Postgraduate TaughtWhy do a Masters?
What are some of the main reasons for studying a Masters?
Undertaking a Masters degree requires a significant commitment of time and resource. But the benefits are many, whether you are looking to develop an academic career or diversify your skills for a change of profession.
Here are a few of the main benefits those with undergraduate degrees find after they make the decision to pursue further study.
Deepen and broaden your knowledge of a particular subject
A Masters will allow you to explore in greater depth areas and themes that sparked your interest at undergraduate level.
This may be a module you felt particularly engaged by or a topic that merits further attention. Masters-level research can also be your path to specialisation for academic career development or a way of developing expertise to pursue another professional path.
When studying a Masters, you will have a closer working relationship with academics teaching your programme. You will have greater access to their expertise and will receive closer guidance and direction in your research. With dedication and real interest in your subject, the Masters experience can be an intellectually stimulating, motivating and rewarding way to explore something that you really enjoy.
Change careers or pursue more rewarding job roles
A Masters qualification helps graduates stand out in a competitive job market and can increase earning potential.
One way can be through pursuing accreditation for a career change. For example:
- After pursuing the relevant certificate in counselling skills, undergraduate degree holders can apply for the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy which offers accreditation from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Similarly, those holding an upper second-class Honours degree - preferably in a social science subject - can apply for the MSW Social Work, an initial qualifying programme in social work validated by the Scottish Social Services Council.
- Those interested in teaching can pursue a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) which is the first path to qualifying to teach at primary or secondary level.
Others may see studying certain modules at Masters level as an opportunity to add new skills to a CV. Some postgraduate programmes, for example, offer graduates training in highly sought-after skills such as programming for data analysis.
Build connections for an academic career
A Masters qualification is a prerequisite for those applying for PhD study. But there are other ways it can help those with academic ambitions.
Masters students tend to have closer working relationships with academic staff involved in programmes, due to smaller class sizes and more one-to-one engagement on the writing of dissertations. This presents more opportunities for staff to get to know students' research interests, suitability and potential.
This knowledge can be crucial when it comes to applying for PhD study. It gives students a better idea of the research interests within the faculty when reaching out to potential PhD supervisors and gives academics a more informed view when offering advice on research proposals and funding applications.
Development of research skills and methods
Masters programmes give students the opportunity to develop skills in the design of research projects that withstand critical scrutiny.
In humanities and social sciences, this often takes the form of classes in quantitative and qualitative methods:
- Quantitative methods: the gathering, interpretation and responsible use of quantifiable data and statistics
- Qualitative methods: the logic behind the use of case studies, small-N comparisons, ethnographies, historical research and discourse analysis
Masters-level training in research methods gives graduates the practical and technical skills required for data collection and analysis, which are extremely beneficial in theorising, planning and carrying out future research. It also gives graduates tangible examples to point to when applying for roles with a research component.
Gain practical experience through placements
Many programmes offer work-based placement opportunities where students can put academic learning into practice.
This involves students working for a number of weeks within an external organisation to gain first-hand experience in the field they are studying. Reflections on placement or research conducted on placement often form a part of coursework.
As well as gaining real-world experience to point to when applying for jobs, these placements are invaluable opportunities for Masters students to network and build connections in a field that interests them. They can provide an opportunity to make a mark and impress future employers for when a role comes up.
Postgraduate study within the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
We have over 50 postgraduate taught programmes across our seven departments, each of them student-focused and designed with progress in mind. Our graduates find our postgraduate taught programmes ideal preparation for doctoral research, academia and career development.
With renowned scholars and an international student community, our programmes offer a stimulating environment for you to master your learning aims.