How I decided a master’s degree was right for me

I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in International Marketing at the University of Dundee. I‘ve lived in the city for over four years now, as I also completed my undergraduate degree in psychology here.

Three things I considered before applying for a master’s degree

• I looked at the job prospects within my chosen field and whether employers valued academic qualifications. This helped me to decide whether a master's degree would be a worthwhile investment and what would be required of me when applying for jobs.
• The second thing I considered was the related cost of completing the master's, again, to ensure I was making a sensible investment.
• I also looked at the modules and pathways on offer, to check that the course suited my own personal needs and interests. 

Three tips I would give to others choosing to study for a master’s degree

• Make sure you research what the course offers and the teaching methods used to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
• I would recommend attending any open days or information events to gain further insight. They also provide you with the opportunity to meet people on a similar pathway.
• I would recommend researching the location in which the course is offered to make sure it’s the right fit for you in terms of size, culture, cost and opportunities.

Why I choose to study a master’s degree in International Marketing at Dundee 

Having had the opportunity to complete marketing modules during my undergraduate degree, I quickly realised that this was where my interest lay, which prompted a career path change away from my original choice of psychology. By pursuing a master's in the marketing field, I'm able to gain valuable knowledge and insight I didn't have before. This has provided me with the confidence to enter the work environment within a field that I had no previous experience in.

When applying for a master’s, I knew I wanted to stay at Dundee for a few different reasons. 

• As a graduate of the University of the University of Dundee, I was eligible for a tuition fee discount through the Alumni Scholarship. This, of course, was an attractive factor as many courses are expensive.
• I love Dundee as a city. Having come from a small town, Dundee is an affordable place to live with lots to do, without being an overwhelmingly large location. And should you wish to visit one of the bigger cities, Dundee is well-connected.
• The third reason why I chose to stay in Dundee was that the course offering aligns closely with my future goals, and provided vast opportunities to gain experience in a range of environments, as well as allowing for networking within the field. My specific course offers an internship, which allows me to work closely with real life companies, providing me with valuable experience.
• Another reason for choosing Dundee is that the School of Business has an exceptional reputation. This was an attractive quality, as I was assured the teaching would be of a high level.
• Lastly, my course has a strong focus on sustainability within marketing, which is something that many employers value.

As well as this, the course content provided is ever-changing and developing to ensure our knowledge is relevant, up-to-date and unique, helping us to stand out from others in the market and world.