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Original poster

Keep degree in maiden name or change to married name?

17 replies

Mamamamadoododododo · 19/06/2023 15:12

I'm due to graduate this year, after a long part time degree.

When I started it 8 years ago I was not married, so the degree is in my maiden name. However 5 years ago I got married and consequently changed my surname to my husbands.

I use my husbands surname for everything else, my passport, driving licence and career is all in my married surname.

I get offered my degree next month, so need to make the decision now of do i change my degree to my married name - or keep it in my maiden name.

I dont think it matters - I can always show my marriage certificate to prove its mine, however is it silly to keep it in my maiden name when I have no intention of getting divorced (obviously this could happen - but I don't want to currently haha!)

Is it worth the hassle changing it? Will employers question why its not in my current surname or discount it when applying for roles?

OP posts:
ThickSkinnedSoWhat · 19/06/2023 15:15

I gave my DC their dad's surname convinced we would stay together... he doesn't even see said DC and she is now stuck with the name.

I'm doing a degree myself, still unmarried, but even if I was, I'd probably honour my own family by using my family name. Nobody plans for divorce, but it could happen and then you may wish you'd chosen to use your maiden name. That's just how I see it.

Soontobe60 · 19/06/2023 15:17

My degree is in my first married name - we split when I was in my final year. Lots of people’s certificates will be in a different surname I’d guess.

Sugarfree23 · 19/06/2023 15:18

Do you have children? If you do and they are married name go with that. Because even if you did divorce then you are likely to keep the name

Theunamedcat · 19/06/2023 15:18

Is there anyway of changing the name afterwards 🤔

gamerchick · 19/06/2023 15:19

You earned that degree, not your husband. So no, I wouldn't.

WonderDays · 19/06/2023 15:19

I think use the name you have when you finish your degree, so in your case your married name.

I finished my degree and then got married 10 weeks later and had the graduation ceremony about 10 weeks after that. I degree is in my maiden name.

Lovingitallnow · 19/06/2023 15:21

I would put it in your name. No point changing your name and not using it. That just sounds like you're borrowing the name. It's yours now. Not your husbands.

DustyLee123 · 19/06/2023 15:22

I’d do it in your family name.

Blueberreh · 19/06/2023 15:41

You earned it but also your new name is your new identity, so not sure. Could you do both?

ThisIsntMyUsualUsername · 19/06/2023 15:53

I got married during 2nd year of my part time masters. Changed my name then with the university so got my degree in my married name. My first degree is in my maiden name as I was single. The marriage certificate links the names so it doesn't make any difference and when I've applied for jobs etc I've always had to produce the marriage certificate to link any qualifications in my maiden name. So, either way you'll be using that marriage certificate!

Piscesmumma1978 · 19/06/2023 15:55

Would you change your surname if you divorced?

If not, married name.

WeWereInParis · 19/06/2023 16:06

I think that given you've changed your name for everything else, I'd say use your married name.

rainbowunicorn · 19/06/2023 16:13

Surely the vast majority of people who have degrees get them before marriage so it would be in their maiden name. Why would you think that would be a problem with employers. It is literally something they will see all the time

RamblingEclectic · 19/06/2023 16:15

All my qualifications are in different names and I've never had anyone care, not even the Home Office which I worried would. Some fields may differ on that though.

If you want to keep your career name separate from your family name, go for it, it's not uncommon in some fields. If you want to bring it together at this time, that can be nice too.

I have what I call a 'community name' which all my documents are in and what the kids' school calls me and such. I have a separate work name and that works well for me.

Lcb123 · 19/06/2023 16:15

I have 2 degrees, and have never shown them an employer. I really wouldn’t worry, do whatever is easy.

vicky123121 · 25/11/2023 04:15

"however is it silly to keep it in my maiden name when I have no intention of getting divorced"
It's not silly, rather you should keep it with your maiden name on all degree and professional certificate as you don't have to prove to any institution that both names or person are same or all degrees belongs to same person.

egowise · 25/11/2023 04:26

My degree, master's and beyond will all be in maiden name.

I won't be changing it if any man is lucky enough for me to think he's worth marrying. No man is worth my name.

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