Discussion:
Changing subjects from degree to masters, how does it work?
(too old to reply)
Andrew Wilson
2004-09-06 20:05:28 UTC
Permalink
I hear of people doing say a degree in sociology, and then they go
onto to do a masters in computing or whatever. How does this work
when a person changes a subject, is a this a common practice? How long
does a masters take to do,what are the entry requirements and do you
apply via UCAS or what?
Marc Brooks
2004-09-06 20:49:54 UTC
Permalink
Got a degree in Geography in 1989, worked as a mainframe ops analyst for a
year and gained a MSc IT in 1991 from Leicester Poly. V. intensive course
compared to a degree, gives you a knowledge base somewhere between a HND and
a degree but in a single year. I applied direct to the poly but things have
probably changed a bit since then.

Marc
Post by Andrew Wilson
I hear of people doing say a degree in sociology, and then they go
onto to do a masters in computing or whatever. How does this work
when a person changes a subject, is a this a common practice? How long
does a masters take to do,what are the entry requirements and do you
apply via UCAS or what?
Matthew Huntbach
2004-09-07 08:49:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by Marc Brooks
Post by Andrew Wilson
I hear of people doing say a degree in sociology, and then they go
onto to do a masters in computing or whatever. How does this work
when a person changes a subject, is a this a common practice? How long
does a masters take to do,what are the entry requirements and do you
apply via UCAS or what?
Got a degree in Geography in 1989, worked as a mainframe ops analyst for a
year and gained a MSc IT in 1991 from Leicester Poly. V. intensive course
compared to a degree, gives you a knowledge base somewhere between a HND and
a degree but in a single year. I applied direct to the poly but things have
probably changed a bit since then.
There are two sorts of Masters degrees. One is advanced study in a
subject you have your first degree in. The other is a one year
intensive study of a new subject. The second sort of masters is often
called a "conversion masters".

Conversion masters in computing or information technology have been a
big money-spinner for computer science departments. Maybe now the job
market in computing isn't what it was there is less demand for them,
but a few years ago you only had to lay one on and dozens of keen
students would apply. As suggested, they are specifically designed for
people who don't have Computer Science degrees.

There is no unified system for application to masters degrees like
UCAS for undergraduate degrees. You just have to apply individually to
the universities

Matthew Huntbach
Andrew Wilson
2004-09-07 13:09:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by Matthew Huntbach
Post by Marc Brooks
Post by Andrew Wilson
I hear of people doing say a degree in sociology, and then they go
onto to do a masters in computing or whatever. How does this work
when a person changes a subject, is a this a common practice? How long
does a masters take to do,what are the entry requirements and do you
apply via UCAS or what?
Got a degree in Geography in 1989, worked as a mainframe ops analyst for a
year and gained a MSc IT in 1991 from Leicester Poly. V. intensive course
compared to a degree, gives you a knowledge base somewhere between a HND and
a degree but in a single year. I applied direct to the poly but things have
probably changed a bit since then.
There are two sorts of Masters degrees. One is advanced study in a
subject you have your first degree in. The other is a one year
intensive study of a new subject. The second sort of masters is often
called a "conversion masters".
Conversion masters in computing or information technology have been a
big money-spinner for computer science departments. Maybe now the job
market in computing isn't what it was there is less demand for them,
but a few years ago you only had to lay one on and dozens of keen
students would apply. As suggested, they are specifically designed for
people who don't have Computer Science degrees.
There is no unified system for application to masters degrees like
UCAS for undergraduate degrees. You just have to apply individually to
the universities
Matthew Huntbach
So all masters only take a year long to do? How are they regarded as
qualifications for employment? Do you deal in recruiting masters
students? If so what is your selection criteria?

Does it not make your CV look a bit silly having a degree and a
masters in totally different subjects?
John Cartmell
2004-09-07 13:54:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by Andrew Wilson
Does it not make your CV look a bit silly having a degree and a
masters in totally different subjects?
Complementary?
--
John Cartmell john@ followed by finnybank.com FAX +44 (0)8700-519-527
Qercus magazine & FD Games www.finnybank.com www.acornuser.com
Qercus - a fusion of Acorn Publisher & Acorn User magazines
Bev
2004-09-07 19:39:43 UTC
Permalink
Andrew Wilson <Andy> blathered...
Post by Andrew Wilson
So all masters only take a year long to do?
If you're doing them full time it's possible to do it in a year, though
you are able to take longer over it.

