Open University maths module - worth the bother to improve chances of being accepted for masters?

[StuffandFluff]

I would be very grateful (on behalf of my adult son) for any advice on this matter. He has just graduated from a top university with a First in Computer Science and has secured a graduate position with a tech consultancy. Whilst he realises he is very lucky to have found an appropriate job, he was hoping to pursue an Oxbridge/Imperial masters and recognises that his chances of this may have been impacted by lower marks in relevant maths modules during his first year (when he admits to immaturity having prevented him from putting any effort in!). So, the question is - would forking out a couple of thousand pounds (which we can't afford to help with) to enrol on a maths module to demonstrate his actual competency, increase the likelihood of him being accepted onto a masters?

I'd advise him to speak directly to the admissions tutors in those institutions.

Really won't make any difference

I can’t imagine it would make any difference.

focus on the job right now.

He’s so very lucky to have found a graduate job in a field related to his degree. He’d be better off working hard and gaining lots of experience. Thats what employers are looking for. He can go back and do a Masters at a later point and the work experience will surely stand him in good stead to get a place. What’s the actual maths module in?

@Dilemma999 The OU module is mainly linear algebra and calculus. The issue is that the 1st year maths modules were the principal maths content of his degree - and he only got a 2:2 and a 2:1 in them. This doesn't reflect his actual ability and, he feels, won't signal the requisite high level of mathemetical expertise sought for computer science masters.

Does he need to spend all that time and money on a masters? He has a job - that’s fantastic.

@Patriciastaser Thank you - he will take your advice.

I did OU as a second undergrad degree and couldn't speak highly enough of it. After completing my masters (highly respected RG uni) I had my eye on an OU masters. Couldn't afford the fees, so bought the course material and just wanted to work through it myself for fun. I couldn't believe how incredibly basic the material was, both in terms of quality of content and rigour. I know it's fully accredited etc but I found the post grad level seriously lacking and in no way comparable to my red brick experience.

I am glad you are taking @Patriciastaser ’s advice because it is definitely the way to start.

But I wonder what else is going on here, and I think DS should do some self assessment, bearing in mind that there are no right or wrong answers.

We are a highly ranked STEM School and we have many students who missed out on Oxbridge and Imperial. Sometimes an MSc from one of those institutions represents a validation that they didn’t get the first time. It can be important to a student’s self image and confidence and this can play out in all sorts of ways. It might be good for DS to think about what this MSc represents to him.

Ultimately, an MSc in CS is either a stepping stone to a PhD or an employment credential. I will return to the first case below. It sounds like DS has bagged a great job! So this is an odd time to be pursuing an employment credential.

It isn’t clear to me how much CS he is actually doing vs how much he would like to be doing. If that’s an issue, an MSc down the line may make sense. I would think getting what he can out of this job first is a good idea for career purposes.

We may be heading for another financial crisis. Has DS considered that even though the MSc he is focused on is a great credential, there may be no jobs at the end if it?

Now, if he wants an MSc he wants an MSc. I don’t think these institutions should be the only choices, although they may be the most desirable (eg Birmingham is very highly ranked and well thought of by employers).

I think the Maths may be a bit of a problem but the admissions tutors can guide on the question of formal remediation. In their place I would be more impressed if DS did some upper level Maths related to CS, and there is plenty of it. Again the admissions tutors can advise, but one useful field to focus on broadly is discrete mathematics , another is mathematical logic. These are used at more advanced levels of CS. Also abstract algebra and number theory are used in cryptology and cybersecurity. OU has course units in all of these.

DS can’t do it all! He could do one or two course modules to show enthusiasm.

Will he have time for any of this?

If he wants a PhD he may need to do it at some point, because he will probably need an MSc first. Otherwise, I think he needs to weigh up the pros and cons of leaving a good job in the current fiscal climate carefully. He need not rush into the MSc as long as he is staying connected to tech.

Best wishes to him.

@poetryandwine Thank you for that detailed and considered response - it is very much appreciated. It prompted a good deal of discussion - and self reflection on the part of DS. He has decided, in addition to sending fact-finding emails to admissions tutors, to hold fire with respect to registering with the OU this year (the deadline for which is actually sooner than his work start date).
He will wait and see how demanding the new job is and throw himself into that - with the option of revisiting the MA idea at some point in the future.
You echoed and reinforced concerns that I had already expressed to him about the precarious wider financial context (which has the potential to completely reshape both the job market and academic opportunities). This makes it sensible, on balance, to put all of his effort into meeting the demands of his graduate role - and avoid diluting his intellectual and financial resources.

Thank you too to all who have taken the trouble to comment - it is very kind.

Pleasure, OP. Again, best wishes.

If DS really wants to do a Master’s degree, another option is to do one part time alongside his grad job.

DS completed his undergrad degree at Cambridge and was torn between staying on for a Master’s or taking up a very good grad job offer. He took the job (which he loves) and six months later started a part time Master’s degree fully sponsored by his employer. He has one day off each week for studying and finds the workload manageable.