masters - struggling to finish

melancholly

well i think specific qualifications for education are different from the more general situation of doing a diploma instead of a masters. in general terms, a diploma won't mean much to many employers whereas a specific PGCE or PGDE is clearly a requirement for teaching work.

bobajob_1966

mrsg26 wrote: »

I have no real words of wisdom as I am in a similar situation albeit writing my dissertation for my final honours year. However Im interested in knowing why a Masters is seen as the only way forward in gaining suitable employment? After my BA Hons I am planning on doing a PGDE to qualify as a primary teacher but in Scotland certainly a Postgraduate Diploma is a widely recognised qualification, is that not the case in the rest of the UK? Or does it depend on the intended occupation? I have been studying full time for the last 4 years whilst holding down a job in a bank and doing volunteer work in Primary schools, all whilst raising my 4 yr old daughter. It is worrying to think that an employer would think that I didn't have the motivation or drive to complete a Masters when the reality is entirely different. Sorry for jumping onto someone else's thread I was just curious as to why a Postgrad Diploma is not really seen as a viable option?

A PGDE is different, it is the norm for entering education. However where there are less specific forms of entry to a field, I would agree with others that a diploma implies that someone was trying for a Masters but for whatever reason failed to complete the dissertation. Almost like getting an undergrad degree without honours, it is still an achievement, but people will always question why?

OP, I'm doing my dissertation at the mo, it has to be in by mid December and between now and then I've got a two week holiday and a family wedding that seems to be taking over my life. I share your intrepidation, but it will be worth it in the end.