Doing a Master's part time, the norm is 3 years for a 'taught master's
course' ... 2 years for the formal modular part and another for the
dissertation. Part time Master's students are allowed up to 5 years to
complete their course of study.
--
Bev.
Andrew Wilson
2004-09-07 19:59:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bev
Andrew Wilson <Andy> blathered...
Post by Andrew Wilson
So all masters only take a year long to do?
If you're doing them full time it's possible to do it in a year, though
you are able to take longer over it.
Doing a Master's part time, the norm is 3 years for a 'taught master's
course' ... 2 years for the formal modular part and another for the
dissertation. Part time Master's students are allowed up to 5 years to
complete their course of study.
If this is the case then how can you do a 3 year masters course in one
year?
Tina Eager
2004-09-07 20:52:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by Andrew Wilson
Post by Bev
Andrew Wilson <Andy> blathered...
Post by Andrew Wilson
So all masters only take a year long to do?
If you're doing them full time it's possible to do it in a year, though
you are able to take longer over it.
Doing a Master's part time, the norm is 3 years for a 'taught master's
course' ... 2 years for the formal modular part and another for the
dissertation. Part time Master's students are allowed up to 5 years to
complete their course of study.
If this is the case then how can you do a 3 year masters course in one
year?
One year = 1 term full time, roughly. Though a lot of taught courses do
a final project that runs over the summer "vacation".

FWIW Lots of part time Masters courses are run over 2 years. Mine was.
At the other extreme you get places which offer modular courses and you
can almost take as long as you want to do those. One module a year might
keep you going for 10 years!
--
Tina Eager
Bev
2004-09-07 21:04:26 UTC
Permalink
Tina Eager blathered...
Post by Tina Eager
FWIW Lots of part time Masters courses are run over 2 years. Mine was.
At the other extreme you get places which offer modular courses and you
can almost take as long as you want to do those. One module a year might
keep you going for 10 years!
You can't do that in the UK. There's a time limit.
--
Bev.
Tina Eager
2004-09-08 21:06:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bev
Tina Eager blathered...
Post by Tina Eager
FWIW Lots of part time Masters courses are run over 2 years. Mine was.
At the other extreme you get places which offer modular courses and you
can almost take as long as you want to do those. One module a year might
keep you going for 10 years!
You can't do that in the UK. There's a time limit.
Not with the OU.
--
Tina Eager
Bev
2004-09-07 21:04:05 UTC
Permalink
Andrew Wilson <Andy> blathered...
Post by Andrew Wilson
Post by Bev
Doing a Master's part time, the norm is 3 years for a 'taught master's
course' ... 2 years for the formal modular part and another for the
dissertation. Part time Master's students are allowed up to 5 years to
complete their course of study.
If this is the case then how can you do a 3 year masters course in one
year?
The important phrase there is "Part Time"

full time, daily commitment - 1-2 years
part time, studying alongside holding down a full time job, 3 - 5 years
--
Bev.
John Porcella
2004-09-09 00:21:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by Andrew Wilson
Post by Matthew Huntbach
Post by Marc Brooks
Post by Andrew Wilson
I hear of people doing say a degree in sociology, and then they go
onto to do a masters in computing or whatever. How does this work
when a person changes a subject, is a this a common practice? How long
does a masters take to do,what are the entry requirements and do you
apply via UCAS or what?
Got a degree in Geography in 1989, worked as a mainframe ops analyst for a
year and gained a MSc IT in 1991 from Leicester Poly. V. intensive course
compared to a degree, gives you a knowledge base somewhere between a HND and
a degree but in a single year. I applied direct to the poly but things have
probably changed a bit since then.
There are two sorts of Masters degrees. One is advanced study in a
subject you have your first degree in. The other is a one year
intensive study of a new subject. The second sort of masters is often
called a "conversion masters".
Conversion masters in computing or information technology have been a
big money-spinner for computer science departments. Maybe now the job
market in computing isn't what it was there is less demand for them,
but a few years ago you only had to lay one on and dozens of keen
students would apply. As suggested, they are specifically designed for
people who don't have Computer Science degrees.
There is no unified system for application to masters degrees like
UCAS for undergraduate degrees. You just have to apply individually to
the universities
Matthew Huntbach
So all masters only take a year long to do?
No, some take longer. The London Business School MBA is longer than a year,
and that is if you are doing it full time.

