What Masters Should I Do?

Choosing a Masters degree is a big step—and not always an easy one. You’ll need to think about your subject, course format, and where it could lead after graduation. If you’re unsure what Masters degree to do or which options match your background, this guide will help you make sense of it all. Knowing how to choose the right course is key to getting the most from your Masters.

There’s no simple answer when it comes to choosing a Masters. I know it can feel like a lot—when you have questions like what should I do my Masters in, or what Masters can I do with my degree on your mind. Don't worry, in this guide, I’ll break down the main types of Masters courses, what to think about when choosing one, and how to find a degree that suits your goals, interests, and your previous degree.

People choose to do a Masters for different reasons. Some want to learn more about a subject they loved in their degree, others want to boost their job options, or move into something new. Whatever your reason, it’s a good idea to start by looking at what you’ve studied and where your interests really lie.

For example, if you studied History at undergraduate level, you might stay on that path with a Masters in Medieval History, or change focus slightly to something like Public History or Museum Studies. A student with a Biology degree might choose a more specialist course like Marine Biology, or switch into a career-based option like Science Communication.

You don’t always have to pick a subject that matches your first degree. Conversion courses are designed to help you move into a new field — like someone with a Philosophy degree doing a Law conversion, or a Politics graduate switching into Computer Science.

Ask yourself:

• What subjects do I enjoy learning about?

• Which areas would I like to explore more deeply?

• Are there topics I’d be happy to study for a whole year?

The key is to choose something that matches both your background and your curiosity — you’ll be spending a lot of time on it, after all.

Not all Masters are the same. Some are more structured with classes and essays. Others focus on independent research or lead into specific jobs. Choosing the right one depends on how you like to learn and what you want to get from the course.

Most students do a taught Masters (like an MA or MSc), with lectures, seminars, and coursework. If you prefer working independently, a research Masters lets you focus on one project with support from a supervisor. Or, if you’re heading into a specific career, a professional Masters (like an MBA or Social Work MA) includes training for the job.

You’ll also need to choose how to study:

• Full-time (usually 1 year)

• Part-time (often 2 years)

• Online or distance learning (more flexible)

Think about what suits your style and schedule. A full-time taught course is great if you’re ready to study full-on. Part-time or online might work better if you want to balance study with work or other things.

Once you’ve got a subject and course type in mind, it’s time to look at the practical side of things — the stuff that can shape your day-to-day experience as a postgraduate student.

Location is a big one.
Would you rather stay close to home, move to a new city, or study abroad? A course nearby might feel more familiar or affordable, but studying in another country could offer different academic options, a fresh perspective, and even lower tuition fees in some places. Just make sure to factor in things like visas, travel, language, and cost of living. Check out our study abroad guides with all of this information to help you decide which country to study in. 

Here are some other important things to think about:

• Tuition fees and funding – Masters fees vary a lot by country, subject, and university. Look into government loans, scholarships or bursaries that might be available to you.

• Course content and structure – Check what modules are included, how the course is assessed, and whether it includes any placements or hands-on experience.

• Reputation and rankings – League tables can give a general idea, but it’s more useful to look at department strengths, student reviews, and graduate outcomes.

• Teaching staff – Who’s running the course? Are they active researchers or experienced professionals in the field you’re interested in?

• Living costs and accommodation – Think about rent, transport, food, and other everyday expenses wherever you're planning to study.

• Part-time work options – Can you work while studying to help cover costs or gain experience?

• Career services and graduate outcomes – What kind of support is available for finding jobs or internships?

These details might not seem exciting right now, but getting them right can make your Masters experience a lot smoother — and a lot less stressful.

When I was choosing my Masters, I didn’t have everything figured out — and that’s okay. What helped was focusing on what I enjoyed, what skills I wanted to build, and what made sense financially and practically.

My advice? Don’t pick a course just because it sounds impressive. Look at the module list, the way it’s taught, and whether it actually suits your interests and goals. Think about where you’ll be studying too — not just the country or city, but the university’s strengths in your subject.

It’s also fine if you’re not sure exactly where the Masters will lead. It can still help you grow, specialise, or give you time to figure things out. Just make sure you’re doing it for you — not because you feel like you should.

And lastly — don’t be afraid to ask questions. Course pages won’t tell you everything, but academics, admissions staff, current students and graduates are usually happy to help and offer some honest advice.

And if in doubt? Breathe, research, and trust that choosing a Masters is rarely a perfect science — but it’s one step closer to figuring out what you actually want.