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I hope this is the appropriate stacksite to ask this question.

I have a BSc in Computer Software Development and would very much like to study another year for an MSc in Computer Science. I had the choice of an MENg but decided to take the separate MSc.

I've heard mixed opinions on the subject but considering the climate I personally think it would be a good idea to gain a post-graduate degree. I've heard from Master students who were able to open many more opportunities from gaining an MSc - such as successfully entering the Game Industry which I know is very competitive. Although I'm not one for Game related modules, I chose more software engineering, database, and programming modules instead of rendering and games design modules throughout my BSc.

I will be getting into a considerable amount of additional debt to fund this year, but I feel like I'd be much more employable so the debt wouldn't really be a problem.

What do you think? Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. I am 23 and an Englishman, just to put things into perspective.

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2 Answers

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You didn't mention if you want to do an MS in the UK or the US. If the former, I have no experience of how it works over there.

In general, an MS in CS does improve your chances of getting a decent job, but a lot depends on where you're getting an MS. In the US, the masters program is often viewed as a way to generate revenue via tuition, so your main benefit from the program is if it's very good at placing students. Obviously an MS from a place like Stanford or Berkeley will help you immensely because of the proximity of many tech options. But if you don't go to a place that has a good track record with placement, then the degree itself, while opening some doors, will not have provided you with maximum benefit for the price you're paying.

Also, make sure you go to a place that has strong ties to industry in the areas you're interested in. Since you mentioned games, many universities (including mine!) have specialized MS programs in game design (and we have fairly strong ties to local industry in the game world). That might be too specialized for you, but you get the general drift

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Thanks for your answer Suresh. I will be studying at my local University in East Yorkshire. I'll make sure I look more into my university's specialities and ties to industry. I often hear how good ties they have with IBM and Microsoft since we often get visits from them as well as many of our lecturers being fellows in their hierarchies. Having good relationships with local businesses is also told of - I wouldn't mind specialising in web development, there seems to be plenty of those types of firms around here. I've been freelancing for a while and have been doing quite well on my own. – Lee Jul 31 '12 at 10:58
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In general, I believe, that graduate science education is not a good choice from a purely financial standpoint. Not only do you have the fees, but also a lost year of wages and experience. If you are looking at a year of un/under employment, then it is easier to argue for graduate education.

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I understand your points. Do you not think I'd be at an advantage over the BSc graduates applying for the same job? This is my main concern. – Lee Jul 31 '12 at 10:59
@Lee it depends what you mean. A graduate with a BSc and 1 year of real world industry experience will win out over a graduate with an MSc and no experience almost every time. Two candidates without any experience, but one with an MSc and another with a BSc, isn't even clear cut. Often the person with the MSc will be panned for being over qualified. – Daniel E. Shub Jul 31 '12 at 11:11
That's interesting. I always thought "over qualified" was an excuse people use who don't get their wanted job. Can you elaborate on that? I have a few years of web development freelance experience, i.e. finding my own clients from all over the globe, drafting my own specs. and contracts, communicating and developing to a deadline. Providing I can show proof of these, maybe through references and a portfolio, am I right in thinking this would be of help too? – Lee Jul 31 '12 at 11:30
@DanielE.Shub: As a general rule, you may be right. However, in my experience, having an MS in computer science (from a strong department) does open doors that an additional year of real-world industry experience does not. – JeffE Jul 31 '12 at 21:02
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@JeffE not to mention the future promotion possibilities/advantages open to those with post-grad. degrees, correct? – Lee Aug 4 '12 at 11:31

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