How are they regarded as
Post by Andrew Wilson
qualifications for employment?
Depends on your employer! Some people see them as a means for some people
to avoid looking for work for a year.

Do you deal in recruiting masters
Post by Andrew Wilson
students? If so what is your selection criteria?
Does it not make your CV look a bit silly having a degree and a
masters in totally different subjects?
Why should having more than one skill by 'silly'? However, I appreciate
that in society today expertise in one area is lauded, and being
multi-skilled is frowned upon.
--
MESSAGE ENDS.
John Porcella
Matthew Huntbach
2004-09-09 10:15:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Andrew Wilson
Post by Matthew Huntbach
There are two sorts of Masters degrees. One is advanced study in a
subject you have your first degree in. The other is a one year
intensive study of a new subject. The second sort of masters is often
called a "conversion masters".
So all masters only take a year long to do?
The standard length for a taught masters course is one year. Note,
however, that there are some first degrees which are designated
masters, in which case the standard length is four years.
Post by Andrew Wilson
How are they regarded as qualifications for employment?
Depends on what the masters is. But many are practically oriented,
intended to cover some specific skills, and those are generally well
considered by employers.
Post by Andrew Wilson
Do you deal in recruiting masters students? If so what is your selection criteria?
I've only ever dealt with undergrduate recruitment, other people do
postgraduate recruitment. For our "conversion masters" the criteria is
a good first degree (i.e. 2.1 or 1) in a subject which involves some
numeracy but not significant computer science i.e. it is specifically
uintended for those who are wishing to move into this are from
something else.
Post by Andrew Wilson
Does it not make your CV look a bit silly having a degree and a masters in totally different
subjects?
No. As I said, the specific point of the "conversion degree" is for
people whose first degree is in something else. This is a well
recognised and respected route, similar to the way that many people
with degrees in all sorts of subjects move into computer work anyway.
Often people take the conversion masters with the specific intention
of combining the subject of their first degree with some practical
computing e.g. someone with a degree in Biology may be using it to get
some computing experience and qualification to go on and work in
Bioninformatics.

Matthew Huntbach
Ian
2004-09-10 08:32:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Porcella
Why should having more than one skill by 'silly'? However, I appreciate
that in society today expertise in one area is lauded, and being
multi-skilled is frowned upon.
Really? For jobs in this company multi-skills are an absolute requirement.
We need people who are technically knowledgeable, can sell and can manage.
If they know about how education and businesses work that's an advantage
too.
--
IanL
ZMS Ltd - Education Management Consultants
WWW.thelearningmachine.co.uk
WWW.theINGOTs.org
John Porcella
2004-09-10 10:10:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ian
Post by John Porcella
Why should having more than one skill by 'silly'? However, I appreciate
that in society today expertise in one area is lauded, and being
multi-skilled is frowned upon.
Really? For jobs in this company multi-skills are an absolute requirement.
We need people who are technically knowledgeable, can sell and can manage.
If they know about how education and businesses work that's an advantage
too.
--
IanL
ZMS Ltd - Education Management Consultants
Yes, really! You will generally find that somebody who knows a lot about a
little, an expert, is more highly prized than somebody who knows a little
about many things.

The usual phrase I have heard about those who have had several different
jobs is that they "lack focus" as though it were a sin!
--
MESSAGE ENDS.
John Porcella
Ian
2004-09-11 18:48:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Porcella
Post by Ian
Post by John Porcella
Why should having more than one skill by 'silly'? However, I
appreciate that in society today expertise in one area is lauded, and
being multi-skilled is frowned upon.
Really? For jobs in this company multi-skills are an absolute
requirement. We need people who are technically knowledgeable, can sell
and can manage. If they know about how education and businesses work
that's an advantage too.
--
IanL
ZMS Ltd - Education Management Consultants
Yes, really! You will generally find that somebody who knows a lot
about a little, an expert, is more highly prized than somebody who knows
a little about many things.
Definition of an Ex - spert - Has been who comes in short bursts.
Post by John Porcella
The usual phrase I have heard about those who have had several different
jobs is that they "lack focus" as though it were a sin!
I think that it depends on the circles you move in. Large bureaucracies
with role cutures yes, small business es that are task focussed no.
--
IanL
ZMS Ltd - Education Management Consultants
WWW.thelearningmachine.co.uk
WWW.theINGOTs.org
Bev
2004-09-11 18:45:52 UTC
Permalink
Ian blathered...
Post by Ian
Definition of an Ex - spert - Has been who comes in short bursts.
Slightly different to my version:

