Meng at Southampton OR Beng and then Msc at a different Uni
I am torn between doing a mechanical engineering integrated masters at the uni of Southampton (with an industry placement - 5 year course), or doing a bachelors in mechanical engineering and then doing a separate masters in a specialised engineering stream at another, possibly better uni (eg Oxford or Imperial).
My main concerns are if the increase in fees in doing a standalone masters is worth it if I am going to a higher ranked uni - does this matter to employers if I stay in Southampton but have good experience (ie from the year in industry)? Would I be on par as someone who had the same amount of experience but did their standalone masters at a 'higher ranked' uni?
Also, I am worried that 5 years is too long to stay in one place for a degree - this would be another motivator for me to move to another city to complete the masters.
Finally, a benefit of staying at southampton is that I can specialise in the integrated masters into streams that I am currently very interested in (Automotive/Mechanical and also Biomedical/Mechanical) - although I am unsure how good these pathways are - advice from anyone on these pathways currently would be greatly appreciated!!!
My main concerns are if the increase in fees in doing a standalone masters is worth it if I am going to a higher ranked uni - does this matter to employers if I stay in Southampton but have good experience (ie from the year in industry)? Would I be on par as someone who had the same amount of experience but did their standalone masters at a 'higher ranked' uni?
Also, I am worried that 5 years is too long to stay in one place for a degree - this would be another motivator for me to move to another city to complete the masters.
Finally, a benefit of staying at southampton is that I can specialise in the integrated masters into streams that I am currently very interested in (Automotive/Mechanical and also Biomedical/Mechanical) - although I am unsure how good these pathways are - advice from anyone on these pathways currently would be greatly appreciated!!!
(edited 1 month ago)
Unless you're aiming for a PhD I don't think the standalone masters route is likely to add much. Even if you are I don't think it's really necessary unless the specific area you want to research has better supervisors at those unis for the masters thesis/dissertation.
If this is just to get the name of Oxford or Imperial on your CV I don't think that's going to matter at all unless applying for management consulting or investment banking roles. If you actually want to work on engineering I don't think it matters...Southampton has a good engineering programme anyway.
If this is just to get the name of Oxford or Imperial on your CV I don't think that's going to matter at all unless applying for management consulting or investment banking roles. If you actually want to work on engineering I don't think it matters...Southampton has a good engineering programme anyway.
Reply 2
Original post
by bacterial-adequaI am torn between doing a mechanical engineering integrated masters at the uni of Southampton (with an industry placement - 5 year course), or doing a bachelors in mechanical engineering and then doing a separate masters in a specialised engineering stream at another, possibly better uni (eg Oxford or Imperial).
My main concerns are if the increase in fees in doing a standalone masters is worth it if I am going to a higher ranked uni - does this matter to employers if I stay in Southampton but have good experience (ie from the year in industry)? Would I be on par as someone who had the same amount of experience but did their standalone masters at a 'higher ranked' uni?
Also, I am worried that 5 years is too long to stay in one place for a degree - this would be another motivator for me to move to another city to complete the masters.
Finally, a benefit of staying at southampton is that I can specialise in the integrated masters into streams that I am currently very interested in (Automotive/Mechanical and also Biomedical/Mechanical) - although I am unsure how good these pathways are - advice from anyone on these pathways currently would be greatly appreciated!!!
My main concerns are if the increase in fees in doing a standalone masters is worth it if I am going to a higher ranked uni - does this matter to employers if I stay in Southampton but have good experience (ie from the year in industry)? Would I be on par as someone who had the same amount of experience but did their standalone masters at a 'higher ranked' uni?
Also, I am worried that 5 years is too long to stay in one place for a degree - this would be another motivator for me to move to another city to complete the masters.
Finally, a benefit of staying at southampton is that I can specialise in the integrated masters into streams that I am currently very interested in (Automotive/Mechanical and also Biomedical/Mechanical) - although I am unsure how good these pathways are - advice from anyone on these pathways currently would be greatly appreciated!!!
Hi @bacterial-adequa,
Congratulations on your offers, and I'm so glad to see you're intending on studying with Southampton. I just want to offer some reassurance and advice. You're in a really strong position. Both of your choices can lead to great careers, so I can see why you're debating each option.
At Southampton, we have a strong reputation for mechanical engineering and taking the year in industry path is a great way of adding to your experience. I'm glad to see you're thinking of this as well. This can also help you stand out in the job market as you'll have real, practical experience.
I would take a moment to think about your two options as a whole in terms of finances. If you stay at Southampton for the integrated Master's, what will this mean in terms of Student Finance Loans versus the Master's Loan on top of your four years (if you do the year in industry)?
I'd also have a think about the Master's route in terms of specialising - what will the options be for joining research groups? Would you be able to carve your path better if you stay at Southampton and use your contacts and knowledge of modules to specialise in your final year, or would you prefer to join a new research group?
As for staying for five years in one place, try to take the CV out of the decision if you can and have a think about it in terms of you personally. Five years is a long time. That's the entirety of Year 7 - 11! Ask yourself if you thrive on continuity and deep relationships, or by changing environments?
If you can, write all of these down, step away from the decision for a few days, and come back with fresh eyes. See how your heart and head feel.
Hope this helps!
Bea
University of Southampton
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