Blog EC #8 Too many modules at once - Distance Learning | Online Study | MBA Degree Courses from UK University

Every time I finish an exam or essay, more are released for learning. Every student has the opportunity to study up to three modules in any three month period. When I started the course, I decided to just study one module to start with to see how much time I have around the study and work balance. I was surprised to find how much time I actually had around studying to have a quality work-study-life balance. So for round two of the exams I thought I would take it up a notch, and study two modules in one three month period. This time I found it took over a larger slice of my life but I still had the odd weekend free to do what I wanted to do.

At the end of each period I found myself re-assessing what I was going to do next. I found that doing two modules at once was very difficult so the next period I only did one and found it easier, this was followed by another go at two at once.

All I have learned from this is to decide what you are doing in your three month study period in your personal life:

• Is there a rugby or football season?
• Do you play a competitive sport?
• Are you green fingered?
• Is there a major family event you need to prepare for?
• Are you starting a new business?

Try to assess how much time you will need for work, each module you're thinking of doing and general life. Don’t forget what is left over is time for you. And the more modules you take up, the less "me-time" there is.

The Cycle

So I finished the cycle in October and I am back on track for the January exam period. I know I have Christmas coming up but as an avid creator of all things unnecessary, I count the preparation as "me-time" anyway. So I am taking on two modules again. I spend time walking by canals collecting willow to make wreaths and decorations on my study breaks in the evening, and as the dark evenings roll in (for those not in the UK the sun sets much earlier now, from 4-5pm) it is ever more difficult to focus on what I need to do each evening. Especially when I can hear mulled wine calling me from the hob.

So November is the research base of this period, the aim is to get through the lectures, research around the subjects and get it all down on paper. This is the best way to prepare for the essays which are released in December.

The other take for November is to plan December. Study has to fit around the 10 Christmas dinners throughout the month with either friends or family, the smaller and much prettier version of me turns 18 (the little sister) so that needs scheduling in.

All I can say to those who are in the first month of studying a subject, good luck and get your head down - it is about to get rough!

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