2years post grad better than 4 years degree?

[gando1]

I was wondering. I'm going to do a 2 year post grad in a totally different subject than I studied at uni. If I then go for a job once I've got it does it set me above someone who spent 4 years doing their honours degree in it?

It must be a different agenda or the people who have studied the subject to honours degree level must be repeating themselves?

[jump79]

Studying for a Bachelor's degree is different from that for Master's as it's more general, more like giving you a taste of various fields in that particular subject you can later specialize in if you choose to do so. This specialization of degree would occur at the Master's level.

So if you did Master's in a subject and compared it to someone who had spent 4 years for a Bachelor's, chances are they may know more general and related knowledge about the subject but you would have far greater insight in selected areas - because of specializing in it.

[Dizzieblonde]

It usually shows you've specialised in one specific area of your BSc. / BA degree - e.g. A BSc. Mathematics degree, with a MSc. Statistics. I'm not sure what an Honours degree signifies especially, although I have one and only in 3 standard years of study, not four.

If you chose a Masters degree in a subject completely unrelated to your original degree (BSc. Mathematics, MA Tap Dancing), then you'd probably need to justify to an employer (and at the Masters interview) why you have chosen to head in a completely different direction. At worst, they may think you couldn't hack it in your first choice, and are trying again, or are just fickle in your aspirations. At best, they may think you're very keen to explore entirely new areas and expand your general knowledge.

What were you planning to apply for?

[gando1]

I studied art for my honours degree. Having worked for the [ast year teching art to people with mental health issues I have decided this is an area I would like to pursue and so hope to do my PG Dip in social work. I was just wondering how I would stand in the working world really...

[Dizzieblonde]

The way the health and social care system is at the moment, I probably wouldn't risk it - plus they may ask what experience you have. Working as a Social Worker is a lot different to teaching a class - plus you may not get a job specifically with people with mental health issues. I looked into doing my Social Worker training myself, but decided on Nursing in the end, as I really didn't like the content or structure of most of the Social Work courses.

How about teaching? You could do a PGCE in 1 year full-time, or 2 part-time, and then teach Art?

[gando1]

I've been accepted to do my post grad in social work. Was just wondering where I would stand really. I thought about teaching but I'm much better on the one to one with people and decided against it. To be honest a huge part of my job at present is more social work oriantated rather than teaching art really. That's what made me apply in the first place.