If you have been considering a return to study, you are not alone. Postgraduate courses have seen a sharp rise in applications. Back in 2007-2008 the numbers of people studying for Masters degrees increased by 27% and PhD numbers rose by 9%. More recent recent by the Higher Education Policy Unit (Hepi) has shown that although 78% of undergraduates found work in the professions three years after graduation, for postgraduates the figure stood at 94%.
Job market blues
A tricky job market during the recession has meant that postgraduate training has been popular. Postgraduate study has been seen as the key to career success. This has been a sensible move, with Hepi’s research confirming that postgraduates found employment more easily than undergraduates.
The Cost of Study Skills
These extra years of study do carry a hefty price tag. An MA can cost from £3,390, and MBAs may come in around £12,000 level. The student needs to weigh up the pros and cons of taking a Masters course. There is no point having a huge debt if you cannot move on to a well paid or rewarding job.
Postgraduate jobs – Future salary
Seven years ago postgraduates could expect to earn up to 18% more than undergraduate workers, however the gap has narrowed to 15% with the increasing numbers of postgraduates on the jobs market. How much of this reduction is due to the recession remains to be seen. However, postgraduate studies still provide more employability and certainly allow the candidate’s CV to stand out from competitors.
Reasons for taking a Masters degree
These include:-
- Wanting to improve your CV in the face of poor grades at undergraduate level.
- Your chosen career may require you to have postgraduate qualifications in order to progress.
- To make a change in career by specializing in a new, though perhaps related, topic.
You can find out if there’s an Masters course that appeals to you by searching a website like:-
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