Doing another master degree can (still) be fun! Practical tips before studying masters!
(Or a very short guide on how to survive it!)
- You must choose wisely!
Seriously, whichever subject you want to study be prepared for life after university, think two steps ahead! I had my first masters in Political theory, despite the fact that I enjoyed the subject, the professional realization after that is … somewhat tricky. For that reason I am doing my second master degree, increasing my chances for employment and entering a new field. So, take a deep breath and search for information, read blogs, contact people who previously study that subject, make sure you do your homework before deciding once and for all.
2. Study something you would enjoy (or at least tolerate enough to graduate!)
However, please study something you really have an interest in it, because first of all you will pay a lot of money, secondly, you have to go through all the hard work to really learn something out of it, and believe me achieving higher than an average grade in postgraduate level would require a lot of work, sleepless nights and caffeine (sorry undergraduates, but you had it easy!). If you want to study politics, study international relationships, not so good at numbers but still want to study business, take the course in marketing. There are plenty of options out there for you, a lot of universities provide up-to-date information about the courses they have, the curriculum and the grading systems.
3. Do your research before applying
I really don’t know how to stress this enough, but please DO YOUR RESEARCH! I would advise against choosing a specific university because your mom and dad want you there, or your best friend will study there, or because someone else strongly recommend it to you. No,no, no, you should be doing your online and offline research alone (so that if you regret your decision there is nobody to blame but yoursself**) (Just kidding!). Anyway, in the UK the Universities have a lead table, you can browse the best universities according to subjects or student satisfaction. Also, every university has special open days when prospective students can go there, see the uni, talk with professors, in other words, get a gist what to expect. If the money or location are factors, there are plenty of institutions offering online distant learning, it may not be the same as experience but you can get the qualifications for University of your choice.
4. Be prepared!
Studying master degree requires a lot of dedication and … flexibility!
Yes, you got it right! Dedication because you’ll be spending a lot of time in the library, sometimes you’ll consider the library as your second home there is everything there, after all, free Wi-Fi, food, books, coffee, places where you can sleep- practically home. You will need to be motivated that you can do well and that you will not waste your time! And flexibility, because you have to learn a lot of things in a very short period time, and knowing only the basics and learning only from the textbooks can secure you a pass but nothing more, so prepare to be flexible between your exams, numerous essays and group assignments (you will need a timetable and you need to follow it!).
5. It still can be fun!
After all, you will enjoy it (I promise you!). You are going to meet a lot of nice people, well it depends on the course you take as some course are comprised of no more than twenty people while others involve two hundred and more. Nevertheless, you can join different societies, attend campus activities and have fun! So, be sure that make most of out of it (and not being a lazy couch potato like me, I did join several societies, though!).
Be positive and have a big smile on your face, I know you can do it (it’s only masters after all)!
