Do masters trump undergrad?

Do masters trump undergrads in terms of qualification?

I ask in A. And B.

A.
Person X does an undergrad in philosophy and theology,
Person Y does an undergrad in politics and international relations

Person X graduates and does a masters in IR, and one in political theory
Is person X more qualified than Y, in the fields of politics and IR

B.
For instance:
Let’s say someone does:
Undergrad in philosophy/theology
Masters in politics, and one in IR, masters in public policy
Graduate diploma economics
Masters in economics
Doctorate in economics

Would they have less Knowledge than someone with a PPE degree? They cover all the areas? They have an inhuman amount of qualifications, but would someone with a PPE undergrad have a broader understanding of the topics?

Reply 1

oswalds

14

A Masters is such a short and intense degree that a person with a Masters in that subject would most likely have more in-depth knowledge in specific areas, and but someone with an undergraduate degree would have a wider knowledge on the subject area. It's likely, however, that to gain entry onto a Masters course different to the one you did your undergraduate degree in, you would have to demonstrate that you already have some subject knowledge in the area of the Masters degree.

I really don't think it is as simplistic as one person being more qualified than the other, nor is it as easily quantifiable as this. It entirely depends on the position that you are applying for, what they want from applicants, and the career path you want to go down more generally.

Reply 2

Herhehebvehgeh

OP

4

Original post by oswalds

A Masters is such a short and intense degree that a person with a Masters in that subject would most likely have more in-depth knowledge in specific areas, and but someone with an undergraduate degree would have a wider knowledge on the subject area. It's likely, however, that to gain entry onto a Masters course different to the one you did your undergraduate degree in, you would have to demonstrate that you already have some subject knowledge in the area of the Masters degree.

I really don't think it is as simplistic as one person being more qualified than the other, nor is it as easily quantifiable as this. It entirely depends on the position that you are applying for, what they want from applicants, and the career path you want to go down more generally.

To do a political theory masters, you can get on with philosophy, if doing philosophy and theology so I should be ok

Reply 3

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

Having multiple Masters degrees like that might run the risk of looking a bit iffy to future employers in the B scenario, imho

(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 4

Herhehebvehgeh

OP

4

Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd

Having multiple Masters degrees like that might run the risk of looking a bit iffy to future employers in the B scenario, imho

Why that’s just ridiculous
What about career changers?
What possible reason can they have for having too many masters?
Oh no your too qualified

Reply 5

Herhehebvehgeh

OP

4

Original post by oswalds

A Masters is such a short and intense degree that a person with a Masters in that subject would most likely have more in-depth knowledge in specific areas, and but someone with an undergraduate degree would have a wider knowledge on the subject area. It's likely, however, that to gain entry onto a Masters course different to the one you did your undergraduate degree in, you would have to demonstrate that you already have some subject knowledge in the area of the Masters degree.

I really don't think it is as simplistic as one person being more qualified than the other, nor is it as easily quantifiable as this. It entirely depends on the position that you are applying for, what they want from applicants, and the career path you want to go down more generally.

Is really like to end up in either diplomacy, public policy, or special advisor

Reply 6

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

Original post by Herhehebvehgeh

Why that’s just ridiculous
What about career changers?
What possible reason can they have for having too many masters?
Oh no your too qualified

It makes you look indecisive, or as if you're deliberately trying to avoid the job market. Or that you failed/did badly on a load of Masters courses and had to keep doing others ones to pass.

And yes, there is such a thing as being overqualified!

Do masters trump undergrad?

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