Thinking of doing a master’s? Here's what you really need to know

If you're like us, you're probably at a crossroads asking yourself ‘should I dive straight into a master’s degree after graduating, take a break, or get a job?’

As final-year BSc Business Management and MSc Global Health & Social Medicine students at King’s, we've spent countless hours researching, chatting with alumni, professors and recruiters, and thinking about this choice.

So, here are some points you should consider while deciding whether to do a master's or not.

Will a master's boost your career?

Duy Anh: As a business undergraduate working on my career, I’m at a point where I need to decide what comes next. I’m exploring my options, thinking about what I can do versus what I should do, and figuring out the best path forward. Whether it’s further study or gaining work experience, I want to make a choice that aligns with my goals and sets me up for long-term success.

In short: it depends on your field.

Some degrees, especially from prestigious institutions like KCL, LSE, Imperial College London or London Business School, can significantly boost your earning potential.

However, returns vary greatly depending on what subject you want to study.

Tip: Do targeted research. Talk to professionals through LinkedIn, attend King’s Careers fairs and reach out to King's alumni to get realistic career insights.

Beyond the degree, a visa matters too

International students form a large part of the King's community, perhaps due to attractive visa options like the UK's two-year Graduate visa (or three-year for PhD graduates). But remember, having a master's does not automatically secure long-term employment.

Tip: Network extensively, secure internships and build professional relationships early. Use resources like UKCISA to understand post-study work visa implications fully.

Should you work first?

Most alumni we spoke to who completed a master's immediately after their bachelor's admitted: 'I wish I'd waited.' Gaining work experience first can offer clarity about your career path and significantly enhance your employability.

Tip: Doing research and considering your options carefully is crucial. This not only helps to confirm your career interests but could also provide the financial stability to support future studies.

Funding your master's

There are a number of ways you could fund your master’s degree, including:

• UK government postgraduate loans (for home-fee status students)
• Employer sponsorship for part-time master’s (especially common in sectors like finance, consultancy and tech
• King's and external scholarships and bursaries

Make an informed and strategic choice

Michelle: After completing my undergraduate degree with an integrated master’s at Bristol, deciding to pursue another master’s wasn’t easy. I wanted a program that aligned with my long-term goals, both academically and personally. Choosing a part-time master’s allowed me to balance university and explore work opportunities in London.

When it comes to choosing a master’s, it's important to treat it as a strategic investment. I didn’t just choose it to avoid entering the job market! I researched my options, spoke with those who had already walked the path and assessed how it aligned with my long-term career and life goals.

A master’s should be purposeful, not a decision made out of uncertainty.

So, before committing, consider all your options, internships, entry-level roles or even a gap year. This way, when you decide on a master’s, you’ll do it with intention and clarity. Trust yourself, but make sure you're aware of the facts.

Starting-point resources for researching your master’s:

• King's Postgraduate Study Guide
• Funding Your Postgraduate Degree
• Study at King's
• The Economist’s articles on master’s degrees (free full subscription available for King's students)
• The Telegraph’s articles on master’s degrees