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The Panasonic Trust Awards
Angela Haslam – MSc Hydroinformatics & Management Systems, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
 I started the Masters programme at Newcastle
University in October 2000, and chose this particular course as it was
modular and could also be studied on a distance learning basis (the only one
of its kind at the time). My intention was to study a Hydrogeology MSc as I
had just joined the Groundwater Team at the Environment Agency. Only a few
Hydrogeology MSc courses existed but they were remote from home and
full-time. The great thing about the Newcastle course was that it comprised
four core modules, which everyone studied and six optional modules chosen
from a wide selection covering all aspects of the water environment. The
thesis element of the MSc could also be work-based. I soon realised that I
could pick specific modules amongst others that interested me and which
where relevant to the wider work of the Environment Agency.
As a mature student with a four month old
baby I needed to be flexible in the way I studied as I was
returning to work part-time. The flexibility of the course
allowed me to study, work and enjoy family life to the full.
Whilst at times I found it very difficult to maintain my
motivation and make time to fit in the modules, assignments and
thesis, I have no regrets and remain convinced this was the
right course for me at the time.
The best bit of the course was the ability
to choose from a wide range of optional modules covering
managerial and technical subject areas such as strategic
management and mine water pollution. This meant that over the
years I met a wide range of students from different employment
backgrounds and oversees locations. The teaching staff at
Newcastle was supportive and sympathetic to individual
circumstances which helped me a lot. The course content was
current, interactive and modern.
Completing the Masters has given me a
positive outlook on my future career prospects and I have
recently moved into a National role within the organisation. It
has also been a huge personal achievement. My proudest moment
was receiving my award at the graduation ceremony watched by my
daughter and husband. Without their understanding and patience I
would not have achieved this. A special recognition goes to the
Panasonic Trust and Environment Agency who each funded 50% of my
course fees, without this I could not have started the course in
the first place.
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