Developing Qualifications after degree.

3plus1

nearlyrich wrote:

I won't take offence at your implication that once you start work you cease to learn and improve,:p I have learned a lot from on the job training over the years and I am still learning and hopefully improving;)

Yes, but if you "learn and improve" whilst being a student, there's a completely different lifestyle involved.

(Agree with you though. I'm applying for graduate positions which will train me up on the job, rather than trying to embark on a new degree course.)

Phil, what are you hoping to do after this masters of yours?

studentphil

nearlyrich wrote:

I won't take offence at your implication that once you start work you cease to learn and improve,:p I have learned a lot from on the job training over the years and I am still learning and hopefully improving;)

My progressive company allocate a generous training budget to each member of staff every year and it doesn't have to be directly related to the role that is held.

People do get excellent jobs earning above the average wage without degrees let alone post grad study and another advantage is they don't have massive student loans to repay.

I never meant that you do not learn on the job, sorry if you thought I did.

I know I can probably have a happy and successful life without a masters or PG study at all.

studentphil

3plus1 wrote:

Yes, but if you "learn and improve" whilst being a student, there's a completely different lifestyle involved.

(Agree with you though. I'm applying for graduate positions which will train me up on the job, rather than trying to embark on a new degree course.)

Phil, what are you hoping to do after this masters of yours?

I am fairly open to be honest what I would do.

Recruitment to IT -- I am open to that scope of sectors really.

[Deleted User]

So you want to do a masters for the sake of doing a masters? It's a really expensive year out if you aren't committed

studentphil

ringo_24601 wrote:

So you want to do a masters for the sake of doing a masters? It's a really expensive year out if you aren't committed

Not really

I am interested in learning more Business/ economics stuff, computing knowledge, history of technology or even disability studies. So really I have the interests to do about 5 masters. I am committed to knowing more about all of them.

studentphil

Put it this way I could do an Advanced Diploma in disability studies, probanly a professional certificate in Management, read up for hobby in history of technology.
So I could avoid a masters all together, but it might just add another level to my CV than just doing Certs and diplomas.

[Deleted User]

None of those sound like 'masters' level subjects.., sounds quite like my friend's degree in business and computing though. Masters isn't about learning more stuff, it's about learning it at masters level.

May I suggest you go to this site:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Find_courses_and_research/p!eacge?mode=Main

and actually have a look what courses you want to do

studentphil

ringo_24601 wrote:

None of those sound like 'masters' level subjects.., sounds quite like my friend's degree in business and computing though. Masters isn't about learning more stuff, it's about learning it at masters level.

May I suggest you go to this site:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Find_courses_and_research/p!eacge?mode=Main

and actually have a look what courses you want to do

What do you define as learning at Masters level?

3plus1

studentphil wrote:

Recruitment to IT -- I am open to that scope of sectors really.

Phil, if you really have no idea what it is that you want to do, embarking on a Masters is a mistake. It's not going to make you any more employable, or give you an insight into which job you'd like to do best.

I think it would be a wise move to put off doing the postgrad for a year at at least, and in the meantime, apply for internships in the sectors that interest you. Get a real taste for what it is you want to do, and having established that, if you really feel that a masters will enhance your careers prospects, at least you'll know which course will actually benefit you.

Don't do a postgrad just to put off making your mind up.

[Deleted User]

I've stolen from here: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/med/study/cpd/subject_index/diabetes/newstudents/whatis/

Masters degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

1. A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
2. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
3. Ability to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

1. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
2. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
3. Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.