Five reasons to start an online MSc degree

Five reasons to start an online MSc degree by Amber Rolfe Looking to go further than your degree? You should start an online MSc…Studying for a Master’s degree is a great way to expand your knowledge, boost your career prospects, and build on what you learnt at undergraduate level. And with whole MSc courses now available to be taken online, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home â€" at a time that suits your schedule.We spoke to the University of Bath, to find out a few of the best reasons to start an online MSc degree:To improve your career prospects In certain industries, an undergraduate degree is a qualification which employers have come to expect. Consequently, it is increasingly difficult to differentiate yourself from other graduates, whatever your chosen career path.So what can you do to make your CV count in an increasingly competitive job market?By gaining a Master’s degree you will not only become qualified for a higher number of roles, it also gives you the edge â€" letting employers kn ow that you’re dedicated to learning, growth, and being the best you can be in your respective field.MScs are especially useful for those looking to move into scientific or engineering-based roles, with certain employers in these sectors even considering them prerequisites.In fact, having an MSC will help set you apart in almost any industry. Even if it’s just to demonstrate your in-depth understanding of your field.To expand your knowledgeMaster’s degrees aren’t just a great way to progress your career. They also contribute to your personal development.For example, whilst undergraduate degrees allow you to cover your chosen topic in a broad sense, Master’s degrees provide the opportunity to delve deeper into a specific area. It will give you the chance to discover more about a topic you’re passionate about.Additionally, with an online MSc you’ll be studying alongside students from all around the globe, providing you with valuable knowledge sharing and networking benef its â€" and the chance to keep your skills as up-to-date as possible. “Led by leading academics in their fields, the teaching quality on the  MSc Economics is exceptional. Its the combination of theory with real life applications which most excites me. The course is providing me with top level skills for dealing with a wide range of theoretical and real-world issues in economics.”Yasin Dalgic, campus MSc Economics graduate  To boost your salary Gaining a Master’s degree isn’t just a good way to go further in your career â€" it could also boost your earnings.In fact, students with postgraduate degrees can expect to earn around £5,000 more a year than those who only have an undergraduate degree. That adds up to an extra £200,000 in a lifetime.And with employers in certain industries basing their earning potential and career opportunities on your education level (e.g. science, healthcare, education, law, business), a Master’s could be one of the only ways to get ahead in yo ur chosen field.So even if this isn’t your main reason for studying â€" it’s certainly an added bonus (literally).To change careers Changing careers can be difficult, especially if you’ve been in your current job for a long time.Not only is it a daunting prospect, it also requires a different body of knowledge and experience.Master’s degrees provide you with an in-depth understanding of a particular area (that you may not currently have much experience in), making them a great way to change your career direction and ultimately qualify for the job you want.And with an online MSc, you don’t even have to put your current career on hold to learn, meaning there is no short term career sacrifice to getting yourself qualified.To study flexibly Not sure you’d have the time for a Master’s? Don’t panic.Online MSc degrees allow you to study at your own pace, around work, at any time, and from any location. All without ever having to sacrifice your current commitments and income .In fact, as Master’s degrees are most popular amongst working people with careers and/or families, they allow you to study entirely on your own terms.Not only do you have more freedom in what you learn about (and how you learn it), you can also benefit from a flexible timetable.So whether you want to study part-time, distance learning, in a classroom, or a combination of several methods, you’ll be able to make studying work around you. ‘By taking our campus programmes online, it makes them more accessible to adult learners who are balancing a busy schedule of work and family responsibilities. It will also increase our reach into a new student demographic, particularly mid-career professionals.’Professor Bernie Morley, Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Bath.Why study online with the University of Bath? The University of Bath is the 6th best university in the UK (according to The Guardian University Guide  2020), with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research.O ffering course content connected to the real world the University equips their students with the knowledge they need to thrive in the workplace. You’ll be able to choose from online Master’s courses in Applied Economics (with Banking and Financial Markets), Entrepreneurship Management and Innovation and Computer Science, learning from international experts in the field.Not only is each course developed with the job market in mind, they give you the support you need to achieve your career goals.Here are a few reasons to study 100% online with the University of Bath:Ongoing support from personal tutors, faculty members, student experience officers, and student services â€" not to mention tech support 24/7Excellent career prospectsGold in the TEF in 20174th for student experience in THE Student Experience Survey 201887% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent The Research Excellence Framework â€" REF 2014Ranked  3rd  in the top 15 of British universities for resea rch quality Complete University Guide  2020Find out more    Want to learn more about how an online MSc degree could change your career? Enquire now.  The University of Bath is a leading UK university, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses taught by experts in the field.  Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the