Masters degree without a Bachelors?

Scuzi

Scuzi

Scuzi

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Has anyone did this? I am interested in taking a MSc course and I can qualify for entry based on professional qualifications and experience. My only academic qualifications consist of a few rubbish A levels.

I know it is difficult to say without knowing specifics, but is a MSc without a BSc looked upon very differently? From a career advancement point of view, is it generally worth getting a Bachelors degree when there is an option to complete a Masters in a shorter period of time?

The reason for considering this is that upon reflection, I'm a bit of a one trick pony and I'd like to diversify in case things change, while at the same time opening up some career advancement opportunities.

I'm being purposely vague as I don't want the subject to influence the responses just yet but I'll reveal all if I have to.

Thanks :)
 
Depends on the course ,surely. A technical msc like maths or physics surely isn't possible without the bsc knowledge beforehand.
 
Depends entirely on the subject and what experience you have to make up for not having a Batchelors. However, I don't know anyone who has gone straight from A Levels to a Masters and personally I don't think its possible otherwise everyone would be skipping a Batchelors degree and going straight to Masters.
Some university offer Masters fast track courses, where you can do your Batchelors and Masters in 3 years or 4 years (inc sandwich) full time.
 
This isn't something I come across very often in my line of work (academia), however if you have the neccesary background to complete the MSc, it should demonstrate your ability to perform at that level. I don't see the lack of a BSc being an issue once you have finished the MSc.
 
I'd just get the MSc. Whilst I haven't myself, I know people who have done exactly what you're considering doing :)

Ultimately a MSc is harder than a BSc (in theory)

kd
 
Scuzi said:
Has anyone did this? I am interested in taking a MSc course and I can qualify for entry based on professional qualifications and experience. My only academic qualifications consist of a few rubbish A levels.

I know it is difficult to say without knowing specifics, but is a MSc without a BSc looked upon very differently? From a career advancement point of view, is it generally worth getting a Bachelors degree when there is an option to complete a Masters in a shorter period of time?

The reason for considering this is that upon reflection, I'm a bit of a one trick pony and I'd like to diversify in case things change, while at the same time opening up some career advancement opportunities.

I'm being purposely vague as I don't want the subject to influence the responses just yet but I'll reveal all if I have to.

Thanks :)
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The concern I would have is whether you'd be able to do the masters. Granted you're eligable due to work exp but there is a big difference between work exp and the previous education you would have been tought.

I'd have a chat to someone at a university and actually find out if you think you'd be able to complete it. Nothing worse than going for it all and finding out that you're unable to complete it for whatever reason.
 
You'll probably find that universities will examine your qualifications - academic or otherwise - on a case by case basis. Call the faculty office and have a chat, only they will realistically be able to tell you if they will take you on.
 
I knew someone who did this. Did an MSc in Computer Forensics without the degree.

It's totally possible, he got a job in the field afterwards. When people see MSc they assume you did a BSc in the same field. The hard question comes when an interviewer asks if this is the case!
 
I think it will depend largely on the technical content of the MSc vs the technical level of work you've been doing.

If you're looking at something with loads of fairly high level maths like Engineering but you've not done any proper maths since A Level, you could struggle I think.

Whereas a less technically involved MSc following some reasonably technical work experience might be suitable.

As said above, talk to the uni, they would be best placed to advise suitability.
 
My wife did an MSc without a BSc and had the experience as a Radiographer to qualify her entry. It can be done and is worth it, once you have an MSc the fact there is no BSc shouldnot be a problem.
 
panthro said:
Just out of interest, why not for chemistry?
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i'm a chemist and i don't know many people that would consider them worth getting. They are only a year, you don't learn much and do a small project. Either stay with your bsc or do a phd - an msc is half way between and doesn't teach you much. the only thing worse is an mphil which basically means you failed your phd!

when i was at uni it was only overseas students wanting to do phds that were made to do msc's just so you could find out if they are up to scratch and worth letting do a phd. these days a lot of uni's are insisting on everybody do a msc before a phd, which is a complete waste of time and only a way to screw more money from the students.
 
It depends entirely on the degree. The MSc I'm on currently would probably be possible without a BSc if you had relevant work experience. Other degrees though would be a different story.


What are you considering studying?
 
Scuzi said:
Has anyone did this? I am interested in taking a MSc course and I can qualify for entry based on professional qualifications and experience. My only academic qualifications consist of a few rubbish A levels.

I know it is difficult to say without knowing specifics, but is a MSc without a BSc looked upon very differently? From a career advancement point of view, is it generally worth getting a Bachelors degree when there is an option to complete a Masters in a shorter period of time?
Click to expand...
Yes they are, relatively speaking - a one year Masters was created for almost nothing more than being a money spinner to sell internationally. However, it is better than not having a higher education at all!
 
A taught MSc is pretty much like the third year of a BSc. So it depends on the subject as to whether the MSc will be heavily dependent on stuff one would have learnt in a BSc.

Thing is though people often do a BSc and then change field entirely and do an MSc mainly because with science a lot of the core knowledge is learnt across the board. For example, maths, pysics, chemistry, biology will all have a pretty good application of calculus.

I would say look at the course, see if you can get hold of any past-papers and get in contact with the lecturers who will know if you have the pre-requisite knowledge. Try not to talk to course administrators though as they won't know and will just try to get £15k or whatever it costs out of you.
 
Some very interesting opinions here, thank you :)

This is one of the courses I'm considering:
http://www.city.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/air-safety-management

It is very industry specific so I don't expect much insight into the specific benefits but I'm trying to get an overall idea of whether or not to continue down this road or to consider something like a BSc in Aeronautics. I have also considered studying something wildly different but with poor academic grades I am relying on my aviation related experience to get my foot in the door. I'm also limited in that I need a course that can fit around my schedule either by being close by and having many options for attendance, or by being entirely distance learning.

Thanks for the input, some food for thought :)
 
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