This blog addresses some of the most commonly known barriers or potential challenges, when it comes to studying for your Master’s. And, attempts to reassure you that investing in yourself is always worthwhile in the long run!
WE GET THAT STUDYING A MASTER’S IS A BIG DEAL!
That's why we've addressed some of the most commonly known barriers or potential challenges, when it comes to studying for your Master’s. With the hope that it goes some way to reassure you that investing in yourself is always worthwhile in the long run!
(POTENTIAL) CONS | DISADVANTAGES | DRAWBACKS
IS IT FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO FIT AROUND MY BUSY LIFESTYLE?
Whether you’re looking for a full-time Master’s or a more flexible, part-time, distance learning, or work-based option. At Portsmouth we’ve got a range of degrees to suit you and your needs. Many of our courses offer both September and January starts and some offer more ad hoc intakes across the year, so there are multiple options open to you.
The truth is, there’s never going to be an ideal time when there’s no distractions whatsoever. So long as you have the determination and desire to achieve, with the support you’ll get from your team of experts at Portsmouth, you'll manage it. And, feel amazing when all the hard work pays off and you get your letters after your name.
IS NOW THE BEST TIME FINANCIALLY?
The cost of living crisis is definitely high on people's agendas right now, and impacting pay rises in the workplace. It could be that you’ll need to invest in yourself and your qualifications to justify a pay rise in this challenging climate, by evidencing your value with formal qualifications.
“Portsmouth does allow me to pay in instalments rather than one big sum, and that does make it much easier and manageable for me”.
Harish Babu,
MSc Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Master’s Loans are still relatively new in comparison to their undergraduate counterparts, but since their introduction in 2016 Postgraduate Master’s Loans have been supporting students to cover their tuition and living costs. You can borrow up to £12,167 over three termly instalments. Your repayments don’t start until the April after you graduate, and you’ll make monthly repayments of 6% of your income (over the first £21,000).
Here at Portsmouth we offer a 20% Alumni Tuition Fee discount to financially support students and allow them to focus on their studies. We also have a dedicated Student Finance Centre that students can turn to for support with applying for funding, managing their money and to apply to additional support funds should they find themselves in financial difficulty.
“I was awarded the alumni tuition fee discount. The discount really helped as it meant the Gov loan I received covered my tuition fees, and most of the money I earnt from my part-time job could be used as disposable income.”
Imogen deAntiquis Spence,
MRes Science and Health
Once you’ve upskilled with a Master’s, you’ll likely be in a position to negotiate a pay uplift or successful in applying to more senior roles, meaning your salary will increase. Making any loan repayment faced, more than manageable for the period it lasts.
HAVE I LEFT IT TOO LATE? IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I LAST STUDIED!
To use a cliche, ‘it’s never too late’ to try your hand at something new! You just need to be willing to put in the effort. Once you’ve settled back into the study ethos you’ll be amazed how quickly a lot of study skills will come flooding back! And, if for any reason this isn’t the case, you’ve got a whole tribe behind you at Portsmouth;
Our Academic Skills team will help with developing your writing, managing assessments, and approaching academic tasks via one-to-one tutorials, online resources, lectures and writing retreats. For those who want to get as much as they can out of their time with us, you can also access hundreds of additional professional development courses for free with Linkedin learning.
You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor to support you throughout your studies. Tutors are academic staff members committed to helping you reach your potential. They’ll provide academic advice for your course, support you personally, write you a reference and discuss your career options with you. They're well-connected through links to wider Uni departments, as well as professionals and companies.
For support outside of your course we have expert support teams to cover all your needs, this includes; counsellors, careers advisers, disability advisers, and immigration, housing, money and welfare specialists and many more.
WILL IT REALLY HELP ME GET A PROMOTION OR HIGHER PAID ROLE?
The stats speak for themselves; the average starting salary for a postgrad is £42,000, while undergrads typically start at around £30,000. Employment rates for postgrads are repeatedly higher (88.2%) than those of undergrads, and 77.4% of postgrads are in high skilled employment. *Graduate Labour Market 2021.
The current recruitment process is far more weighted in favour of the candidate than it was just 5, 10, 20 years ago. More employers and organisations are now open to negotiating starting salaries, flexible working patterns and potential benefits. Having additional professional qualifications like a Master’s will give you leverage to request a discretionary pay bump.
WILL I STILL GET THE ‘UNI EXPERIENCE’ IF I STUDY PART-TIME OR THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING?
Yes, is the simple answer! You can be as hands on or hands off as you like as a part-time or distance learner. You’re in the driving seat when it comes to how you want your experience to look.
You’ll get the same level of support as campus-based students, with interactive digital course material, and streamed lectures and seminars. Plus access to teaching, support staff and a personal tutor via email, phone and video calls.
Instead of heading to lecture halls, you’ll attend online lectures and seminars, or get access to interactive reading material you can study in your own time. You’ll join discussion forums and online chat sessions to connect with lecturers and peers.
"Distance learning appealed as I was able to move back home with my parents and work part-time alongside the course.
The online library services are great and easy to use. It has additional services and advice especially for distance learners, so you don’t miss not being on campus."
Katie Ward, MA Translation Studies
Coursework, assignments and support from lecturers and staff are available in a VLE. Each course module has its own section where you'll find key reading, research papers and reports, and video and audio resources.
You'll have access to the University Library's extensive electronic library. This includes book loans by post (for UK students) and a scanning service - we’ll email you copies of journal articles and book chapters.
Whether you’re on campus, in the office, at home or halfway around the world, your Portsmouth community is always here to help. With a dedicated team in your corner, supporting you to achieve your ambitions, you’ll soon be on your way to your next endeavour.
Still undecided?
Check out part one of this blog for more reasons to invest in yourself with a Master's.