prof. Gabriel Jacobs.
Unique course plan with one-week residency
Our programmes combine best of both worlds by offering Swiss quality education online via OnlineCampus with one-week residencies. The one-week residency represents a unique opportunity for students to work in groups, focus on case studies and get a head start for their dissertation. Residency offers a great opportunity to interact with fellow students and professors and learn from professional experiences of students from all over the world. Chat with our education advisor to get your customized study plan.
Worldwide recognition
One of the best advantages of studying master’s at RKC is that at the end of the programme, an internationally recognised full-time British degree is awarded by the University.
The University of Cumbria, University of Salford and York St John University are fully recognised by the British Government and duly listed on the United Kingdom’s Department for Education list of recognised UK awarding institutions. You can verify their official University status directly at the UK Government Website.
Flexible payment plans
At RKC we understand the importance of work-study-life balance. This is why we offer flexible payment plan where you can pay fees in interest free instalments. Check out the sample payment plan here.
Let me start by wishing all our readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year, 2023!
And now that we are into the New Year, like many others, I look back at 2022 and see what I could have done better. Once I figure out what could have been done better, I try to put them into resolutions to be improved upon.
The truth is, I am not a big fan of resolutions. They have hardly ever worked for me, and when I fail, it makes me feel bad. But, on the other hand, the times I have succeeded, man, did it feel good. Success begets success, and when I succeed in achieving a resolution, it just makes me want to push myself to accomplish another.
But there are some resolutions I tend to make almost every year, and they fail every time! Sometimes, I don’t even get off the starting block.
So, this is what I have learnt about choosing New Year resolutions and making them work.
1. Choose something achievable
No one likes to fail; if you fail, it will demotivate you and could result in failing other goals. However, if you succeed, you could use the success to work towards achieving your other goals. So, the first and most crucial step is to choose achievable New Year resolutions – goals you have been delaying. If you are worried that this is not ambitious enough, think of these “lesser resolutions” as a stepping stone to achieving your greater goals.
2. Be specific
Most of us just set broad goals to achieve as our New Year resolution. You want to lose weight – set a target; want to go to the gym regularly – how many times a week?; want to save more money – set a monthly/weekly budget. You get the idea. And this leads to my next point.
3. Break it up
Sometimes, a goal might seem too far to achieve. Let’s say your New Year resolution is to lose 20 kilos. Just looking at that number can be demotivating. So, break it up into achievable monthly targets of 2 kilos, and then in 10 months, you will reach your goal. Once you break up your goals, don’t look at the bigger target; focus on the lesser, more achievable goal.
4. Keep track and pat yourself on the back
Keep track of your progress as you work towards your goals, and pat yourself on the back when you achieve milestones. Achieving milestones will keep you motivated and help you achieve your goals.
5. Don’t give up
Failure is part of life; every failure is a learning experience. Cliché, I know, but it is a fact. Everybody fails, but that doesn’t mean you give up; start over tomorrow. It’s not like all your hard work will be wiped out with a single failure or multiple failures – pick up from your last success.
6. You are not alone
As for help. If you are struggling to achieve a goal, don’t be too proud to ask for help from friends or family. My friend and I joined a gym last year, and we pushed each other to go regularly to the gym. I have never been as regular to a gym, and I credit my friend for making me regularly go to the gym last year. Granted, he did almost all the pushing, but I like to think that pushing me to be regular pushed him to go to the gym.
Have I missed any points you feel can help someone stick to their resolutions? Let us know in the comments below.
If your resolution is to do a master’s degree or learn something new, then explore the number of specialised master’s degree programmes offered by Robert Kennedy College through exclusive partnerships with top British universities. Or, if you have already made up your mind, click here to apply.
The most beautiful time of the year is here! It’s merry and bright with the town’s festivities, decorations, hustle, and bustle. It is almost the end of the year, and everyone wants to enjoy some time off, relax, take break from studies and work, and spend time with their families, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. Seems like all jovial and merry time to me! However, are holidays always like that?
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Well, the demands of the holiday season – shopping, cooking elaborate festive menus with exotic dishes (thanks to social media..), baking, cleaning, entertaining, and making the season its festive best (and the list is exhaustive…phew!) – can prove to be an overwhelming time.
One of my friends told me she was planning to bake 12 cakes, one for each of her neighbours with whom she is a good friend. Her husband suggested buying cakes instead, but she wanted to give a personal touch to her gift. Wow! I am sure after baking 12 cakes, she has become a professional baker. On top of this, she had a “Secret Santa” gift exchange at work, and her kids had to do a gift exchange at their school. Well, online shopping helped her save a lot of time, but one can never wholly escape visiting the stores physically.
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I experience the same mixed feelings of excitement and pressure around festive times. While I love decorating my house, I get stressed about getting the best colour-coordinated decorations and, of course, not to mention matching Holiday sweaters for all my family. I love entertaining my friends and family at my house, but the whole process of planning, preparation and execution exhaust me.
It is advised not to get carried away with anxiety about holiday preparations. It is better to prioritise what is essential for you, keeping in view the traditions.
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Here are some helpful tips you can follow to keep stress at bay and enjoy the festivities:
Plan ahead – Start your preparations in advance to stay ahead in the game. Plan, prepare and stock food for cooking and baking, and start shopping weeks in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. You will be better able to enjoy time with family and friends.
Ask for help – Please know that you are not in this alone. Other family members, friends and colleagues would love to give a helping hand, assist you with getting groceries, driving around, wrapping presents, or decorating.
Be organized – The key to stress-free holidays is to be super-organized. Make lists of tasks and set reminders to keep you on track.
Set holiday budget – I know we are still reeling under the effect of Covid-19, and inflation is at an all-time high. We all want to make the season as festive as possible, don’t we? Under these trying times, set strict financial budgets for holiday shopping and stick to them. Think of innovative ideas to save some $$ like buying when discounts are on, buying collective gifts, organising potluck instead of doing all cooking etc.
Don’t forget to breathe and exercise – Take a deep breath whenever you feel overwhelmed. With all the merry drinks and sugary cakes you will be eating, exercising will help keep those extra calories at bay. Also, exercising is relaxing and boosts new energy.
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There is a lot of cultural pressure around the holidays, especially now that social media forces us to compare ourselves with the idealised notions of the holidays. I would suggest, earmark a day and some of your budget, to volunteer at a food bank, volunteer a day at a retirement home taking gifts for the elderly, or donate to a charity. Knowing that you brought smile to someone’s face and made a difference in their lives, will immensely lift your spirit (holiday spirit)! Be mindful and emphatic towards those who are struggling this holiday season.
Ultimately, it is all about sharing, giving, loving, and spending time with our loved ones – the essence of the holiday season.
On this note, I wish all our readers Happy Holidays! Be merry, and do not worry 🙂
