It may seem daunting after undergoing what may have seemed like a lifetime of education now that you have just graduated as an undergraduate. Studying for a Master’s degree may be the last thing on your mind.[kkstarratings][kkstarratings]
You’ve been in the education system for approximately 15 years and you are at a pivotal moment in your life and there are so many different paths you could potentially take, and each one could lead towards a completely different journey and experience.
Which one do you choose?
Do you take a gap year and go travelling, explore the world and embark on a journey of “self discovery”?
For many, the opportunity to break out of the education system sounds like the most compelling and exciting prospect.
For others, joining a graduate scheme and reaching out for an internship immediately to jump start their graduate career sounds like the most practical route.
However, for those that want to take their education to the next level, to reinforce their education further, a graduate program through pursuing a Master’s degree is a popular choice for many.
It’s what many graduates feel is the most natural and “comfortable” step, as mainstream education is what they are used to and do best at.
If you are considering a Master’s degree in the future, continue reading…
Firstly, what is a Master’s degree?
A Master’s degree is the first stage academic course as a postgraduate. Students who study at Master’s level obtain a more developed expertise in the subject and a deeper knowledge of theoretical and applied knowledge in their chosen field.
Who is it for?
For those that want to reinforce their knowledge of a particular subject after their undergraduate degree, a Master’s degree can be one of the most viable options.
How long can it take to complete a Master’s course?
If you are doing a Master’s degree full time then it can take you a year to complete; if you are doing a Master’s part time then it can take you up to three years to complete.
What requirements are needed to have to be able to do a Master’s degree?
Most universities require minimum of a 2:1 in their Bachelor’s degree to be able to qualify to start a Master’s degree. However, some Master’s programs accept applicants to have some professional experience in specific fields if they do not have a Bachelor’s degree, although it is important to check directly with the course providers, as this is subject to availability and suitability.
Why should you pursue a Master’s degree?
Those who obtain the best results in their Master’s degree usually have a compelling reason as to why they want to do so.
Here are some popular reasons why many people want to take the first step to studying at postgraduate level:
- Career opportunities
As the the employment market is becoming highly competitive, and the number of university graduates is on an increase, more students are graduating with respectable university degrees and competing for the same jobs. Having a Master’s degree can help you stand out above others who may have undergraduate degrees. Statistically, on average, over 90% of Master’s graduates in the UK are said to gain employment within 6 months of graduation every year. Employers are looking for ways to differentiate between candidates and so having a Master’s degree can give you a competitive advantage in some cases.
- Development in skills
Sometimes it is not necessarily the subject choice or the complexity of the degree course of your Master’s degree that is valuable in the eyes of an employer; rather, it is the skills developed and demonstrated through the completion of a Master’s degree that is highly regarded. Completing a degree at “mastery” level indicates one’s ability to think analytically, independently and critically, as well as one’s capability to solve complex problems.
Successfully completing a masters degree demonstrates the ability to take on academic challenges. The level of commitment and determination required to successfully complete a Master’s degree is highly recognised and respected. Postgraduate courses are designed to be far more intense and require more independence and self discipline to successfully complete. These skills are transferable in many chosen professions and many employers recognise these as excellent qualities in employees.
- Passion for a subject
Many students that enjoyed or excelled in their Bachelor’s degree course may want to reinforce and develop their knowledge further at postgraduate level, possibly with the prospect of pursuing this at PhD level in the future. If you have natural flair in a specific subject, you may have a strong desire for constantly growing and developing love and knowledge in your specialist field and gain a more in depth insight into the subject.
- A conversion course
Upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree course, a graduate may desire a change in direction and decide to pursue knowledge in another subject of expertise without undergoing another Bachelor’s degree but instead allow their degree to give them a platform to further their knowledge in another desired field at postgraduate level.
- Employer requirements
Some professional employers require a postgraduate qualification. For example, a career as a lawyer, doctor or teacher may require a more advanced qualification at postgraduate level. It would be strongly advised to check with prospective professional employers of a chosen field regarding the degree course before pursuing a Master’s degree to ensure it is fully accredited.
- Credibility in chosen field
Having a more professional qualification and specialised knowledge in your desired field can greatly enhance your overall credibility in the industry.
