There are several advantages to getting a master’s degree, regardless of where you are in your career – whether you are a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional. But before you put everything on hold and return to university, you’ll have to make an even more difficult decision: which degree to enroll in.
This may appear to be a simple question, yet it is everything from simple. There are several things to consider before making a decision, some of which may not have been obvious at first.
But don’t worry. We’re always happy to assist. This useful guide provides a variety of pointers to help you choose the best master’s degree program for you.
1. Ask Yourself Why;
The first question to ask yourself is why you want to pursue a master’s degree in the first place. Is it so you can advance in your career? Is it required to pursue a certain field? Or are you simply interested in learning? Whatever the cause, it might assist you in narrowing down your choices.
You should go for a course that meets your own aspirations, not those of others. Don’t be tempted to dismiss an intriguing-looking program because it isn’t mainstream.
Indeed, specialized master’s degrees may be the route to new employment. Companies frequently seek postgraduates who specialize in specialty sectors due to their talents and expertise. By completing a comprehensive study and examining the demands of the industry you want to work in, you’ll be able to determine whether your choice will be beneficial to you later on in your job hunt.
Similarly, don’t be lured to get a degree just because you think it could look nice on your résumé. There are several unnecessary degrees that you should aim to avoid.
2. Think About How You’ll Learn;
It’s crucial to note that postgraduate education differs greatly from undergraduate learning. This includes the organization and learning approach, which you may not have encountered previously. As a result, you should consider the course’s delivery approach.
You should consider the primary components of a master’s degree that you desired, such as greater autonomy, less classroom-based learning, fewer essays, and more community-based research,’ she adds. As a result, finding relevant degrees will become easier. After identifying my own requirements, I was able to rapidly determine which programs would meet them and which would not.
A master’s degree program is often either taught or research-based. The former is comparable to an undergraduate course in that it includes scheduled seminars, workshops, and lectures. This also implies that your lecturers will be in charge of your course, and you will be in charge of your independent study outside of class. If you appreciate the process of guided learning, a taught master’s degree might be a wonderful fit for you.
Meanwhile, the latter will provide you with greater autonomy and may not even entail taught courses. Instead, you’ll be working on various projects and conducting your own research, but you’ll still have the assistance of your academic supervisor. If you love independent study, a research master’s program may be a better fit for you.
3. Do Your Due Diligence;
It goes without saying, but make sure you properly research your alternatives. Don’t only rely on the university’s website; study student testimonials and evaluations, use independent platforms, and attempt to talk with current students if at all feasible.
Don’t just glance inside the program. Examine the university and, in particular, the department. Pay special attention to their research reputation – many university satisfaction polls do not consider this, but for master’s students, it is one of the most essential elements.
The reputation of the department you will enroll in should be at the top of your priority list: Does it have a national or worldwide following? Are the researchers well-known and active in their fields?. How about the program’s alumni? Examine the success rates and employment rates of individuals who have gone before you.
Make the departments your center of concentration rather than the institution. As a postgraduate student, this is a lot more fruitful approach to determining exactly what you want.
4. Meet the Course Supervisors;
Related to the previous point, visiting graduate fairs and open days is a good tool for networking and meeting the individuals who will be conducting the course.
Getting to know those who would teach you on a prospective course not only gives you a sense of the subject but also how well you might get along with those who run it,’ she adds. Knowing that your potential lecturer shares your interests and attitude is a huge plus.
Meeting course supervisors and professors is beneficial because you may ask them questions about the program, discuss prospective topics of study, and gain an understanding of the course format.
In addition to providing you with a greater understanding of the course, getting out there and making yourself known can help you stand out when applying, thereby increasing your chances of acceptance. Admissions officers will notice your excitement and devotion, which will surely help you when you are called in for an interview.
5. Consider the Financial Cost;
While overall fees vary by university, master’s degrees are typically not inexpensive. As a result, you must examine if you can afford it, as this will impact your decision.
Scholarships and loans are available, and earning a part-time job is also an option, but cost should be considered in your ultimate decision. Remember that you are not just paying for your course tuition, but also for your housing and living expenses.
Your best idea is to contact each of the institutions you’re interested in and find out what choices are available. You can click here to fill out a form if you’ll like us to help you apply for a student loan.
