Master’s courses
A Master’s course allows you to specialise in an area of interest. You can even focus on topical issues: many institutions are developing courses in areas such as earthquake engineering, disaster management and transport planning. A Master’s-level qualification may also speed up the route to chartered status if you have a BEng degree. The MSc is a largely taught course that lasts for one year (full-time) and focuses on a particular subject with a view of practical application in the workplace. Sometimes a short dissertation is required. Meanwhile, MRes (available in the UK only) and MPhil degrees involve producing a substantial piece of research and are largely geared towards a career in research.
Whether taught or research-based, a Master’s degree will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of a specific subject – as well as transferable skills that can give you the edge over a graduate straight from an engineering degree. An MPhil or MRes will also give you a thorough training in research skills and hence is an excellent foundation for pursuing a doctorate.
Shades of an MBA
It should be noted for the aspiring leaders that for 20 years or so engineering courses have often included management topics. In some cases engineering and MBA students have sat side-by-side in class. If you wish to pursue an MBA, it may be worth investigating what your options are and if your previous study may earn you credits or exemptions.
Something else to consider is that some universities offer a combined MBA/Master of Engineering Management, geared particularly towards engineers who want to move up the corporate ladder.
