Page 23 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 23
iStudy
2019/20
23
Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree is a Level 7 postgraduate qualification
lasting one or two full-time years available to BA
graduates and preceding a PhD. The MA enables students
to advance their learning from an undergraduate degree
and specialise further into their field of interest through
a series of assessed modules and a dissertation. Whilst
an MA may enhance career prospects, its necessity
for certain jobs is questioned and so it is important
to research the applicability of a Master’s for your
own career.
Obtaining a Master’s degree is a mandatory
gateway to open doors in certain sectors, and
these include business, medicine and nursing. In
addition, many people undertake an MA in order
to change their career path.
For individuals with a distinct career in mind,
the right choice of Master’s degree will supply
specialist knowledge and propel them ahead of
others in a competitive job market. Possessing an
MA is likely to increase earning potential too.
A Master’s degree will particularly appeal to
students who thrived in the independent and
intellectual environment of an undergraduate
degree. The MA represents the next step in pursuing
a research-based, academic interest and may be a
more attractive prospect than the workplace.
Many postgraduate students relocate universities
after completing their BA in order to have
access to better resources and tutors. Studying
elsewhere can be a strong pull factor and it is also
worth browsing MA’s on offer abroad.
The cost of a Master’s is the obvious drawback,
with an average fee of £7300 per year.
Recent graduates in particular will struggle
financially and should seek employment as
well as scholarships and bursaries to help to
fund the degree.
The postgraduate lifestyle can be lonely with its
emphasis on independence and self-study. The
days of being a baby face fresher will seem far
off with long shifts alone in the library and fewer
people in the year group to socialise with.
The notion that a Master’s degree is actually
necessary for many jobs is still hotly contested.
Ultimately, it depends on your career, and time
should be taken to research whether it is in fact
worthwhile or merely delaying employment.
Top Tip:
Research the MA’s on offer across a
range of universities to ensure you find the
course that will be beneficial for your career.
Look into scholarships, bursaries, loans and
studentships to help fund the degree.
Top Tip:
Being a postgraduate brings you
closer to each university’s distinguished
scholars and tutors, so make use of these links
and start networking for the future.
Pros
Cons
2019/20
23
Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree is a Level 7 postgraduate qualification
lasting one or two full-time years available to BA
graduates and preceding a PhD. The MA enables students
to advance their learning from an undergraduate degree
and specialise further into their field of interest through
a series of assessed modules and a dissertation. Whilst
an MA may enhance career prospects, its necessity
for certain jobs is questioned and so it is important
to research the applicability of a Master’s for your
own career.
Obtaining a Master’s degree is a mandatory
gateway to open doors in certain sectors, and
these include business, medicine and nursing. In
addition, many people undertake an MA in order
to change their career path.
For individuals with a distinct career in mind,
the right choice of Master’s degree will supply
specialist knowledge and propel them ahead of
others in a competitive job market. Possessing an
MA is likely to increase earning potential too.
A Master’s degree will particularly appeal to
students who thrived in the independent and
intellectual environment of an undergraduate
degree. The MA represents the next step in pursuing
a research-based, academic interest and may be a
more attractive prospect than the workplace.
Many postgraduate students relocate universities
after completing their BA in order to have
access to better resources and tutors. Studying
elsewhere can be a strong pull factor and it is also
worth browsing MA’s on offer abroad.
The cost of a Master’s is the obvious drawback,
with an average fee of £7300 per year.
Recent graduates in particular will struggle
financially and should seek employment as
well as scholarships and bursaries to help to
fund the degree.
The postgraduate lifestyle can be lonely with its
emphasis on independence and self-study. The
days of being a baby face fresher will seem far
off with long shifts alone in the library and fewer
people in the year group to socialise with.
The notion that a Master’s degree is actually
necessary for many jobs is still hotly contested.
Ultimately, it depends on your career, and time
should be taken to research whether it is in fact
worthwhile or merely delaying employment.
Top Tip:
Research the MA’s on offer across a
range of universities to ensure you find the
course that will be beneficial for your career.
Look into scholarships, bursaries, loans and
studentships to help fund the degree.
Top Tip:
Being a postgraduate brings you
closer to each university’s distinguished
scholars and tutors, so make use of these links
and start networking for the future.
Pros
Cons
