Is a Masters worth it

35 replies

user87382294757 · 25/06/2019 16:26

I see quite a few people studying for a Masters, and then recently it was suggested to me by a friend. I've already got a degree form years ago and a PGCE. Quite a bit of student loans from then still owing.

So, I was wondering is a Masters worth it? I checked online and it seems to cost quite a bit. (my previous courses were funded partly- grant for the degree and bursary for the PGCE) If not the loans would have been much higher.

I'm not sure I could justify getting further loans for a Masters while teenage DC coming up for age of applying to university also and feel might need to save that money into their trust funds instead?

What do you think - is a Masters worth the costs time and effort.

OP posts:

HiJenny35 · 25/06/2019 17:22

Totally depends on the field. In education it's expected head teachers. I have one, I probably made my money back but I wouldn't say I made a lot of money by doing it and it was a lot of work.

Peanutbutterforever · 25/06/2019 17:25

I'm doing one for interest and that's definitely worth it to me. If you're looking at financial payback, it depends on course, career and your plans.

Original poster

user87382294757 · 25/06/2019 17:27

For the people doing it mainly for interest, do you take a loan to do it?

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MyOpinionIsValid · 25/06/2019 17:32

TBH a Batchelors are ten a penny now, they aren't the marker of an advanced education like they used to be. So to get a head and stand out a masters is useful, until everyone has one then everyone will up grade to a Doctorate. Collecting paper.

wineandroses1 · 25/06/2019 17:55

I did an MBA when I was pregnant with DD. I went back to work fairly quickly afterwards and the MBA was of great benefit. I believe my management skills were enhanced and it definitely went down well with my employers and I was promoted shortly after returning to work.

Peanutbutterforever · 25/06/2019 18:04

I wouldn't have got into debt for mine (purely done for interest).

Watsername · 25/06/2019 18:13

I have only ever seen a masters as something you do for your own interest and enjoyment. I have one. I did it because I love my subject. It has not helped me in any way in my career.

Original poster

user87382294757 · 26/06/2019 07:59

Wow that is impressive doing one when pregnant etc. Interested to see some only doing it purely due to interest and enjoyment as it seems to cost a lot. I'm not sure I could justify spending so much on something for that reason only. Although I can understand it as studying can be very interesting.

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SeaGlassHunter · 01/07/2019 18:10

I've gone back to university to study a PT taught MSc while still working. I have three teenage DC and will finish just before the eldest goes to university.

It is hard work. It can be tough being older than most of the other students. In my field (Computer Science) it is also tough being frequently the only woman in the room.

Don't start a masters unless you are 100% committed. There are days when I seriously doubt my ability to complete it. But there are also days when I get so excited by it that I can't sleep and end up writing code at 3am because I've had an idea that might just work...

Deadlysinner · 01/07/2019 18:24

What I've found from my experience of having a Masters, and that of my friends and colleagues is that it won't necessarily provide you with a pay rise but should allow you to get a role in an area you're interested in. So if it's a quick payback you're looking for your not going to get it, but if you can afford it and want a more interesting career then go for it.

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