If you are consider upskilling yourself, either through a master’s degree or a short course, you should know what the benefits of the two are.
In general, a master's course offers a transformative educational experience that can greatly impact your personal and professional development. For many people, the master’s degree is considered as a “U-turn” which leads them to new opportunities while the others prefer short courses due to time constraints, low fees, practical knowledge and flexibility. What would you choose and why?
Master’s degree
There are a number of ways by which a master’s degree will enhance not only your current skills and network, but also your future opportunities:
- Comprehensive learning: A master's course offers an in-depth educational experience and structured curriculum that covers a broad range of topics within a specific field, ensuring a thorough understanding and mastery of the subject.
- Recognised qualification: This is an important point. A master's degree is a widely recognised qualification that can significantly enhance your career prospects and open doors to advanced opportunities which often leads to a better income.
- Specialisations: Master's programs allow you to specialise in a particular area of interest, such as an MIB (Master of International Business) or MAI (Master of Artificial Intelligence), equipping you with expert knowledge and skills that can set you apart in the job market.
- Networking opportunities: The duration of a master's program is typically from 18 to 24 months, and this facilitates the development of strong relationships with classmates, lecturers as well as industry professionals. This creates a valuable network that can support your career growth.
- Career advancement: There are jobs which prefer or require candidates who have obtained a master’s degree. This also helps to enhance your prospects for leadership roles.
- Value for money: Due to its nature, the tuition fee of a master course may be higher a short course (depends on course and institution), but the long-term benefits of a postgraduate program in terms of career and income can provide significant value for money compared to multiple short courses.
- Research opportunities: Many master's programs include research which allows you to contribute to your field of study and develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Further study options: You can consider further study options, such as doctoral programs.
If you have the time and finances for a master's course, then the experience will bring you a transformative educational experience that can greatly impact your personal and professional development. However, short courses also have benefits, and you could consider taking a short course in several situations.
Short courses
- Specific skills, immediate application: A short course can provide targeted training if you need to quickly learn a particular skill for your job or personal development. By taking a short course, you can apply new skills immediately in your current profession and stay updated with the latest trends in your field.
- Time constraints: If you have limited time then a short course is a perfect match. You can gain new knowledge or skills in a short time.
- Affordable tuition fees: short courses are generally less expensive than a master's program. If you have budget constraints, taking a short course is a cost-effective way to upgrade your skills.
- Exploration of interest: If you wish to explore a new field or area of interest and are unsure about committing to a full degree, a short course can provide an introduction and help you decide if you want to pursue further study.
- Supplementary learning: If you already have a degree and are looking to complement your existing qualifications with additional skills or knowledge, short courses can be a great way to do so.
- Meeting the requirements for a master's degree: Certain master's programs require students to have certified knowledge in relevant fields, particularly for those who graduated with a bachelor's degree in a different discipline than their intended master's program.
In summary, while a master's degree provides long-term benefits along with foundational, extensive knowledge and professional relationships, short courses are a quick way to supplement and update knowledge and skills.
Whether you want to pursue a master’s program or take a short course, don’t forget to follow RMIT to explore all your educational options!
