An MSc can extend your study in a specific subject and improve your career prospects. Learn more about a postgraduate qualification in this guide , including what it is, what you can do with it, costs, and how to choose the right MSc program for you.
Earning your MSc degree can advance your knowledge, and build your competencies in a range of in-demand subjects.
The master of science (MSc) degree is a graduate degree that typically pertains to subjects in tech, mathematics, medicine, business, administration, and the natural sciences. In an MSc degree programme, you鈥檒l advance your knowledge in a more technical, analytical, and at times practical way, gaining specific skills you can apply to further your career in a number of in-demand industries.听听
The MSc degree builds on an undergraduate education. While an undergraduate programme requires a number of general education courses before concentrating on a major, a master鈥檚 programme will focus on one area and deliver a more specialised education.
You can earn your MSc degree in a range of subjects, including:
Civil engineering
Computer science
Data science听
Economics
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Management
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Occupational therapy
Statistics
Master鈥檚 degrees in general (not just master of science degrees) are growing more specific. That means, instead of earning a Master of Science in Management, you may have more options, such as a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management or a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Each programme should provide a foundational education in management while allowing you to take special courses that prepare you for a career in the sector of your choice.
Because of the lucrative fields in which you can earn a master of science, you may be able to achieve more senior-level roles and higher salaries with a postgraduate degree. To give you an example, two occupations that typically require an advanced degree are computer research scientist (median UK salary: 拢37,198) and economist (median UK salary: 拢45,245).
Even where an MSc degree isn鈥檛 required, you can develop and strengthen the high-level skills you鈥檒l need to succeed in managerial and executive-level roles through a master's course. It鈥檚 worth noting that there鈥檚 a growing demand for master鈥檚 degree holders.听
In general, earning your master鈥檚 degree has been shown to increase earning potential. Master鈥檚 degree holders earn a median annual salary of 拢42,000, while undergraduate degree holders earn 拢36,000, according to UK Government's (GLMS). Salaries in industries such as data analytics, computer and information science, health care management, and finance all tend to pay well and often prefer candidates with postgraduate degrees.
There are compelling reasons for earning your MSc degree, but you should understand what it may cost鈥攂oth in terms of money and time鈥攂efore making your decision. The average master of science degree programme costs 拢13,000 to听 拢15,000, though that may not account for additional fees, materials, and housing. It takes, on average, one to two years to complete an MSc degree when you attend full-time, but many programmes offer part-time options to help mature students or professionals who work.
Affordable online MSc degrees听
An online MSc degree may be a more affordable option than attending an in-person course. Online Master鈥檚 degrees are available at 50 percent or less of the price of campus courses.
Before you pursue an MSc degree, you鈥檒l normally need to have earned your undergraduate degree. Fortunately, you don鈥檛 need to earn your master鈥檚 in the same subject area as your first degree. You can use the MSc degree to further your education in a subject that interests you, or switch paths entirely and forge a new direction. In some circumstances, experience and certifications in a sector can be enough to earn you entrance to a master鈥檚 degree.听
Once enrolled in your MSc degree programme, you can expect to take postgraduate-level modules, and may complete a project or thesis, depending on the course.
Given the cost and time commitment associated with a master of science programme, you should assess your individual situation, weighing the degree鈥檚 more immediate expenses against the outcomes you鈥檇 like to achieve. The categories we鈥檝e outlined below should also be important factors in your decision-making.听听
Look for MSc programmes from accredited universities. An accredited institution has been verified by a government agency (approved by the UK Department for Education), which ensures that your course meets minimum standards and likely provides quality education.听听
You should also make sure your school is accredited if you intend to apply for UK government-backed loans. Learn more about why accreditation is important when deciding on your master of science program.
As you research different MSc programmes, take a close look at the kind of modules you鈥檒l be completing. Pay close attention to the kind of subject knowledge or training you鈥檒l receive and how it fits into your larger goals. Is it too broad for the kind of specific skill set you鈥檙e looking to develop鈥攐r is it too niche? It's also helpful to take a look at the faculty who will be teaching your classes, especially their experience. Reviewing each programme鈥檚 course offerings can indicate what you鈥檒l learn and help you identify whether it鈥檚 a good fit for you.听
Whether you attend an in-person or online MSc programme, you may find that you have some options when it comes to the way you take classes. To ascertain which postgraduate course makes sense for you, consider your larger needs. Do you need greater flexibility because you鈥檒l be working while attending university? Would you prefer more face-to-face interactions rather than video lectures and Zoom meetings? If possible, consult each programme鈥檚 graduate advisor to find out what type of classes they offer so you can ensure they fit your scheduling needs.听听
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In-person: Classes take place in person and are held at set times.听听
Hybrid: Classes take place both in-person and online synchronously.听
Synchronous online: Classes take place online and are held at a set time.听
Asynchronous online: Classes take place online and aren鈥檛 held at a set time. Instead, they can be completed as a student needs, though generally work may need to be done by a certain time (each week or month).听
If funding is an important consideration for you, look into what kind of financial assistance each programme offers. Beyond government grants or loans, you have several options to consider. Many MSc programmes offer scholarships, or teaching support jobs that can help balance out the cost of the programme. It may also be worth looking into a programme鈥檚 career placement resources as you consider the potential long-term impact of earning your master鈥檚 degree.听
Some students earn a master of science degree knowing they plan on pursuing a PhD, or other higher qualification. If you know that you鈥檇 like to pursue a research or academic career, and therefore intend to get your PhD, you should think about your master's plans in light of those future educational goals. Some PhD programmes include the opportunity to earn your master鈥檚 while working toward your PhD, which can save you time from reapplying for PhD programmes.听
Whether you鈥檙e interested in advancing your career options or pursuing additional education, you can do a lot with an MSc degree. If you鈥檙e looking for more affordable and flexible options than an in-person experience, explore this collection of online degrees and master鈥檚 degrees. You can earn your MSc degree in an in-demand and high-paying field, such as public health, computer science, engineering, and data science.听听
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.