If you wish to broaden your expertise in a specific field of study, pursue additional passions after earning your bachelor's degree, or advance your professional career, studying for a master degree abroad may be an appropriate choice.
For this, prospective candidates should be aware of the demanding nature of different types of master's degree programmes and be ready for a prolonged educational endeavour that draws on their undergraduate work and/or previous work experience.
One of the most significant advantages of enrolling in a master degree programme abroad is having an opportunity to pursue education at highly regarded institutions. A master's degree effectively widens your circle of possibilities because it enables you to serve outside of the school setting in addition to deepening your subject matter expertise. Additionally, it goes without saying that it distinguishes you from competitors for your work in an international marketplace.
So, if you are confused about what is master degree meaning when it comes to studying abroad, its types, eligibility, master degree scope abroad, etc., continue reading below!
What is Master Degree?
A master degree abroad is a postgraduate academic credential awarded to candidates who accomplished their coursework and showed an elevated level of knowledge in a specific subject of research or field associated with professional practice.
Depending on whether you study full- or part-time, studying for a master degree abroad usually takes nearly between one and three years to attain. Additionally, there are three-year master's programs that are part-time and last for three years. The precise amount of time depends on your chosen master's degree type, the specialisation you have opted for, and the country where you are planning to study abroad.
Graduates with a master degree should have a profound understanding of a restricted spectrum of interdisciplinary and implemented subject matter, a high level of proficiency in the methods and procedures specific to their field of study, and a variety of specialised and marketable abilities developed through self-sufficient research and academic study.
Planning to Study for Your Master’s Degree Abroad?
Why Study Master Degree Abroad?
As discussed, a higher degree of versatility in terms of curricula and study style; concentrating on a particular area of a larger subject, and giving scholars more specialised knowledge are a few characteristics of master's degrees. The following are a few typical reasons why you should choose to pursue a master degree abroad:
Global Employment Prospects
Institutions overseas usually collaborate with an assortment of prestigious companies for placement opportunities. Therefore, enrolling in one of these educational institutions can assist you in landing a position with any of these coveted businesses, launching your profession at an international platform and integrating yourself into the job market on a global scale.
Hands-On Teaching Approach
Institutions abroad are widely recognised for delivering students a practical education. Master degree programmes overseas teach individuals by combining theory and practice. This methodology of instruction aids students to comprehend material more effectively and gives them a pragmatic learning strategy that will benefit them in their potential careers.
International Exposure
Your entire CV or resume will benefit from your master's degree study abroad. Your job application would remain highly sought after even if you moved back home because employers are constantly looking for students with worldwide exposure and a global outlook.
Associate of an Exclusive International Network
You join an esteemed worldwide network when you pursue a master degree abroad. You will have the chance to interact with fellow students from around the world while studying abroad and exchange ideas, experiences, and expertise. You can also come across people who share your interests, which could result in potential business collaborations.
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Types of Master Degree Abroad
Teachable master's degrees and research-based master's degrees are the two primary categories of master degrees abroad, respectively. The academic work required for taught master's degrees, also known as course-based master's degrees, is significantly more planned, and students must adhere to a schedule of seminars, lectures, and supervision in addition to picking an independent research topic.
On the reverse side, research-based master's degrees demand a lot of self-directed work, which enables individuals to embark on a lengthier dissertation with fewer classroom sessions. Additionally, there are master's programmes that are designed for working professionals (also known as executive master's degrees) along with combined master's programmes that serve as a direct continuation of an undergraduate degree. Check the EMBA programme for detailed information. The following are a few types of master degree abroad:
Master of Arts (MA)
After earning their bachelor's degree, candidates can pursue an MA degree, which is a postgraduate certification. The disciplines of arts, humanities, and social sciences are where this degree is typically provided. MA is one of the ancient professional degrees which, curiously enough, was originally intended to be a degree for instructors. Research, essay writing, group discussions, and hands-on training are all commonly utilised as ways of learning in MA studies.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA is intended to equip graduates with the necessary skills and expertise needed for managerial and commercial responsibilities. Applicants receive thorough training in every possible facet of the business, enabling them to apply what they learn to a range of vocations. Most MBA programmes abroad need a minimum of three years of professional work experience, and many applicants are during their careers professionals. Additionally, an MBA can be combined with a specialisation in a particular area of interest, such as accounting or finance.
Master of Science (MSc, MS)
Typically, the sciences — which include fields like engineering, chemistry, biology, medicine, and statistics — award master's degrees (MS, MSc). Depending on the university, several disciplines, like the social sciences and economics, might be classified as both arts and sciences when it comes to master's degree programmes. Further, it is possible that the MS in certain fields has a higher research emphasis and can be seen as having higher worth than an MA in any particular field.
Master of Research (MRes)
MRes degree is designed to instruct students in the skills necessary to work as researchers. The programme could provide individuals with a benefit if they want to obtain a PhD or begin their careers in research since it has a much higher research component than MA or MSc programmes. Before making an application, be aware that certain universities abroad might refer to degree programmes with an MRes-style curriculum as an MSc.
Master of Architecture (M Arch)
To be licenced, graduates of the M Arch degree programmes must pass comprehensive exams, complete a thesis or final project, and/or complete practical internships. There could be numerous names for various sorts of programmes because M Arch degrees come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The course curriculum in disciplines including structural engineering, building science, architectural history, design, and theory, and professional practice are expected of graduates.
Master of Laws (LLM)
Typically pursued after earning a professional law degree, an LLM degree offers applicants the ability to integrate their understanding of the fundamental competencies required to practise law with the specialised knowledge acquired through research in one specific field of law.
Eligibility Criteria for Studying Master Degree Abroad
Nearly 500,000 students from all over the world obtain their master's degrees annually, as per the statistics by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The most popular areas of interest in master's courses include group independent research, projects, and intense study. The master's degree abroad programmes enable international students to receive schooling that complies with international norms. The following are the eligibility criteria for studying master degree abroad:
English Language Proficiency Requirements
This applies to individuals who are native speakers of English who have finished their secondary schooling in the English language in a nation where the language is spoken. The TOEFL or IELTS are recommended for scholars who need to demonstrate their English language skills.
Up to the Mark Undergraduate Academic Record
Given that it serves as a predictor of future success, institutions abroad typically require candidates to have outstanding undergrad academic records. Without considering any additional criteria, individuals who scored highly in their bachelor curriculum are typically shortlisted.
Acceptable Standardised Test Scores
Results from standardised evaluations are typically necessary for MSc or MBA studies. Individuals applying to institutions overseas are often asked to take the GRE and GMAT to see whether they can blend in well. Candidates must also meet a minimum score requirement to be considered for admittance to these colleges.
Previous Professional Work Experience
Institutions abroad will next look at your employment history to decide if you might make a suitable match for the school if you did not have a solid undergraduate academic record. In these situations, candidates should have a minimum of between two and three years of pertinent job experience along with their work experience certificates.
It’s a wrap!
There are several alternatives to learn and broaden your horizons when you study for a master degree abroad. Before selecting the type of master's degree you would like to pursue, take into account your hobbies, objectives, finances, time constraints, and aspirations. Check for admission standards, course offerings, instructors, credibility, and results of the academic courses you are curious about. You will then be able to select the kind of master degree abroad that most closely matches your professional goals.
Confused about how to choose a master degree specialisation that appropriately meets your career objectives? Reach out to us at abroad@collegdekho.com. and let our experts resolve your queries as soon as possible!
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