Are you interested in pursuing a part-time masters? Are you informed about the pros and cons? Do not worry, we will list the pros and cons of pursuing a part-time masters so you can make an informed decision.
Most students dream of pursuing a full-time masters abroad while enjoying the global experience. However, this is a dream feasible only for a few. This could be due to many factors such as financial constraints or full-time employment holding us back. What if you could still pursue a masters in a renowned university and attain global experience? You certainly can do so with a part-time masters.
A part-time masters is no different than a full-time masters except for the fact that you can complete your course over an extended period and from the comfort of your home. You can complete your part-time course through online modules or you can opt for any of the distance-learning methods. Either way, you are offered the flexibility to complete your masters despite juggling various responsibilities. However, before you decide on opting for a part-time masters, let us take a look at the pros and cons of pursuing one.
Part-Time Masters: Pros and Cons
There are various pros and cons to pursuing a part-time masters, let us explore some of them below:
PROS:
The pros include:
Flexibility: The foremost reason for choosing a part-time masters is the flexibility you are provided to complete your degree. This will enable you to pursue a masters while working or juggling other responsibilities. Additionally, the course content is altered according to your convenience and you can extend your masters as long as you would like to.
Career Opportunities: A part-time masters lets you pursue and chase career opportunities you have been keen on while still studying. Additionally, you also earn while studying which is advantageous for those who are struggling financially.
Dedication: If you are employed full-time and are pursuing a part-time masters, this depicts dedication to both your employer and to the university you are pursuing the masters. It goes to show that you are committed, have excellent time-management skills, and are perseverant.
Self-Discipline: Since pursuing a part-time masters requires you to juggle your work life and studying at the same time, being disciplined with both your studies and work is extremely important. When pursuing a part-time masters, you tend to inculcate self-discipline and even practice it to a great extent. This will not only help you during your masters but is also an important skill to develop for the future.
Support from Tutors: When pursuing part-time masters, the tutors are well aware of your responsibilities. Hence, they are more empathetic when it comes to deadlines. Additionally, they also provide assistance whenever you might require it and are also willing to help you if you miss a class or two.
Self-Funding: If you are working while pursuing a part-time masters, you stand a chance to fund the course yourself. This could be gratifying as you do not require assistance from your family or a bank to fund your masters.
Sponsorship: If you plan on pursuing a part-time masters while working at a reputed company, then this could be advantageous too. If the company sees potential in you and you showcase excellent dedication from your end, the company might offer to sponsor your education.
CONS:
The cons include:
Duration: The biggest drawback of pursuing a part-time masters is the duration of the course. The duration of a part-time masters can range from 1 year to 6 years. If it extends for a longer period, completing your masters might seem like a burden.
Multiple Responsibilities: Unlike a full-time masters, where your sole focus lies on completing the course; a part-time masters requires you to balance your professional responsibilities, personal responsibilities, and your education. This might leave you feeling overwhelmed and might lead to a physical burnout.
Availability: Yet another drawback of pursuing a part-time masters is that it is not easily available and not all universities and organisations offer the option.
As you can see, there are more benefits to pursuing a part-time masters. However, you should only opt for a part-time masters if you are thoroughly confident that you are up for the challenge. Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of pursuing a part-time masters, you can make an informed decision. So, don’t wait any longer and get started.