Masters vs undergrad jump

[Lostsheepbaa]

Hi everyone,

I am not an academic but hoping no one will mind me asking this over here! Please feel free to evict me if it's not appropriate

This September i started a conversion masters course in psychology. I'm working on my first assignments at the moment and am worried I haven't really made the leap from undergrad successfully. Do any academics have insight into exactly how great these jump is and how to ensure I am tackling subjects in the necessary depth? I hope this isn't a stupid question

Im worried my entire approach might be off to be honest, it's been a few years since I finished my degree and while i did a few modules in Psychology, it was a vocational degree so assignments were based on the application of psychological theories to practical situations and I don't have any experience in writing purely academic essays in psychology.
Argghh, maybe I am just not clever enough

Lostsheep I would go and see the module leaders in their office hours and ask them about this, perhaps take along a draft of an essay and ask them to check if you are referencing properly and how much. I have office hours every week and hardly anyone ever uses them and I'm not sure why!

thetreesareallgone that's very helpful, thank you! This is embarrassing but I assumed office hours were for serious issues? Would you be able not say if this sort of thing is common or not?

I wish more students would come to my office hours even with the little things! It's much easier to give some advice about this sort of minor adjustment in working practices etc. early on than later - and generally talking to students is more fun than the paperwork etc. I could be doing instead.

In my field it is quite common for students to feel a substantial jump between undergraduate and MA studies. Recognising that there is one is a good sign, however - it puts you in a good position to meet it! It's far worse to just keep producing undergraduate work at this level, and failing to adjust at all.

So I agree with Thetrees - go and speak to your tutors, and they will be pleased to see you and to see you taking proactive steps about your work!