Thinking about further study?

Further education is a fantastic way to stand out in competitive sectors. Whether it's a professional qualification or a master’s degree, the right course will accelerate your career. But it’s not for everyone. While some students want to stay in academia, others are keen to dive into work. And a lot are somewhere in between – wondering what to do after uni.

So, if you’re asking yourself “Should I do a master’s?”, this guide is for you. We’ll run through why people choose further study, so you’ll know if it’s the right path for your goals.

Some of the reasons people keep studying are:

• Academic interest
• Network building
• Gaining work skills
• Personal development
• Fun

Sometimes you’ve got to keep studying to get to where you want to go. Barristers have to pass the bar. Clinical psychologists need a PhD or DClinPsych. Almost all university professors will have at least a master’s degree (although there are rare exceptions). But, for most careers, postgraduate study isn’t compulsory (or even highly recommended). So, you’ve got to weigh up if it’s right for you. It’s usually a personal choice; not a job requirement.

Some of the main reasons to keep learning are:

Further education is rewarding but challenging. You’ve got to have a real interest to get you through. So, ask yourself “Am I genuinely interested in understanding this topic more?”. If it’s yes, you’re a great candidate to keep studying. If it’s no, consider your other options.

Also, think about the career path you’re interested in. How will this course get you there? While you want to study something you’re passionate about, a master’s in product design won’t help you towards a career in news – but a journalism qualification will. Take a moment to think about what you enjoy academically and what you want to do as a job. Where those areas meet is a further education sweet spot.

Getting a master’s won’t just help you build your CV. You’ll also build your network if you make the most of your (extra) time at uni.

Take advantage of your university’s career services, networking events and on-campus talks. Plus, get to know your new coursemates and stay connected with them. On postgraduate courses, it’s normal to meet people from all over the world so you’ll leave with an international network.

You don’t need a master’s degree to excel in a graduate career. But further education will make some things easier.

You’ll gain more skills with further study, so you’ll be even more ready to add value in the world of work. Having an additional qualification opens the door to speedier professional development. So, you’ll be well on your way to realising your dream of becoming a future business leader.

Further education is a confidence booster for some.

Continuing to study will give you more chances to build your networking and communication skills before you take on a full-time job. Sometimes further education involves teaching (ie. PhD students often teach undergrads). A lot of the time, you’ll grow by simply doing more of what you did during your first degree (ie. class presentations and attending events).

Different colleges and universities will focus on different routes of personal development. For example, some business courses will teach you entrepreneurial skills. Other unis will have societies that’ll teach you transferable skills. Perhaps you’ll do a master’s at a new uni and gain confidence by joining their stand-up comedy group.

Taking on a master’s or another postgrad qualification isn’t all fun and games. It’s hard work. You’ll know that from the degree you’ve already got! But staying at uni will give you more flexibility than a 9-5 job. So, if you’re not ready for full-time work just yet, further education is one way of pausing while still pushing yourself forward.

With further study, you’ll keep those long holidays – giving you the chance to travel while still having the time to take on a summer internship.

You'll also be able to join societies – perfect for pursuing your passions and gaining leadership skills.

Further education will help you build up your CV while you still savour the student experience.

So, “Is a master’s worth it?”. Only you can answer that. Whether a master’s is the right option for you will depend on what you’re looking to get out of it – and whether you’ve already got the skills and qualifications you need for your dream job.

There are a lot of reasons why people choose to continue studying, including being passionate about a subject, wanting to build a bigger network and looking to develop more skills before starting work. Plus, a lot of students love uni and want to stay a little longer.

Whatever your reason for further study, do your research before taking on a course. Think about where you want to go and if the course will help you get there.

Remember, if you’re not sure about a master’s right now, it’s always an option in the future. Lots of people start careers and go back into education in later life. And plenty get their dream jobs without further study and never look back. It’s up to you. But whatever you do, we know you’ll smash it.