Wondering whether a Master's is the right path for you? We've answered some common questions about postgraduate degrees so you can decide.
Wondering whether a Master’s is the next best step for you? While an expensive and intense period of study, there are many benefits to pursuing a Master’s degree. But, before you embark on your postgraduate journey, read four things to know about studying a Master’s to see if it’s right for you.
Now, let’s answer some common questions about postgraduate studies and debunk the myths.
Will a Master’s help me get a job and increase my salary?
The short answer is yes. Research shows that those with a Master’s degree earn £5,600 per annum more than those with undergraduate degrees. In the UK, Master’s degrees are highly regarded by employers. Of course, a degree doesn’t guarantee you a job, but the government's graduate labour market statistics 2019 show that graduates and postgraduates had higher employment rates than non-graduates.
Postgraduates are also more likely to be in high-skilled employment (professional or managerial roles) and experience less unemployment than undergraduates. For some roles, a Master’s degree is essential, while for many others it is an advantage.
If you're already working in your preferred industry, a postgraduate degree could lead to rapid career progression. It could emphasise your drive, determination and willingness to increase your ability in a chosen area.
What's more, your employer may support you financially through sponsorship, so it’s worth researching that option.
Is it worth the cost?
To determine whether the cost of a Master’s is worth the outcome, you should:
- be passionate about your subject
- browse relevant job advertisements to identify what employers value most
- consider everything in the context of your overall career plan
- consider whether a Master’s study will boost your credentials significantly above your existing undergraduate education
- contact careers services, professional bodies or individual employers for further advice
Unless your goals are crystal clear, it might be a better idea to spend some time in the workplace, research your options, or take a gap year.
Do I have the right qualifications to do a Master’s?
Usually, you’ll need a 2:1 at Bachelors level, or an equivalent qualification, to be accepted onto a Masters degree. However, those with a 2:2, a third, or no undergraduate degree at all may be considered, provided they have appropriate professional experience. Contact the admissions department directly if you don't meet the criteria and ask if you could be admitted to a course.
Will I have time to do a Master’s?
Postgraduate study must fit around your lifestyle, so identifying the mode of study that's right for you is essential.
Full-time study is the most common, and suits continuing students. Contact hours vary from course to course, but full-time study involves several lectures and seminars each week. Business, law and science courses generally require more contact time than programmes in arts and humanities. Regardless, you'll be expected to dedicate six to seven hours per day to self-study.
Part-time study, meanwhile, is primarily aimed at students with family commitments and/or in full-time employment. You'll usually study for around 20 hours every week. While the qualification takes longer, teaching is flexible, and lectures and seminars take place during the daytime or evening. Sessions are commonly hosted during the weekends or even recorded for students to access online.
Am I ready to do a Master’s?
Finally, before committing to a Masters degree, ask yourself:
- Am I fully aware of the level of commitment required?
- Am I prepared to do more studying and less partying?
- Am I excited by the opportunity to write another, even longer dissertation or research project?
- Can I afford the tuition fees and living costs?
- Am I willing to accrue more graduate debt, or alternatively make potentially lengthy applications for funding?
- Am I willing to live on a budget in order to cover living expenses, while my friends are in full-time employment?
- Is the qualification rated highly by employers within my ideal industry?
- Will the qualification equip me with the specific skills needed for my ideal career?
- Am I genuinely passionate about the qualification and subject?
By now, you should have a better idea of what a Master’s involves and whether it’s right for you. If you are considering this path, then join our Student Panel as we want to find out more about postgraduate students. You’ll contribute to student research in exchange for Amazon vouchers.
