You are here

  1. Home
  2. Maggie Masters her Education with the OU

Maggie Masters her Education with the OU

Ken Bates, Pru Bates, Maggie Bates and Paddy Bates

Maggie Bates, 37, from Bangor, graduated with a Master’s degree in Education from The Open University (OU) on Friday 20th April in Croke Park.

At a ceremony with 103 graduates of all ages and backgrounds and from a spectrum of careers, Maggie also saw the degree of Doctor of the University conferred on musician Phil Coulter.

As a Disability Support Officer for The Open University, Maggie is always reminded of the importance of life-long learning, and this is why she chose this qualification.

She says: “My main motivation for studying the MEd was an interest in the subject of education studies and a personal wish to continue learning. I also wanted to complete Master’s level study as I felt that this would make future career prospects within the OU more possible.”

She says: “I think that studying with the OU has made me more mindful of the breadth of different people’s experiences and as a result has caused me to be more open-minded. I feel that being an OU student stands for something that is very crucial in today’s society. I will always feel proud to say I have studied with the OU.”

The flexible nature of Open University study enabled Maggie to complete her qualification, fitting it around work and family life. She says: “During the course of my studies I moved countries from England back to Northern Ireland, moved house and also took on some caring responsibilities for family. I also changed my job role with the OU last year, which meant that I had to adjust to a new way of working whilst also studying towards my final module.”

John D’Arcy, National Director of The Open University said:

“I offer a huge congratulations to all of our graduates. Each one, just like Maggie, has worked incredibly hard, juggling their studies alongside their jobs, families and commitments. They have demonstrated how part-time higher education really can transform lives.”

For media enquiries please contact:

Christine Murphy, Communications Manager

Tel 028 9053 6219