One of the biggest decisions, when you've chosen to study a master's degree, is how long the course should take. Most on-campus MA/MSc courses come in a choice of one or two-year options. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Pros of Part Time Masters
Many graduate employers expect work experience in the industry. In a competitive graduate employment marketplace having experience will give you an edge. Working while you study helps you gain experience and qualifications.
Most people choose to study part time for the flexibility. Part-time postgraduate degrees are much less intense than full time. This means you have more time to do other things. This is especially useful for parents or carers.
A two-year MA/MSc also gives you more time to think about and work on your dissertation – arguably the most important piece of academic work you will ever produce.
Cons of Part Time Masters
The main disadvantage of studying part time is the extra cost involved. Two years rather than one year of rent, another of the large expenditures associated with postgraduate study. Not earning a full-time wage for two years is more problematic financially for some people.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the free time you have. Although this can help you balance commitments, there is a danger of letting studies slide when family and other issues are an everyday presence.
Some students don’t realise that part-time degrees still present them with a lot of academic work. Complacency can be problematic here.
Pros of a Full Time Masters
The ability and commitment to complete a master’s degree in one year demonstrate a number of skills to potential future employers including time management, diligence, dedication and the ability to work under intense pressure.
With a full-time master’s, the long-term costs are lower, especially for rent. This means a shorter period of having little to no income. For those who are conscious of building up too much debt during their studies, this may be the better choice.
The third advantage is momentum. Juggling multiple interests such as a job and a family along with your studies potentially leads to distractions. When your MA/MSc is your main priority, it’s easier to keep the momentum and the focus.
Cons of Full Time Masters
Some students are put off by the intensity of studying full-time. There is no time to work to earn a little extra cash as you may have done at undergraduate level. Studying 50-60 hours per week, almost every week for a year is a little too much for some to handle
Naturally, as an extension of this, many other commitments will go out of the window. Students with children or caring commitments find that they cannot cope with the depth and volume of work. Grades may suffer.