Mastering the problem

Dear Oracle

I'm toying with the idea of doing a masters degree after my undergraduate studies. It would be a pretty expensive undertaking though. What factors should I take into account in helping me make the decision?

The Oracle replies

Deciding whether or not to study a masters depends entirely on why you want to do it (and whether or not you can afford it!). Valid reasons include studying for the love of the subject or a desire to develop expertise in a subject because you want to be a top-notch practitioner (eg, studying tax for the tax Bar). If a postgraduate qualification is something you regard as a personal ambition, then this is an equally valid reason.

It may well be that you are considering a career in academic law, in which case a masters will almost certainly be vital! If, however, you see it as the way round a lower than expected first degree result in order to get a training contract or pupillage, proceed with caution! Few law firms/chambers will take account of a masters degree if your first degree result falls below their entry requirement and you have no genuine mitigating circumstances. Certainly, most UK law firms do not count a masters as part of their selection criteria. To summarise, firms/chambers are pleased to see this kind of experience on a CV, but they will still be alert to your 2.2!

Further, do bear in mind that it is an extra year of academic training that further delays your entry into the vocational side of things, and may not in fact serve to make you a more desirable training contract/pupillage candidate. That said, in some practice areas (eg, competition or public international law) it may be the thing that sets you apart.

Finally, in some international jurisdictions, a masters is as important as a first degree. If you are an international student returning home at the end of your studies, or if you are hoping to train overseas, it is worth finding out what the desirable level of education is in that jurisdiction.

Check out our Courses section to find out more about some of the institutions that offer postgrad study.

We also asked Gemma Baker, head of the careers service at Kaplan Law School, for her advice. Gemma says: "Having spent nine years as a graduate recruitment manager at two City firms, my advice to those wishing to practise in the United Kingdom would be to only do a masters if you have a genuine interest in whichever area of study. For training contracts/vacation schemes, a masters will not enhance your application, even if it is in one of the firm's practice areas. Having spoken to many students over the years, it seems to be widely thought that if you have below-par grades, a masters qualification will mitigate against them. It won't - I can't be clearer about this. The academic grades that matter are your GCSEs, A levels (or equivalent) and your first undergraduate degree.

"However, if you are thinking about the Bar, a masters in your chosen practice area may well be helpful, but only if you get a high merit or distinction. As with a degree, anything below this will be a hindrance to your application, rather than an enhancement."