The Student Room Group

Should I Do Postgraduate Study?

I'm a little confused as to what I should do regarding postgraduate study.

I'll be graduating from the University of Leeds with a 2:1 in New Media (BA Hons). It was a course focusing around digital communications, the internet, web design etc. After studying it for three years, it's really put me off going into that kind of industry, and in hindsight I'd have probably picked a different course, but I felt it was something I wanted to go into when I was 18. I know you don't have to go into a job with your degree (unless its something specialist), and that a degree just shows that you have learnt up to that level - but it would be nice not having to keep explaining what on earth 'New Media' was.

I've received an offer from the University of Sheffield to study 'Marketing Management Practice' (MSc) from September 2012. Marketing is something I feel I would like to go into the future, and the Management aspect of the course would be good too. The reputation of the university makes it stand out for me too, as well as the excellent facilities.

I just don't know what to do in regards to the offer. I know I'll have to accept or decline it soon, as I'll have accommodation and stuff to sort out... but I'm really stuck.

As I came towards the end of my undergraduate degree, I felt I'd had enough of essays / exams / lectures & seminars. I'm just worried that I'll find the same thing with the postgraduate course. At the same time, I know it will only be for a year, and the extra qualification will be worth it - even if it will be a lot of hard work. It also keeps some 'familiarity', with going back to Uni, rather than into the world of work.

I feel I'd be more motivated to do the course in September, just to get the education part of my life over and done with, especially as some of my friends will still be at university then, so I won't feel like I'm the only one still 'stuck' at university. I did look into some distance learning courses, but I always preferred the course content at Sheffield, and the fact I could complete it in a year was a bonus.

The expense is another thing to consider, £9,000 for course fees, then at least £5,000 for accommodation, not including living costs... which is a very big thing to consider. I know I could always take a year out and work to help with the costs, but I really don't know if I'd go back to education after that... especially with the fact that fees and living costs go up each year.

My alternative to postgraduate study would be to have a gap year (or two), and find internships abroad whilst travelling, which would be a pretty cool thing to do, especially as I don't have any work experience in the area. I really don't know if I'd want to come back to education after spending time abroad working.

I feel like I will really regret not doing a masters if that is my final decision, as I feel the extra qualification will be good and what I learn on the course, as it's something I would like to do in the future. On the other hand, I don't want to start the course, then wish I was doing something else.

As you can see, I've got plenty of points for and against. I just can't make up my final decision. I just thought I'd get some alternative viewpoints from you guys, just to see if you can help me make my mind up!

Sorry it's such a long post!

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