What are the differences in the curriculum, teaching methods, and career prospects associated with the two programmes?
Making a decision never comes easy, but the process should always be backed by logical thinking and applied justification borne of research.
In this section, we have tried to summarize the most important questions you should ask yourself before starting any Masters programme. It is important to keep in mind that the more information you gather, the more aware you will be, and the more confused it could leave you as well! Adopt a practical approach, taking into account as many simulations as possible, then work on the most sound permutation and combination of the various criteria - and start submitting applications as early as possible.
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While you're in school, you may have a certain idea of where you want your life/career to head; finding the right masters programme is the next logical step. If you are working, your choices are pretty much outlined: either you embark on a specialist masters programme that will further advance your career in the same field propelling you vertically; or you diversify and enrol on a course that is becoming more significant in the job sector; or you enrol in a field that interests you, which may not be what you have received your formal and primary training in.
It may seem obvious, but the truth is that the exact degree you pursue will have the single most transformative effect on your professional life after you graduate. You should make sure that whatever specific area of study you choose as a degree subject is perfectly suited to both your strengths and your goals. Because the consequences of this most basic decision will have long-lasting effects over the years to come, and long after you have graduated.
The key to taking the right decision is to ensure that you consider all the options with a clear and open mind and some foresight into the impact it will have. One fundamental is not to enter a field of study without having considered all your options first, and without having looked carefully at how that decision will affect your professional life after graduation. Make sure you understand all the ramifications of choosing a specific area of study before settling on it. The whole point of pursuing a graduate education is to achieve your goals. These goals could touch base on all fronts: be it professional, personal, intellectual or even academic. You need to be at ease with your decisions, and be aware of their implications