Najma  Zahid Haq MSc Gerontology (Distance Learning)

Hi, I'm Najma Zahid Haq and I studied MSc Gerontology (Distance Learning) within Social Sciences: Ageing/Gerontology at the University of Southampton.

Even as distance learning you don’t feel like you are at distance.

Q: Why did you choose to undertake your studies at the University of Southampton?

I came across a few of the people when I was in King’s college hospital that told me this programme was running. At that time I wasn’t very sure of what was happening so looked on the internet for some information and thought I should do it. I spoke to a few of the people who have done the course and they spoke a good review of it but if I needed to do it I have a checklist of family and full time job and so this was difficult with time. So I started looking at the courses and Southampton university had the best offer because distance learning you can fit with all of your other responsibilities.

Q: How did you find the distance learning as a whole?

Studying part time meant I did not know who much help I would get, but doing this course has really opened many doors, and all the gerontologists should do as a compulsory. Being a distance learning course, team work doesn’t count in it, but it does help with teamwork because now when one is attending or chairing the multidisciplinary team I now know what is an occupational therapist and physiotherapist and social services which is very helpful. Even as distance learning you don’t feel like you are at distance. You open your email even at 3am in the morning, and you always get an email back quickly.