Whether you are an undergraduate at a crossroads or you are looking to return to education after a period away, the decision to study for an MSc could be the defining moment in your career. There is evidence to suggest that pursuing an MaE might be an effective way to set your CV apart in the eyes of potential recruiters. Research carried out in 2014 by the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HESCU) found that in 25-29 year olds, the rate of unemployment among postgraduates (10.8%) was lower than in undergraduates (14.4%) six months after graduating.

While a master’s degree might be a great way to set yourself apart before a prospective employer, will it fetch you a higher salary? There is some evidence that it might. Research by the Association of Graduate Recruiters showed that in 2014, graduates with a master’s degree attracted around £3,500 more annually than graduates without, so it might be a worthy investment.

If you want to change your career direction or transition into a management role, an MSc might be the ideal pathway for you. A postgraduate degree could help you bridge your knowledge gap, irrespective of your undergraduate discipline. For example, to transition into an educational career, you would need an MA in Education, like the one offered at the University of Exeter, is one such degree that could help enhance your employability and help you achieve your career goals.

Most postgraduate degrees offer simulated environments where students gain working experience by creating pseudo classrooms within controlled learning environments. These exercises are useful in building real-world skills, such as effective communication and working with diverse teams.

An online postgraduate degree could also help you network your way into improved career prospects. You could take the opportunity to develop a network of contacts and get your name out in the right circles in order to secure employment opportunities later. Programmes such as the MA in Educatoin, offered by the University of Exeter, provide students with a great opportunity to secure contacts across the globe within an online virtual learning environment.

It is important not to underestimate the demands involved in pursuing a masters degree. Nowadays, however, the time and inconvenience involved has been alleviated through online learning. Access to online courses means that you no longer have to forego your professional career or personal life because you can access courses anytime to meet your own time schedules. This means that you never have to put your career on hold. We also have Student Support Advisers ready to help you start and complete your programme. They are with you every step of the way from the moment you first begin your master’s degree, right up until you receive your certificate.

The decision to pursue an online master’s degree is a personal one, so if you are still undecided, we encourage you to contact us at the University of Exeter Online to speak to someone directly about your options.