Found yourself wondering “What’s next?” or considering how you can develop your skills and knowledge to achieve your career ambitions?
With a variety of options available and different routes to take, you might be thinking “should I do a Masters?”
Whatever situation you find yourself in, postgraduate education at Northumbria University can be game-changing.
Will a Masters help
me get a job?
Masters graduates have an advantage in the jobs market, benefitting
from increased high-skilled employment rates, with 78.3% in high-skilled
employment compared to 66.3% of undergraduates (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2022).
Of course, the need for a Masters degree differs across industries. For certain occupations, including health psychologists or solicitors, postgraduate study is the only way to enter the profession.
For others, further study might not be essential, but it can certainly boost your chance of standing out. Masters degrees demonstrate your commitment, specialist knowledge and passion for a subject to potential employers.
Some employers prioritise personal skills over qualifications, however, it’s no surprise that the most successful candidates have a combination of knowledge and skills. Masters degrees offer invaluable opportunities to network with educational and industry partners, and build experience through internships and placements.
Here at Northumbria you could find yourself working with organisations like BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Nissan, Procter and Gamble, or Northumbrian Water – or working on live client legal cases while you study. You will learn what it takes to succeed in the workplace, tackling real-world projects and connecting with industry leaders.
Is a Masters worth the cost?
Whether you have just graduated or would be returning to university after a break, it’s natural to have financial concerns.
Remember though, tuition fees are a real investment in your future – postgraduates in full-time employment had a median salary of £45,000 while their undergraduate counterparts earned on average £6,500 less (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2022).
At Northumbria we are dedicated to assisting students in achieving their ambitions by offering a variety of scholarships, bursaries and alumni discounts.
What’s more, Masters degrees provide access to university services, facilities, and work placements amongst other benefits including student discounts. Making the most of the opportunities available won’t only improve your employability, but will also make the Masters tuition fees an extremely valuable investment.
Should I do a Masters if I work full-time?
Full-time study is the most common choice for postgraduate students, allowing you to achieve your qualification as quickly as possible.
For those in employment or whose circumstances mean full-time study might be out of question, flexible learning options are available. With a range of blended, part-time and distance learning courses, at Northumbria you have the power to choose how your study fits into your lifestyle.
What Masters degree should I do?
The value of a Masters degree lies in its suitability for you. A well-chosen postgraduate education will be enjoyable and have the power to transform your future.
It’s worth considering whether you should study a Masters that follows on from your undergraduate, or take the chance to change direction.
If you’re unsure where to start when choosing a Masters degree, consider the following:
Am I passionate about the subject?
Without a genuine interest in the programme content, you might struggle to commit time and effort to doing well.
If you’re excited about the prospect of delving deeper in the subject you have come to love during your undergraduate degree, explore the courses available in our postgraduate prospectus.
If the thought of furthering your education in the same field doesn’t excite you, or if your career aspirations have shifted, it may be time to change direction.
Which industry certifications and accreditations are important in my chosen field?
A course accredited by a relevant body can boost your career options and give you a head start in finding employment. For example, taking a British Psychology Society accredited course is necessary to pursue a career in psychology.
Northumbria University is proud to offer a variety of accredited courses. The course material is assessed against defined and accepted criteria set out by professional bodies, so these courses often count towards professional qualifications or registration with a professional organisation.
Browsing through relevant job advertisements may help you recognise specific certifications desirable in your chosen profession.
Should I join the career ladder instead of doing a Masters?
If you’re struggling to choose between employment and further study, you may want to consider Masters courses that includes practical experience modules. For example, the Student Law Office module combines academic knowledge and research skills with live client experience in a world-leading legal clinic.
A practical knowledge-centred course at Northumbria may give you a chance to break into industries that are otherwise exclusive to job seekers with more experience under their belts.
For a student view on work placement modules, see what MA Creative and Cultural Industries Management student Andrew Clarey has to say.
Should you do a Masters? If you’re making an informed decision when choosing your Masters and engaging with all the available opportunities, the answer is yes. The chance to network, get hands-on experience and explore a subject you’re passionate about can transform your perspective and your future.
If you’re ready to take on tomorrow and further your career, begin your Masters search or enquire.
