1 year masters worthwhile?

Dermighty

Hi all,

A question regarding post grad qualifications.

I was looking into Cranfield university in the UK in particular their one year masters programs to add on to a level 8 mechanical engineering degree from Cit here in Cork.

Is a masters a worthwhile pursuit or is it a waste of a year when compared to a years experience working in the industry.

I'd eventually like a job in Ireland as I've a young family.

Prenderb

First of all, Make sure if you're going to spend the money and time on it that it will either bring you to level 9 or that it's cheap enough for it not to matter to you.

Then it's a question of whether a years' salary now is worth more to you than the projected extra earnings per year (I have no clue what this would be!) - or even if you can get your hands on a years' salary. If you don't have/can't find work then it's definitely worth considering being in education.

Turbulent Bill

There isn't a straight answer. For a new grad, employers will value work experience over a masters. For someone with experience, a targeted masters might be worth more.

Regardless, it's pointless doing a masters just for the sake of doing it. You need a genuine interest in the subject and/or a clearly-defined plan for how it will help you.

nogoodnamesleft

Personally I think that it would be better for a new graduate to get some relevant experience first and decide on pursuing a MSc if they still have an interest after a few years doing a particular role as it will give them exposure to what other opportunities there are.

From personal experience I worked for a few years and returned to do a MSc in Electrical engineering and studied in a UK university. I found that having experience benefited me both from an experience level but also from a work ethic perspective. It payed off too as I am in a good career earning good money. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the university is accredited by the IET or IMechE.