University plans - should I do it?

[Glube]

I have had a bit of a weird journey. I’m 29 with 2 undergraduate degrees (Psychology degree from LSE & Data Science degree from The Open University). I took the OU degree, as I wanted to do a mathematics post graduate course (where a Psychology degree wasn’t sufficient). Plus many jobs in my industry required a maths-related degree so my career progression was limited.

Anyway, I’m now quite comfortable in my career and earning £60k. I can’t decide if I still want to pursue the post graduate qualification?

I was considering going to Cambridge (interested in their maths & machine learning offerings). But I’m not sure if it’s worth the investment. I love learning and this would boost my career, but I also don’t want to be out of work nor would I necessarily want to move to Cambridge. I live in London and alternately could try a more local university. I work in data science/machine learning.

Exactly which Cambridge degree are you thinking of? I’ve been considering a postgraduate degree there in a completely different subject area. The virtual open days were earlier this month but you can watch them online.

I can’t see a degree in Maths and Machine Learning.

I have a first in Maths from the Open University and I wouldn’t consider an MaSt in Maths, it would just be too hard. (I live with someone who did their MMaths there)
To do an MPhil in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence you need a first in (one of) your undergraduate degree(s).

There are taught MPhils in courses related to Maths. There might be something there which appeals to you. Going by what I heard at the open days you couldn’t commute from London, though, it would just be too tiring.

Also, the closing date for applications for at least some of the courses is December 2nd.

It says here that part-time Masters can’t be done by distance learning.
In all cases, you will be expected to actively engage in the intellectual and social experiences of Cambridge life.

I’m definitely not saying it would be impossible but I’d look into it quickly, or consider a more local option.

Why did you do a data science degree if you wanted to do a post grad degree in maths?

@ThisCould I haven’t decided which one yet. I do have a first in both of my degrees. I feel Maths might be more versatile long term, but machine learning is very relevant now.

Yes I read that you need to attend the Cambridge college and live in Cambridge - hence why I said I’m not sure I want to move/leave work to attend…

Data Science involves mathematics! It’s a valid maths degree and fits the criteria for post-grad. It shares many of the same modules as the maths pathway. It’s also accredited by IMA & RSS.

I know it involves maths. But it isn’t purely maths. It’s just odd that with such a specific goal of studying a post grad at Cambridge you didn’t choose the specific subject. Won’t there be whole areas you haven’t studied?

I wouldn’t say I have a specific goal, as I said in my OP I am also considering Machine Learning!

Ultimately my undergraduate course meets the requirements should I pursue either, so your concern is noted but not relevant.

The MPhil in Data Intensive Science might appeal in that case, and the closing date isn’t until May.

It would still need a year in Cambridge, though. You might enjoy that a lot but I appreciate you don’t want to give up work to do it.

Did you do your OU degree while working?

@ThisCould Yes, I did it full time whilst working full time.

I’m not totally sure I even need to aim for Cambridge. So far I am pretty happy with the current reception to my CV. I have previously worked in government but have also had successful interviews with large tech companies and law firms. So I guess I’m not sure if the post-grad university matters that much, or if a top London university might be sufficient.