This blog covers some of the most commonly known advantages and benefits of studying for your Master’s. It acts as the first part of a two part blog - With the second part addressing potential barriers for pursuing your Master’s study, right now.
WE GET THAT STUDYING A MASTER’S IS A BIG DEAL!
So we've tried to cover some of the most commonly known advantages and benefits of studying for your Master’s. It acts as the first part of a two part blog - With the second part addressing potential barriers for pursuing your Master’s study, right now.
PROS | ADVANTAGES | BENEFITS
BECOME AN EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD
Develop your passion for your subject. With a Master’s you'll delve deeper into your area of specialism and passion, while gaining the tools required to make meaningful contributions in your own settings.
Build on your knowledge from your undergraduate study or work by engaging with complex topics in a more specialised field of your choice. You'll dive into key areas and challenges in your field, and learn different approaches to problems. You'll also develop an understanding of how your theoretical learning can be put to use.
"I really, truly believe that doing a Master’s qualification has enabled me to have the job that I actually wanted, and to get as far as I have done".
Gill now works as a Senior Planning Policy Officer for Havant Borough Council.
Gill Glover, Alumna
BSC (Hons) Geography
MSc Coastal and Marine Resource Management
BOOST YOUR SALARY AND CAREER PROSPECTS
Master's qualifications are highly regarded by employers. A Master's shows your ability to perform to a high level, under pressure, for an extended period. It also demonstrates your level of expertise in your chosen subject.
A relevant Master's will likely give you an advantage over other undergraduates when applying for jobs – and if you're an international student, a Master's is a great way to demonstrate your capabilities in the UK.
“The Master’s sets me up for getting a higher level job after graduation, mainly due to modules that I otherwise wouldn’t have learnt”.
Ben Connolly,
MSc Mechanical Engineering
UK Government data shows that postgraduates regularly have the highest employment rate, with over 78% of all working-age postgraduates in professional or high-skilled employment. This translates to postgraduates earning an average of £6,000 more per year than graduates with a Bachelor's degree. *Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2022.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
If you're already in a career or industry you love, a Master's degree offers you a fantastic professional development opportunity - It's a great way to accelerate your career progression.
You'll have access to the latest academic developments in your field and apply your workplace skills in new theoretical and practical settings. You could even get support from your employer, including integrating it with your work, reorganising work arrangements or through sponsorship and financial support.
Many of our Master’s degrees are professionally accredited by relevant awarding bodies. By having such accreditation, you demonstrate to employers that you’ve gained your qualification in line with national professional standards and, or benchmarks.
And, a number of our Master’s courses offer you the opportunity to deliver live projects in relevant industry organisations, meaning you offer real world experience.
OPEN UP RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
While most Master's degrees focus on coursework, they also open up research opportunities for you.
To complete your written assignments, you'll need to conduct secondary research and learn to use your findings appropriately. Some courses include a mini-thesis to give you a taste of academic research and the prospect of making an original contribution to academia.
As a postgraduate student, you’ve more opportunity to engage with our active Researchers who are making a positive difference to communities, countries and the world at large.
PIVOT TO A NEW CAREER
If like so many before you, you’ve found that the career you thought you wanted isn’t actually all you expected it to be, a Master’s can act as a stepping stone to a change of direction.
You often don't need a Bachelor's degree in the field you want to study for your Master's. Having an undergraduate qualification can be helpful, but it's not necessarily essential.
Along with the knowledge and skills you'll gain, you'll walk away with a qualification that people in your new field will recognise. So when you come to apply for job roles, your Master's gives employers confidence in your knowledge and expertise.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
When you study for a Master's, you'll be learning from some of the best in your field and study under academics with proven expertise, and extensive academic and professional experience.
With regular guest lectures, conferences and speaker events, you’ll learn from industry experts too. You'll also have the opportunity to network and question them on key topics.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Studying for a Master's might mean moving. If you've been wanting a change of setting along with your career path, it's a great opportunity to give both a try.
If you're an international student, studying in a different country gives you the chance to graduate with both fantastic life experiences and a great qualification.
Portsmouth is a welcoming, student-friendly city – one where you'll meet people from all around the world, and have the chance to make connections with people from all over the world.
Still undecided?
Check out part two of this blog for more reasons to invest in yourself with a Master's.