Mickey Mouse degrees?

In the last episode of season 1, Tash is joined by Dr Hilary to discuss the Christmas period as a student. From the post-semester come down, to studying or working, to maybe spending Christmas at uni if you’re estranged or won’t be returning home, Tash and Dr Hilary offer their advice to students during the festive break. Tash Talks Uni Life will be back for season 2 in 2024!

Tash Talks all about postgraduate study in this episode featuring PhD student at the University of Glasgow, Mia Clarke. Tash and Mia discuss their different experiences of doing a taught versus a research masters and why Mia has decided to pursue a career in academia. The pair also discuss the difference between a panic masters and a planned one. 

There’s been a lot of talk recently on Mickey Mouse degrees. But what are Mickey Mouse degrees? And how did this terminology come about? Tash Talks all about how the rhetoric surrounding this topic came to be and discusses whether vocational or traditionally academic subjects are more suitable for the modern labour market. 

Finding your next place to live as a student can sometimes be taxing. With a range of different types of university accommodation on offer, there has never been more choice in terms of what kind of rented property a student may want to live in. But from deciding who to live with, in what kind of housing, and where a property is situated can all be determining factors when deciding where to live. Do not worry. Whether you’re a student, parent, or guardian, Tash Talks all about her experiences of living in university halls, a shared house, and a studio by herself in the hope that her experiences will shed some light on what type of accommodation would be best for you. Tash addresses some of the concerns you may have about where to live and how you can go about them. Featuring Dr Hilary Coyle in the second half of the episode to demystify any worries parents are guardians might have when their child is looking for their first rented property. 

Mentoring has been a huge part of Tash’s personal and professional development, especially during the second half of her time at uni. Although Tash didn’t think too much about what exact career she wanted to pursue after she left the University of Exeter, becoming a mentee within the university’s career mentorship programme helped with thinking about various creative careers and approaching new opportunities with a refreshed perspective. When Tash decided that she was going to pursue journalism, she got herself another mentor who’s been in the industry for a number of years. With featured interviews and discussions from Tash’s two mentors Stewart Ross and Susan Egelstaff, Tash Talks about the value and benefits of mentoring both for a mentee and a mentor. In the second half of the episode, Tash is joined by Dr Hilary Coyle who is both a mentee and mentor to discuss how students can go about finding a mentor if this is something they’re interested in. Tash would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and her show, so please leave a rating and your comments. And if you’re enjoying Tash Talks Uni Life, please share with friends, family, and colleagues. 

In the second episode of Tash Talks’s mini-series on money, Tash is joined by Livvy Mason-Myhill, current third year student at the University of Exeter and Print Editor for the publication Exeposé. Tash and Livvy discuss all things student spending from bills to the price of a night out. The pair also offer their budgeting tips to make the money you have as a student stretch a little further. 

In the first episode of this mini-series Money Talks, Tash discussing with her regular guest Dr Hilary Coyle whether the cost of university in 2023 is worth it. Looking at a range of factors, the money students pay towards university doesn’t just go to a degree. But on the flip side, the cost of university in the UK is more expensive than ever before. With decreasing UK graduate wage premiums, Tash explores whether university is the right financial investment for everyone. 

As we approach the end of October and head into November, Tash Talks about Movember. Movember is the UK’s leading charity for changing the face of men’s health. With featured interview with Matt Cornish and Jay Kelman, two Movember ambassadors at the University of Glasgow, Tash Talks about Movember and its importance to students and beyond the university setting. To find out more about how you can get involved with Movember, check out https://uk.movember.com Please get in touch with Tash with any questions or comments by sending an email to the following address: [email protected]. 

Tash is joined by her (not so) little sister Annabel in Episode 4 of Tash Talks Uni Life to discuss how you should pick your university if you’re a prospective student. Annabel is currently in the process of applying to universities. The sister-duo discuss their feelings as to how they went about deciding what universities to apply for. From the location of a university to the facilities an institution can offer, Tash talks about a number of aspects prospective uni students should consider when applying to university. Tash also talks about the slight differences that can determine postgraduate applications for universities vs undergrad. If you have any questions or comments, email Tash at [email protected] with the subject “Tash Talks Uni Life”. 

What happens if things don’t go to plan whilst you’re at uni? Do not worry. There is support in place at universities to help you if you’re dealing with adverse circumstances.  Remember that you’re not alone and there are staff and safety nets to help you if you’re experiencing a difficult time as a student. Tash is joined by Dr Hilary Coyle to discuss how to seek help from your institution if you’re dealing with bereavement , caring responsibilities, and mental health issues. The mother-daughter duo also touch on how physical injury can impact the student experience and how to navigate that. In the second half of this episode, Tash and Dr Hilary talk about how to stay versatile if things go wrong academically. If you have any questions or comments you’d like Tash to respond to, email her at [email protected] with the heading ‘Tash Talks’. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please circulate with friends, family, or any university students who would appreciate some inside knowledge!