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Study or work? After completing their bachelor's degree, graduates have to decide what to do next. Is the master's degree worth it for me? What are the benefits of studying abroad? Does a master's degree make more money? Answers to the most important questions about master's studies.
Master: Yes or no?
If you want to deepen the knowledge gained in your bachelor's degree or specialize, you can take a master's degree. While many bachelor's degree programs primarily teach the basics and the topics are often broad, master's degree programs usually have specific focuses. The master's degree offers the ideal opportunity to pursue your own interests that you developed during your bachelor's degree. You can also use the extension of your study period to gain further experience, for example in the form of internships.
Even if it is not compulsory, the master's degree is a given in some subjects, particularly engineering and natural sciences. In other areas, a bachelor's degree also opens up good career prospects. And if you want to do practical training after completing your bachelor's degree, such as a traineeship at a newspaper publisher, you will probably be better off in your professional life.
In general, if you already have a job offer, you don't have to turn it down in favor of a master's degree. There is also the option of taking up a master's degree again after a few years in the job. Anyone planning to do this should, however, ask themselves whether they are really prepared to leave the job again for a certain period of time. Part-time master's programs offer another option. This can be particularly interesting if the employer supports studies.
Stay or go?
Those who study abroad not only improve their language skills, but also gain cultural experiences that enrich and shape their own personality. A stint abroad also looks good on your CV. Sometimes the numerus clausus can also be a reason to look for a suitable master's degree abroad - in some subjects the master's degree at foreign universities is lower than at home. On the other hand, studying abroad always involves costs; in some places there are high tuition fees. That's why you should definitely find out about funding opportunities.
Full-time or part-time?
A part-time master's degree is particularly attractive for those who are already working but still want to gain further qualifications. However, you should not underestimate the additional time required: seminars and lectures take place in the evenings or on weekends and exam preparation also has to be postponed to free time or on vacation. However, some employers offer the opportunity to implement your own project in the company as part of your master's thesis and give their employees part of their working time for this purpose.
University or FH?
While universities of applied sciences have always been considered practice-oriented, many universities have only followed suit in recent years. It is therefore still the case that universities primarily provide research-oriented training. Contrary to what many may think, FH graduates are ahead when it comes to salary. This was the result of a study by the German Center for University and Science Research (DZHW). While the starting salary of master's graduates with a university degree is on average 38,500 euros, university graduates with a master's degree earn an average of 40,200 euros. The – rather small – difference can also be explained by the fact that many universities of applied sciences have a technical or scientific orientation and higher salaries are paid in these professional fields than, for example, in the humanities.
Consecutive or continuing education?
Anyone who decides to do a Master's can build on their Bachelor's subject matter - or choose a new field of study. However, the range of further education courses in Germany is relatively small. The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, for example, offers the public health course, which is attended not only by doctors and health economists but also by media scientists, humanities scholars and business students. So-called MBA programs (Master of Business Administration), which are intended to prepare students for management positions, are quite widespread among economists. However, most of these programs are expensive.
Big city or small town?
Studying always offers the opportunity to discover a city for yourself. This can't just be fun in metropolises like Munich or Berlin. Small university towns have the advantage that the cost of living and rents are usually lower and student support is better because the lecture halls are not as crowded. The university can often be reached by foot or bike in just a few minutes. Ultimately, where you feel more comfortable depends on your type – and depends on the courses on offer.
More salary thanks to a master’s degree?
That depends on the professional field. The Economics and Social Sciences Institute of the Hans Böckler Foundation has determined that the gross starting salary of master's graduates is on average 3,622 euros per month, while bachelor's graduates earn over 500 euros less per month. On the other hand, bachelors start their professional lives earlier and have the opportunity to advance while the master's students are still sitting in the lecture hall.
Yes or no? Home or abroad? University or FH? Questions about questions... Here are a few answers to help you decide.
