D-Day is fast approaching

Occasionally, there are times when I feel blessed with the structure of my course (Media and Sociology – soon to be Media and Society). Because of the dual subjects, sometimes the arrangement can be a little different when compared to other straight subjects. For instance, this January I had one exam, compared to the usual 3, as a vast amount of my course was filled with coursework. Interestingly, when the coursework is spread accordingly, it feels as though it’s much easier to be in control. Because you can use the deadline dates as guides to your progress, you feel as if your brain isn’t as muddled as usual. Although, if you experience the reverse of this and are lucky enough to enjoy all of your deadlines over two days, your brain may feel as though it’s going to implode.

This semester my course has kindly organised for my deadlines to be either the 6th or 7th of May. Realistically, this ‘trickery’ isn’t much of a trick as you are still able to start the work whenever you please as long as it’s completed by the set deadline. However, this illusion of  time rapidly disappears when you begin your first project from the pile.

I started with the most enjoyable of deadlines (if this exists) – my Sociology of Fashion portfolio. This requires 3 mini tasks in order to be completed, plus with an electronic scrapbook thrown into the mix, it allows for a little creativity to come through. This module also comes with a 2500 word essay to be in the day before (I told you, they’re testing us).

Next up, I have a media module ‘Analyzing Communication Processes’. This comes with a 3 hour exam and the world’s most stressful group project. In theory, this project which asks us to complete our own content analysis, is relatively straightforward. As a group, it’s the most difficult thing I have ever come across. Luckily, I found a great group last minute who were willing to slip me in when I needed help. Unfortunately, when working with 5 people, every process of academic work is slowed down and complicated. With 5 heads and 5 schedules, it becomes quite complicated. As well as never actually having completed a content analysis, the whole process can get quite confusing. This group project is also due in on 7th May.

Finally we have ‘The Communication of Politics’. This module also comes with the baggage of a 3 hour exam, but this is expected. As someone who admittedly doesn’t have the foggiest about politics, there have been times where this module has been intriguing, exposing the PR teams and Image Gurus behind politicians for instance. This module also comes with a 3 hour exam in essay form. Luckily, a 3000 word essay is required for this module. Unluckily, the deadline is also the 7th May.

In order to remain prepared, I have begun the research stages for half of my projects, in order to avoid the mad rush in the Easter holidays. Surprisingly, when you have to work towards the same time frame for four pieces of work, it tests your organisational skills. As a result, this has definitely been the most challenging aspect of my university life. On one hand I am able to understand why I am being tested like this, on the other I am borderline running around like a headless chicken. It’s safe to say, I cannot wait for these deadlines to cease to exist!