Brian Kennedy

When Brian Kennedy, a GP from Ireland, enrolled on a Master’s in Women’s Health, it wasn’t part of a carefully mapped-out career plan. It began, in fact, as a response to professional frustration - a desire to break through barriers and be taken seriously in an increasingly qualification-driven environment. What he didn’t expect was just how transformative that decision would become, both personally and professionally.

“I’d been trying to progress in my career but kept hitting a wall,” he said. “It felt like qualifications were being valued more than experience.” Rather than let the moment pass, Brian channelled that energy into action, and applied for the course.

That decision, made in what he describes as a moment of “constructive rage”, became the catalyst for something far more meaningful than a line on a CV. “The course helped rebuild my professional and academic confidence,” he said. “It was uplifting, genuinely transformative.”

Rediscovering Academic Identity

Like many working professionals, Brian hadn’t engaged in formal academic study for some time. “At the start, I was definitely daunted,” he admitted. “But you learn the structure, the expectations, and how much time you can realistically give.”

Studying alongside clinical responsibilities is no small task. Brian set aside one or two GP sessions a week to make space for learning and quickly found his rhythm. “By week five I was flying,” he said. “The course had a steep learning curve - referencing, word counts, preparing presentations - but it soon became a routine.”
He particularly appreciated the course’s balance of academic rigour and personal reflection. “It wasn’t just about analysing data and referencing papers. There was real depth to the learning, it had soul. We were encouraged to reflect on our practice, to make our learning meaningful.”

That sense of purpose proved to be one of the most powerful aspects of the experience. “It wasn’t just academic development. It helped me reconnect with a side of myself I hadn’t engaged with in years.”

A Community of Learners

One of Brian’s reflections was just how important it is to connect with others early on. “It can feel daunting and a bit lonely at first,” he said. “But engaging in the academic forums, reaching out to your tutor, and building that sense of community makes all the difference.”
Despite being entirely online, the programme fostered meaningful dialogue and peer learning. “The tutors were brilliant, and the online interaction felt purposeful. There was a real sense of camaraderie among us.”

And when things did get challenging - as they inevitably do during any postgraduate study - the support network made it manageable. “If you’re struggling, just take a breath, reset, and start again. It’s all very doable with the right mindset.”

A Newfound Confidence

The impact of the course extended well beyond the classroom. For Brian, it reignited a love of learning that had been set aside for many years. “When I did my first degree, I had a very young child and couldn’t give it the time I wanted to. This time, I was able to really engage. And it’s reignited something in me.”
The confidence boost was both personal and professional. “Having the MSc on my CV has definitely opened doors,” he said. “But more than that, I feel I stand taller now, whether in education or in clinical practice.”

It’s a powerful statement, and one echoed by many professionals who return to study later in their careers. Re-engaging with academic work isn’t just about gaining new qualifications. It’s about reclaiming a sense of capability, momentum, and self-belief.

Looking Ahead

Graduation day was a proud moment. Surrounded by fellow graduates at the University of Buckingham, Brian reflected on how far he’d come - not just academically, but personally. He had planned to take a well-earned break. But the experience of being back in an academic space has already sparked thoughts of further study. “I really enjoyed being in that environment again,” he said. “So who knows? I might be back.”

His advice to others is simple: lean in. “If you’re considering postgraduate study, go for it. It can be transformative, not only for your career but for your confidence and your outlook.” And of course, Brian is quick to credit the people who supported him along the way. “My husband Rodrigo was incredibly patient - he deserves a medal. My family were also amazing. But more broadly, I’d say it’s vital to find people who want to see you succeed. That support makes a world of difference.”

From Frustration to Fulfilment

Brian’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful journeys begin not with a plan, but with a pause - a moment of reflection, a sense of discontent, and a willingness to change direction. His leap into Women’s Health wasn’t just a career decision. It was a reclaiming of confidence, academic identity, and the joy of learning. And as he steps into the next chapter, one thing is clear: that leap was well worth it.