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Three reasons why I decided to do a master's degree

Hi, I’m Harriet, a postgraduate student currently studying for a Masters in Education at the СŷÊÓƵ. I completed my undergraduate degree also here in History and Sociology, graduating with a 2:1 in September 2024. Although I felt a strong sense of achievement at finishing my undergrad, I decided I wanted to do a masters. Choosing to pursue a masters was a decision I didn’t take lightly, but it’s one that has already enriched my life in more ways than I expected.

Therefore, in this post, I want to share three key reasons why I decided to return for postgraduate study — reasons that may resonate with others thinking about taking the same step.

1. To deepen my understanding of education

During my undergraduate degree, I became particularly interested in how education intersects and relates within social structures. Studying Sociology and History gave me the tools to think critically about inequality, access, and power. The more I learned, the more I wanted to explore how these broader issues play out in real-world educational settings.

That curiosity grew into something more focused: a desire to engage with education not just as a topic of academic study, but as a space for practical change. I wanted to understand how policy is made, how schools function beyond the classroom, and how teachers and leaders can foster meaningful learning environments.

A Master’s in Education has offered me the opportunity to explore these questions in a lot more depth. I’ve been able to examine the theories that shape educational practice, discuss contemporary challenges with classmates from diverse backgrounds, and think more critically about what kind of educator I want to become.

2. To expand my careers opportunities 

The second reason is perhaps more pragmatic: career development. After graduating, I explored different roles and quickly realised that many of the opportunities I was interested in required postgraduate qualifications.

While I am still shaping my long-term career goals, I know I want to work in a field where education and social change intersect. I want to contribute to systems that make education more inclusive and effective for all learners, specifically to those with SEND and getting the ‘learner voice’ heard.  This is something I am truly passionate about and have been lucky enough to get involved within the university and have partaken in conferences at the university to explain why this is so important and how it really does make a difference for students.

Studying a masters provides a strong foundation for future impact. Beyond just learning theory, this postgraduate study has also helped me develop further key skills—such as critical thinking, academic writing, and independent research all of which are valuable in any professional setting.

3. To challange myself and grow

Finally, one of the most personal reasons I decided to pursue a Master’s was to challenge myself. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I had a feeling that I hadn’t quite reached my full potential.

Postgraduate study is undeniably demanding. It requires more independence, deeper engagement with theory, and a greater ability to manage your own time and workload. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding. I’ve been stretched in ways I didn’t expect, and it’s helped me grow—not just as a student, but as a thinker and as a person.

Final thoughts

Starting a masters degree is a big decision. It requires time, commitment, and sometimes a leap of confidence. But for me, it’s been a turning point—a chance to specialise, grow, and move closer to the kind of work I want to do in the future.

If you’re considering postgraduate study, I’d encourage you to reflect not just on what you want to do, but on who you want to become. For me, the decision to return to university wasn’t just about gaining a qualification—it was about investing in myself and my future.

So far, it’s been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made.