- Sponsorship opportunities
Whilst sponsorship is available in some cases, this is highly subject to each employer’s discretion. Some employers may be willing to support their Master’s graduate employees by offering them a financial sponsorship which can help fast track progression a career.
Whilst pursuing a Master’s degree may sound favourable and advantageous in many respects, there are many factors one should consider before making a decision to go through with a Master’s degree.
Here are some reasons why a Master’s degree may not be the best option in some cases:
- Financial and opportunity costs
A masters degree can be expensive, with tuition fees averaging around £12,000 a year. The opportunity cost of being out of full time employment during this time too could mean that this could be a difficult time if one does not have sufficient means to support themselves financially. Although funding is an option for some, it is highly competitive and dependent on a variety of factors and subject to approval.
- Procrastination
Many undergraduates go straight into pursuing a Master’s degree because they are comfortable in a studying environment and may not be “ready to go out into the working world”. Before going onto further education, it is advised to question your reasons for pursuing a Master’s and be honest with yourself. Are you procrastinating another year of potential employment? Whilst many still may not know which direction they are heading in terms of employment, it is important to have a strong overview of what your options are and where you are heading. It is ok to not be entirely sure of what your career choice is for the future, but it would not be wise to commit yourself into a degree course if your heart isn’t remotely in the course subject and you are purely going into it with the attitude of procrastination and fear of going into employment.
- Stress
A Master’s degree should not be taken lightly – it can be emotionally exhausting and time consuming. It requires a certain level of discipline and self motivation to be able to successfully complete the course.
- No guarantees
Although statistics show that employment opportunities are generally higher for those who have a Master’s degree, this is definitely not necessarily always the case, and some employers value experience higher than academic qualifications. The return on investment may be slower than desired, especially if you have a large debt to repay.
- Specific academic knowledge does not necessarily demonstrate overall intelligence
Whilst possession of a Master’s degree suggests one’s intelligence in a particular field in academia, this may not necessarily be enough to prove your suitability when it comes to job placements. In the eyes of many employers, there are many other practical skills that are more superior – such as confidence, diligence and communication skills. Having a Master’s degree does not necessarily demonstrate these skills, rather just one’s ability to memorise facts and learn passively.
Before committing to a Master’s degree, here are some valid questions you may want to reflect upon before making a decision:
Have I researched into the different courses that different universities offer and looked into the specific modules that each one entails?
Am I able to fully commit to my course?
Am I aware that the academic and emotional intensity is often greater than what I experienced at undergraduate level?
Can I afford the tuition fees and living costs?
Am I aware of the tuition fees that I may need to pay back in future?
Am I able to keep up with the costs of living expenses of around £10,000/year with a limited amount of potential working hours?
Have I done enough research to support the notion of having advanced job prospects after my graduation?
Am I aware of, and willing to spend a lot of time writing dissertations that may involve in my Master’s degree?
Do I have the necessary requirements and skills outlined to be able to do this course?
Is my passion for the course strong enough for me to invest this amount of time, money and energy into?
Conclusion
Before committing yourself to a Master’s degree course, it is important to ask yourself of your “why”. This will be your driving force when you face inevitable challenges during the course. If you’re not passionate about the degree course then this may not be a sustainable choice that will allow you to successfully complete the course. It is also important to evaluate the process; to have a clear vision of what is actually involved in the course outline and to do sufficient research about the course, which may involve contacting the course provider or admissions department.
Finally, it is important to have a vision of what your goal is to achieve and whether the result is worth the investment in time, money and energy into. Whilst statistics show that having a postgraduate degree can enhance your earning potential, it is important to remember that there is no guarantee nor will this happen automatically. You should look into job opportunities in your chosen field and perhaps contact employers to ask about how a Master’s degree can enhance your job prospects. However, if your driving force gives you a compelling enough reason to invest in a Master’s degree course, you have a clear overview of what may be required of you in the process, and you are excited of the prospects that having a Master’s degree can bring, then this may be the perfect opportunity for you to dive into. As long as you do enough research and weigh up your options, you should be able to decide whether or not you should take up a Master’s degree course.