When it comes to obtaining a master’s degree, many students prefer to study part-time rather than full-time for some reasons.
And you still get all of the benefits of a full-time master’s degree, such as a higher salary and more job opportunities.
However, the real question still remains “Which is the best between the two?” right?. Well keep reading to see the pros and cons of the two types.
What is a Part-Time Masters?
Part-time Masters degrees typically take two years to complete. The course structure will be determined by the institution.
Some will expect you to finish all taught modules in the first year and work on your dissertation in the second. Others will provide a more diverse mix over the next two years.
There are numerous reasons why you might want to study part-time. The advantages of this mode of study, such as flexibility, are usually very appealing to those who have a lot on their plate.
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How many hours a week is a part-time Masters?
If you want to work as a part-time research student, you must first discuss the nature and hours of your work with us.
Busy schedules should be at least 15 hours per week, in the London area, and during normal working hours.
In fact, they’re ideal if you’re considering returning to university as a mature student or working while studying for a Masters.
What is a Full-Time Master?
A full-time Masters degree usually takes one year to complete and is considered the more traditional mode of study for students.
Full-time study, as opposed to part-time, is a more intensive experience that will require a larger proportion of your time on a weekly basis.
Read also: Can I Get Ph.D Programs Without Masters?
What are the Advantages of a Part-Time Masters?
Flexibility: Due to work or family obligations, a rigid study schedule may be difficult to maintain. Part-time employment is thus an excellent way to spread the workload because you will only need to devote a few days per week.
Furthermore, the growing number of online courses available may help reduce commute time.
Less intense: Increasing your workload results in a less intense academic experience. If you are prone to stress when it comes to deadlines, studying part-time can make the experience more manageable.
Can begin/continue working: Because a part-time Masters program consumes less of your working week, you will have more time to begin or continue your career.
While a Masters degree is an excellent addition to a resume, practical experience is also highly valued. This way, you’ll get the best of both worlds!
Distributes the financial commitment: At last, one of the great advantages of part-time study is that your tuition can be spread out over two years.
And while you will always be obligated to pay the full course cost (unless you are sponsored), tuition payments will be spread out over twice as long.
Read also: Masters or PhD: Which is the Best Option for You?
What are the Advantages of a Full-Time Masters?
Constant contact: As with the first point, you will have more frequent contact with the department, be it for planned training hours or supervisor consultations.
Direct interaction can frequently make a student feel more supported and involved in their academic community.
Faster development opportunities: Finally, the increased rate of education and higher level of contact will allow you to develop the necessary skills to pass faster.
Despite the fact that it is more intensive, some people believe that graduating in a shorter period of time is more beneficial.
What are Their Disadvantages?
Part-time and Full-time studies, on the other hand, may not be suitable for everyone, however, it is important to consider their potential drawbacks.
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Full-Time Masters
Budgetary constraints: The financial commitment is the most significant disadvantage of full-time study.
Though postgraduate student loans and other forms of funding are available, it can be difficult to cover the entire cost of a Masters degree.
Paying rent or using public transportation on a daily basis may also contribute to your financial commitment.
Work opportunities are waning: Because a full-time course is more intensive, there are often fewer opportunities to gain work experience. Some courses may provide placements; however, these are usually temporary (sometimes only a semester long).
Increased workload: Full-time study will also entail a greater workload. There may be frequent deadlines, and you will be required to submit a dissertation within a year.
Because intensive academic work is not for everyone, spreading out deadlines may help make a course more manageable.
Part-Time Masters
Long-term focus can be a challenge: The first disadvantage is that a part-time course will take longer and may be more difficult to focus on.
Less opportunity to socialize: Part-time study is still less common than full-time study, which is another significant downsize.
Though many people study part-time, the majority of your peers will most likely be studying full-time and will graduate much sooner. You’ll also spend less time on campus, making socializing more difficult.
Increased living expenses: Part-time Masters programs, on the other hand, can actually cost you more in the long run because you’ll need to cover your living expenses for two years.
Of course, this is easier to do if you can work while studying, but it’s something to consider.
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Conclusion
You’ve probably realized that the disadvantages of full-time study are counteracted by the advantages of part-time study, and vice versa. There is no ‘correct thing’ to study for a Masters, so choose the mode that best suits your work style and current commitments. So which is the Best for you?
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