For the average graduate, the idea of ploughing more money into further study without the guarantee of a job at the end seems nonsensical.
But an increasing number of graduates are finding that their initial BA/BSC qualifications are not enough to set them apart from the competition, and that some sort of specialist edge is looked upon favourably by potential employers.
A Master’s in Education, after you have achieved a teaching degree, may see you commanding a higher salary at work or being put first in line for higher paid subject co-ordinator positions.
Speaking to The Guardian newspaper, Gitte Pedersen felt that her Master’s degree, from London South Bank University, in international marketing helped her secure a role at advertising agency Ogilvy;
"I had picked the course for its industry links," she says. "I knew the course director had regular contact with alumni working in marketing, and that that led to a lot of job opportunities. I hoped that as well as improving my knowledge and boosting what I could offer a firm, the course would give me access to a whole secret network of jobs, and it did. Ultimately, that led to my job offer as an ad operations executive – I don't think I'd have heard about the position otherwise."
For Carl Gilleard, Chief Executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, taking on a MA, which may cost anything upwards of £4,000 a year, is a move that should be carefully considered:
"If post-graduate qualifications are undertaken for the right reason and graduates are able to explain their worth to prospective employers, they can be very worthwhile additions to a CV.
"But motivation is important. If it's just to delay the job search or as a last resort after failing to secure a job, then it's not worthwhile."
Have you considered the value of studying for a Master’s degree? Do you think it would enhance your prospects of securing a graduate position?