Multiple Master's degrees? - any ideas/thoughts appreciated

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What is getting clearer to me now, is that I'll have to be quite specific about what I want to do with a postgrad degree, I can't just choose something out of curiosity.. I'll have to draw a line between hobbies and career interests, I guess.

Yes, exactly this. It's good that you've already ruled out some of the previously mentioned subjects you were considering.

I believe someone has already mentioned this, but there are plenty of MOOCs (massively open online courses) around. For example, I have completed courses in Python, Game Theory, and C# Programming through various universities online. You learn a lot if you complete the course (usually comprises of lectures, assignments, quizzes and a final exam) and you get a certificate of accomplishment. All for free.

Because of this, I think you need to have good reasoning for doing a Master's. I chose to do mine, for example, because the university has good industry links and the course has a 94% employment rate, so I'm hoping it will lead into a job (or an internship at least). Other good reasons would be so you can have a career change, or specialise in a specific area (for example my undergrad was physics, and I could've done a postgrad in, say, geophysics if i wanted to work in that field). If you enjoy geography, perhaps look at different specialisations you might want to do (and the jobs they prepare you for).

Reply 21

star9005

Original post by hopefulscribbler

First, thanks very much for providing me with your example! :smile:

I feel that hearing other people's stories is as good as general advice, because you can always find out about possibilities that could inspire you and/or learn through case studies.

I really like that fact that you would encourage taking time off. Indeed, just rushing into a postgrad scheme out of fear or because of no other ideas would not be a good option. I've actually wanted to visit China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific region (Australia and NZ) for quite a long time now, and could never find the right time for that. A gap year may be able to make these plans happen. That's a different story though, so I don't necessarily want to discuss that within this thread. However, I'll have to make as much planning for a gap year, as for a postgrad degree, I guess.
Anyway, many thanks for your suggestions! :smile:

Reply 22

Nathanielle

I had not the time to read everything, but here is what I would suggest to do:

1) Do a gap year after your Bachelor, go to China, spent one year there to study the language, engage as much as you can with locals, Chinese is a language which is best learned in China, (but really focus on the language, don't spent all your time in Beijing or Shanghai at the typical local student bars for foreigners), and where you really have to focus. On the other hand spending one year far away in another culture, will mean a total change of environment and force you naturally to consider other things than the UK university environment you know already. And it won't be seen as lost time and valued at the same time. So win:win!

2) Or just really work in some job for one year, gets your work experience for your CV and as well provides you with a total change of environment and time to find out, what you really miss.

3) Maybe look into two year Masters in Europe which will allow you to study in more depth and e.g. do a language over two years at the same time and/or do some(one) internships in the vacation and/or work in little jobs alongside and get a better idea,what to do afterwards. A straightforward UK one year Master does not seem to fit, except you find one, which really covers a lot of your main interests. European Master are also often cheaper. If there are language problems, you could spent a gap year between Bachelor and Master with learning the language of the country (but be disciplined!). This way may sound longer, but will probably be more respected and provide you with more skills in comparison to various UK Master and at the same time really give you the time to develop and find out what you want to do, instead heading from one funding problem to another.

Reply 23

whipper_snapper1

I have a different philosophy about going to university and having (or not having) multiple degree/s. A philosophy many of you may not agree with.

To me going to university is all about learning. It's about enlightening yourself. You can go to university at any age you like, as far as you can pay the tuition fee but also manage your time for family and social life. It would be a stupidity otherwise.

Some of you might read dozens of fictions each year; other spend hours in the internet everyday. How about you enrol in an course and spend equal amount of time reading and writing. You are not just reading for you fun but you are learning by doing something - that gives you multiple degrees. Just take it.

Never commodify your knowledge or compare your degree with money. You do not need to regret even if you are not doing a job directly related to the field you study. You cannot buy degree with money; you have to have passion, self-discipline and tenacity to achieve it. I have seen may sons of millionaires in London who have never gone beyond undergraduate degree. Not because they have not money, but because they have no passion for learning.

I did never go to university with a job/career in my mind. I did go to university to learn, explore, meet people. I go to university at the age of 42 because I enjoyed. I am now doing third masters degree in social sciences. The worst possible scenario is that you cannot save or accumulate the fortune you would do otherwise.

You are never 'overqualified'. You are never overqualified because learning is a lifetime process. 'Overqualification' is a term made up by under-qualifieds, just-qualifieds, unsuccessfuls or those envious of your achievements.

Please bear in mind that do never aim for multiple degrees in order to impress others. However, if they are impressed, let them be impressed always.

Good luck.