Education Advice: Masters or Not?

[Ryu Kazama]

Just seeking some opinions here. I recently graduated with a BSc in Mathematics with Computer Science. Currently I'm job hunting (and boy is that working out...not so good) so I've been looking at various options- Taking a PGCE (interesting but not for me right now), Graduate Schemes or a Masters.

Again, I did an undergraduate in Math with Computer Science so ideally I'd like to do a Masters in the same thing however, the one decent place that offers it just doesn't interest me. Originally for an undergraduate my path was to do BSc Computer Games Technology but I decided it was too focussed. I'm glad I did my course as it's given me a wide range of knowledge and so, a bigger foundation to work with.

Anyway, so I found an MSc in Computer Games Technology (http://www.soi.city.ac.uk/pgcourses/cgt/index.html) in City University. Would it be worth taking? Keep in mind my goal is to end up working in the games industry.



The short story:

-Did BSc in Math with Computer Science
-Job hunting is proving unsuccessul so also keeping options open
-Thinking of studying MSc in Computer Games Technology
-Opinions?

[draconacticus]

I think it's a pretty good idea.

Nowadays degrees are a bit too common, I did an MSc after I graduated to get me ahead of the pack. Whether you should do an masters comes down to the industry in which you want to work in and the type of job you want.

If you're looking for a technically minded job then masters degrees are a great idea. They can either broaden your education or enable you to specialise. There are some professions that value a professional qualification, such as chartered status, more (like marketing type careers so I'm told). Like you I did a broad technical undergrad, so when i choose my masters I focused it on the industry in which I wanted to work because it makes finding a job in the industry of your choice much easier. Employers can see that is what you have set your heart on. Just make sure the course has enough technical clout if that is the career type you're wanting.

But generally my thoughts would be that our country is still stuffed economy wise and there is a massive shortage of jobs and especially graduate places. They are probably going to announce the recession is over today, but the reality is that public sector spending is going to have to be cut right back after the upcoming election and that is likely to have a knock on effect everywhere. I think you're very wise to consider further education until all this blows over a bit and then you'll be well ahead of the pack when the economy lifts again.

I'd try to get an internship along side it if your course load allows. Real experience combined with a masters will make you a force to be reckoned with :)

I don't know much about City University though, so i'll struggle to help you on that point :P

[Tenebra]

Ryu, poke me privately if you are interested in graduate programmes, there are opportunities at the company where my husband works ;)

[Soop]

I think it's a good idea, Donna was considering a masters. However I don't know enough about the specifics to offer any advice.

[Ryu Kazama]

City University is where I actually did my undergraduate so it's not too bad. The major downside was as a Math student studying part Computer Science, the Computer Science department really didn't care for me so much (I was the only one doing the joint course). Saying that, this course is entirely their department so no more hate, haha!

I've been looking around at other universities. Sheffield and one in Dundee are decent for this field. Just awfully far and therefore more costly due to living expenses.

The internship is something I'd love to do if I go ahead with it. Before all this I'mma send the department a quick e-mail and ask a few questions.

Thanks for the opinions so far.

Tenebra: PM sent.

[draconacticus]

City University is where I actually did my undergraduate so it's not too bad. The major downside was as a Math student studying part Computer Science, the Computer Science department really didn't care for me so much (I was the only one doing the joint course). Saying that, this course is entirely their department so no more hate, haha!

I've been looking around at other universities. Sheffield and one in Dundee are decent for this field. Just awfully far and therefore more costly due to living expenses.

The internship is something I'd love to do if I go ahead with it. Before all this I'mma send the department a quick e-mail and ask a few questions.

Thanks for the opinions so far.

Tenebra: PM sent.

I know Leeds has a pretty excellent computer science department. I did some of my electives there and my ex-housemate who studied there now works for Rock Star North. Not sure if they do a video games MSc but I know they were held in high esteem when I was there :)