What is a Masters degree?
A Masters degree is a qualification awarded to students who show a high level of expertise in a particular field. It's at level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) - above Bachelors but below Doctoral.
Masters study is intense and ends with a thesis. The qualification shouldn't be confused with the Scottish Master of Arts (MA), which is an undergraduate degree awarded by certain universities.
How long is a Masters degree in the UK?
Full-time study lasts one or two years, but part-time study can take two to four. Courses normally begin in September or October, though some start in January or February.
Types of Masters degrees
There are two main types of Masters - taught and research. These are further broken down into individual qualifications. Key options, in order of popularity, include:
MSc (Master of Science);
MA (Master of Arts);
MPhil (Master of Philosophy);
MRes (Master of Research);
LLM (Master of Laws);
MLitt (Master of Letters);
MD (Doctor of Medicine);
MFA (Master of Fine Arts);
MEd (Master of Education).
I believe the partaking in a Masters Degree is a chance for me to further develop my skills, enjoy another year in education and somewhat separate myself from the masses, however there are negatives.
Positives:
1/2 Years of further education will help me develop my practice further.
I will have recently turned 21 before starting a Masters Degree, although I realise age is just a number in the industry, I believe I am in no rush to get into the industry.
Another 1/2 years of education will be enjoyable.
Obtaining the degree could help me stand above the masses.
My portfolio will become stronger and the content will be self directed work that expresses my practice more than any commercial work could.
It gives me the chance to network and find contacts that may be very useful in the future.
On a personal level, I want to live in another city, studying at Leeds College Of Art for 5 years after Graduation has made Leeds feel saturated.
Completing a Masters degree will help me specialise into art direction while in education and not in a working environment in which the process will be longer.
Funding is now available from 16/17
Negatives:
Paying for the degree myself will add to my ever growing student debt.
Going into post graduate immediately without any substantial industry experience may result in me missing out on crucial development of a designer in a working environment.
I have to decide if the qualification and experience is worth the money.
Funding:
'The Government has announced that, from 2016-2017, UK postgraduate students under 30 years of age can apply for loans of up to £10,000. In the meantime, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is being given £50 million to offer awards of £10,000 restricted to 'underrepresented' students. The following conditions will apply – you must:
have taken an undergraduate course for which you were charged the higher tuition fee since 2012-13
be studying full- or part-time for a taught master’s degree for a maximum of two years
be living permanently in the UK or European Union (EU)
be from a group that is evidentially under-represented among the course provider’s taught master's population. This can be determined by where your family live, disability, household income, status as a carer, whether you are in receipt of benefits or are the first in your family to go to university'
My year of study will be 2016/17 If I start immediately.
Part time or full time?
'Tuition fees per year are lower for part-time qualification. However, it will take you longer to complete your studies. So, overall, the amount you pay will be the same or maybe even higher. The main advantage of studying part-time is that it allows you to work and study at the same time.'
Taken from MMU Masters in Graphic Design and Art Direction
'Fees
UK and EU full-time student fees: £1,080 per 30 credits. Non-EU full-time international student fees: £12,500. A Masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits. An MFA requires a further 120 credits following completion of MA. Tuition fees may be subject to annual inflationary increase.'
MMU Masters in Graphic Design and Art Direction:
£6,480 1 year full time.
MA Graphic Design Communication @ Chelsea College Of Arts:
£8,000 1 year full time.
MA Creative Practice @ Leeds College Of Art
£4,800 1 year full time.
MA PUBLISHING @ London College Of Communication
£8,000 1 Year Full Time
'Analysing different audiences. Commissioning content. Working across multiple platforms. A career in the publishing sector is dynamic and diverse. Gain the professional tools you'll need and build your network, experience and research skills with this resource-rich programme. You'll collaborate to conceive and deliver print and digital prototypes and have the opportunity to engage with leading industry players.'
Studying a postgraduate course could be a possibility, with some countries having non existent tuition fees, the thought is attractive.
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