After three or more years of studying on a bachelor’s degree students may feel that pursuing a Master’s may be a waste of time, effort and money. However, there are many benefits of moving on to graduate school after successfully completing an undergraduate course. A Master’s can be a very expensive investment into a student’s future or current career. As with anything there are risks to taking a graduate degree, students may not receive a return on their investment. In fact, in some cases it may be a candidate’s experiences and personalities that secure them the most lucrative jobs. Also, it must be considered that certain degrees will not further career prospects and may be pursued due to passion in the subject. However, there are some measurable differences between those with a standard degree and those with more advanced degrees.

Firstly, taking a Master’s degree can increase employability. Skills such as time-keeping, meeting deadlines and communication can be enhanced whilst studying on a Master’s. Taught modules, dissertations and other pieces of coursework can also further develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and data analysis as well as project management and research skills. Apart from this, students will also receive an internationally recognised qualification in the form of a graduate degree. All of which can give candidates an edge when applying for a job.

Secondly, a Master’s degree will allow students to specialise in whatever area they choose. It could be a totally new field of study or further study of a previously explored subject area. Specialist knowledge gained on a Master’s degree could also help students who are already building a career, for example, gaining an LLM (Masters of Law) could open up jobs in much narrower fields of the subject, such as Intellectual Property Law or Environmental Risk Assessment.

A Master’s degree is also ideal preparation for those who want to pursue a PhD or doctorate. The specialist knowledge and research skills that are developed on a graduate degree provide a good basis for more advanced study in the form of a PhD.

As with other degrees, a Master’s will also help students to develop as people over the course of study. Confidence and personal development can prove to be vital when looking for work, or indeed undertaken further study.

Lastly, successfully graduating from a Master’s course can also serve to provide the graduate increased earning potential. Many people have a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s can serve to make candidates more valuable, and thus they can earn more.

There are many reasons to take a graduate degree, but at the same time, there are many questions candidates should ask themselves before taking the plunge. However, it is evident that having a graduate degree can make a massive difference to a person’s life. Benefits can include financial gain, personal development and career development.