How To Choose The Right Masters Degree For You

So, you’ve decided you want to go back into education to study for a Masters degree – congratulations! There are so many options available for you, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there’s no right or wrong way to choose the right course for you, and you can take your time deciding on the best option. 

Keep reading for our tips and tricks on how to choose the right Masters degree topic. 

Ask yourself what you want to do

Okay, stay with us here – we know you’ve probably already asked yourself what you want to do with your life and future. But instead of talking about the subject, we want to focus on how you want to study it. Different courses will have different styles of how they teach, and some you’ll undoubtedly get on better with. 

Studying for a Masters degree is no joke. It takes one to three years to teach you a specialised subject, and that’ll be made easier when you get on with the teaching style. So, make sure you know how you study best before researching popular Masters courses in your chosen subject, as this will make it easier for you to narrow down the best options. 

Consider why you want to do it

Entering yourself back into a full-time education can be a daunting task, and you need to know why you really want to do it. Is it for the joy of learning, or because you want to further your career in your chosen field? Maybe you need the extra qualification for your dream job, and that’s why you’re doing it. Either way, it’s vital that you know why you want to learn and that you’re doing it for the right reasons. 

Some people worry that their Masters subject isn’t serious enough, so they choose another to impress others over their true interests. Make sure you’re not only picking a course because it’ll look good on your CV – you need to be passionate about it to make the most of your education! 

Get as much information as possible on your choices

The majority of courses will have listings on the teaching institutions’ pages, and you can get all the important information you need here. However, don’t rely on potentially out-of-date information to make your decision – we highly recommend learning about student experiences and getting the contact information of the alumni. 

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions to staff who work closely with your chosen course. It never hurts to get your name out there, and if you’re asking compelling questions your name might be remembered during the application process – win, win! 

The internet will only take you so far

The internet is a wonderful resource and place to be, but it’s not the best place to learn about your studies. We’re a big advocate for postgraduate days and fairs, as you can learn much more information here than behind a screen. Most institutions will have open days for you to pick the brains of the course coordinators and current students, giving you a much more well-rounded view of the course. 

You’re going to be working closely with your supervisors during your Masters, so we highly recommend talking to them beforehand and making sure you gel well. We’re not saying you need to be best friends with them, but making sure your personalities align will help you make the most of your course. 

Thinking about the funds

There’s no way around it – Masters degrees are expensive and you’ll need to know where these funds are coming from before applying for your course. Most people can get a postgraduate loan, but this doesn’t always cover the living costs that go along with studying for a Masters.

You should think about any relevant scholarships or bursaries you can receive, as well as personal savings and part-time work. It’s not easy to work alongside your studies, but for some people, it’s the only option and many students effectively manage it.

Final thoughts

Preparing to study for your Masters is an exciting time, and there are many ways in which you can prepare to make it more enjoyable and less stressful. Making sure you’re going to learn best under the tutelage of the supervisors and their teaching styles is essential, and knowing why you want to study postgraduate will help you get more excited about the idea of entering back into education. Good luck!