Career and studies

Should I do a master's degree?

Now, later or never: seven questions to see if a master's will pay you back.

Should I do a master's degree? The quiz

Work choices touch money, pride and who we are, so it is normal for this one to weigh on you. Your answers stay on your device; nobody else sees them.

1Do the jobs you want ask for a master's?
2Will it raise your salary enough to repay its cost within five years?
3Do you know exactly which programme and why?
4Can you pay for it without heavy debt, or will an employer fund it?
5Are you doing it mainly to delay finding a job?
6Would two years of work experience help you more than the degree?
7Do you love the subject enough to study it in depth?
7 questions

When a master's pays off

It pays when an industry requires it (some engineering, psychology, data science and teaching roles), when an employer funds it, or when it lets you switch fields. It rarely pays as a way to put off the job hunt.

Questions people ask

Is a master's worth it?

It depends on the field and the cost. Look at job ads for the roles you want: if most ask for one, yes. If few do, experience is usually worth more.

Should I work before doing a master's?

Usually yes. Two or three years of work help you pick the right course, make the degree more useful and may get it paid for.

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