6. Consider Course Length;
The length of a master’s degree course might vary substantially depending on your past experience and qualifications, as well as the goal of your studies. Although the common duration is one or two years, there are courses that may last anything from six months to five years, which you should be aware of before you begin.
It can also have an impact on how your certification is perceived. The duration is down to the course’s accreditation,’ he adds. Choosing a master’s degree that is shorter than a year-long, for example, runs the danger of it not being recognized or accepted.’
You may also need to undertake an opportunity cost analysis, depending on the length of the course. For example, if the program you’re interested in takes two years to complete, evaluate what other chances you’d miss out on in the interim, such as pursuing different employment, continuing in your present field, or more personal ambitions like traveling.
A master’s degree is a significant investment, so examine these situations as well as any other thing you may be foregoing throughout your study.
7. Weigh Your Options Against Your Strengths;
This may seem obvious, yet many students ignore it. It is critical to base your decision on your present abilities, experience, and knowledge.
For example, if you are passionate about environmental protection but only have a background in the arts and humanities, a degree in climate change science may not be the ideal choice for you. A master’s degree in environmental management, on the other hand, could be a better fit for you because it capitalizes on your talents and skills.
However, some courses provide you considerable latitude in learning and adapting to a new field. A two-year master’s degree in law, for example, frequently accepts graduates from a wide range of fields, allowing them to study the topic with no prior experience.
However, it’s still vital to consider your interests and capabilities when choosing a course, so if math and science were never your strong suits, it could be a good idea to select a course that suits your unique combination of skills.
While the course and department are the most significant factors, you should also consider where the institution is located and the impact this will have on your daily life. If your ideal course is in the middle of nowhere, that’s wonderful; but would you be able to handle a calmer lifestyle?
Of course, this is dependent on the individual and their circumstances, but it’s worth thinking about. If feasible, visit the university’s surrounding region and ask yourself if you can see yourself living there.
A master’s degree is an excellent opportunity to experience living abroad, and programs like Erasmus+ provide grants to students who want to study in a new nation.
Immersion in a foreign culture is a very enjoyable and beneficial experience that will considerably increase your personal growth; it also impresses employers, who are always looking for culturally aware and self-sufficient staff.
8. Examine the Details;
Stamp contends that you should be clear on the finer elements of the course before committing, ensuring that you are knowledgeable on at least the following issues:
i. The availability of study/library/information technology services
ii. The educational facilities (eg: virtual technologies)
iii. The precise amount of contact hours you will have with faculty.
iv. Your cohort’s size
All those are important aspects that can influence the quality of your study experience.
Check the return on your money in terms of the help and direction provided by teaching personnel. If you are paying expensive fees but will only receive 1-2 hours of instructional help per week, you should be concerned. If the library is closed on weekends or the student-to-teacher ratio is extremely high, you should assess if you will truly receive the assistance you require.
While you may enroll in a prestigious program, the university’s facilities, or lack thereof, may have a detrimental impact on your entire postgraduate experience. Reading through student ratings of the institution and department is an excellent approach to ensure you have all you need.
Meanwhile, student happiness is a crucial issue to consider. The Canadian Student Survey, for example, publishes an annual rating of Canadian institutions based on student opinions and experiences. It’s easy to be tempted by flashy brochures, but if student satisfaction at the university or program you’re considering is poor, you should rethink.
9. Check The Requirements;
It’s pointless applying to the ‘ideal’ course if you don’t meet the admission requirements for it, thus the first thing you should do is check your eligibility.
Don’t give up if you’re not quite qualified; many colleges have flexible admission standards. For example, if you lack an academic certification but have demonstrated practical experience in that field, most colleges can accommodate you.
Be proactive as well. Look into earning the required qualification, or something equivalent, if you need to finish a certain module or short course. Taking on extra work will not only make you qualified, but it will also demonstrate your devotion throughout the interview process.
As you can see, there is a lot to think about while deciding on a postgraduate degree. It’s one of the most substantial financial investments you’ll probably ever make, as well as the greatest degree of education you’ll have had up to that point – both of which should not be taken lightly.
Follow the stages outlined above and try to cover as many grounds as possible throughout the research process – the more you can learn, the better.
Are you pursuing a master’s degree right now? What do you think about any of the above-listed suggestions? Please let us know in the comments!