Graduate with a BSc or Integrated Masters, does it make a diffeence?
BSc or Masters STEM degree - does it make a difference?
If you are an undergraduate in the science Faculty at Warwick, you have the opportunity of completing either a 3-year degree or 4-year integrated Masters degree. Perhaps you initially enrolled on the Masters but are now questioning whether you have the interest and motivation to complete the fourth year – or you may be a BSc student who is enjoying your studies and would like to prolong your university experience by another year. So what should you consider if you are trying to decide which is the best option for you?
Are you genuinely interested in a 4th year of study?
Check out the 4th year course content – have you still got the passion for the subject? Are the module options of interest to you? How do you feel about the research project that a STEM integrated Masters may require in the final year? Your decision to undertake a fourth year of study may be motivated primarily by your interest in your subject and your enjoyment of university life. Which is perfectly valid. Moreover, you may feel another year of study gives you more time to gain the type of experience and knowledge of graduate career options to help you make a confident, informed career decision. But be wary of drifting into a 4th year because you want to delay having to make a career decision for another year because uncertainty is making you feel anxious. If you still have that curiosity and enjoyment of the subject matter that attracted you it when you applied through UCAS, that’s a good basis to help you succeed at Masters level.
Is the 4th year of study worth the investment?
As with every career decision, it depends on your perspective and expectations. An integrated masters can develop your subject understanding and underpinning knowledge at a deeper level, but you cannot assume it will automatically elevate you above other candidates with a BSc. For graduate employers selecting a job applicant does not just rest on their academic achievement. Demonstrating your ability to communicate, to work in a team and a variety of other employability skills are as important whether you graduate with a BSc or Masters.
If you have decided to undertake further study and want to apply for a PhD, the 4 year degree may demonstrate your potential and suitability for research in a compelling way. For Jon Duffy, Associate Professor in the University of Warwick’s Physics department “the integrated Masters in Physics is definitely the established (and the normal) route into doctoral research.”
Will it make a difference in your career?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It does depend to a large extent on the career and sector you would like to work in – the Integrated Masters may add value if you are targeting job roles requiring high levels of analytical, problem-solving and research skills. Employers generally do not have separate recruitment streams for BSc and Masters candidates. They may not distinguish between 3 and 4 year applicants, but you could highlight the enhanced skills, maturity and drive that you believe you have developed in your 4th year if you want to differentiate yourself.Once in the workplace however, you may never be asked whether you graduated with a BSc or Masters. Your professional reputation in your company and the progress you may make in your career will depend on your performance, your knowledge and skills. According to government data statistically postgraduates are more likely to be in highly skilled employment and be more highly paid than graduates, so there can be a financial premium for the 4th year of study.
As with any aspect of your career planning , the decision to take a 4th year is one that needs to be considered carefully to ensure that your expectations are realistic. But remember that whether you graduate with a STEM BSc or Masters degree, you will have a qualification highly valued by employers.