ex= has been
spert = drip under pressure
--
Bev.
Robert de Vincy
2004-09-11 18:50:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bev
Ian blathered...
Post by Ian
Definition of an Ex - spert - Has been who comes in short bursts.
ex= has been
spert = drip under pressure
And neither of them very funny, clever, or -- indeed -- apt.

Why do such silly "witticisms" continue to be spread?
--
BdeV
Bev
2004-09-11 21:59:15 UTC
Permalink
Robert de Vincy blathered...
Post by Robert de Vincy
And neither of them very funny, clever, or -- indeed -- apt.
Why do such silly "witticisms" continue to be spread?
How can you decide whether they are apt or not when I gave you
absolutely no idea of when I would use such a phrase?
--
Bev.
Robert de Vincy
2004-09-11 22:21:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bev
Robert de Vincy blathered...
Post by Robert de Vincy
And neither of them very funny, clever, or -- indeed -- apt.
Why do such silly "witticisms" continue to be spread?
How can you decide whether they are apt or not when I gave you
absolutely no idea of when I would use such a phrase?
Why do you think I'm talking about *your* experience of experts?
You (and Ian) were commenting on John Porcella's message about experts
and their scope of knowledge.

The two trite "witticisms" offered were highly inappropriate in that context
(unless they were offered as out-and-out childish insults) and didn't even
make much sense.
--
BdeV
Bev
2004-09-11 22:53:16 UTC
Permalink
Robert de Vincy blathered...
Post by Robert de Vincy
Post by Bev
Robert de Vincy blathered...
Post by Robert de Vincy
And neither of them very funny, clever, or -- indeed -- apt.
Why do such silly "witticisms" continue to be spread?
How can you decide whether they are apt or not when I gave you
absolutely no idea of when I would use such a phrase?
Why do you think I'm talking about *your* experience of experts?
You (and Ian) were commenting on John Porcella's message about experts
and their scope of knowledge.
You're presuming rather too much in deciding what *I* was commenting on.
My post was made as a follow up to Ian's, therefore I was commenting on
that.
Post by Robert de Vincy
The two trite "witticisms" offered were highly inappropriate in that context
(unless they were offered as out-and-out childish insults) and didn't even
make much sense.
Obviously the context of Usenet is way over your head.
--
Bev.
Robert de Vincy
2004-09-11 23:01:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bev
Robert de Vincy blathered...
Post by Robert de Vincy
Post by Bev
Robert de Vincy blathered...
Post by Robert de Vincy
And neither of them very funny, clever, or -- indeed -- apt.
Why do such silly "witticisms" continue to be spread?
How can you decide whether they are apt or not when I gave you
absolutely no idea of when I would use such a phrase?
Why do you think I'm talking about *your* experience of experts?
You (and Ian) were commenting on John Porcella's message about
experts and their scope of knowledge.
You're presuming rather too much in deciding what *I* was commenting
on. My post was made as a follow up to Ian's, therefore I was
commenting on that.
So, when *do* you use your highly entertaining gem? What situation
warrants it?
Post by Bev
Post by Robert de Vincy
The two trite "witticisms" offered were highly inappropriate in that
context (unless they were offered as out-and-out childish insults)
and didn't even make much sense.
Obviously the context of Usenet is way over your head.
Oh, it *was* insult. Thanks.
--
BdeV
Ian
2004-09-12 11:22:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by Robert de Vincy
Post by Bev
Why do you think I'm talking about *your* experience of experts? You
(and Ian) were commenting on John Porcella's message about experts and
their scope of knowledge.
You're presuming rather too much in deciding what *I* was commenting
on. My post was made as a follow up to Ian's, therefore I was
commenting on that.
So, when *do* you use your highly entertaining gem? What situation
warrants it?
Post by Bev
The two trite "witticisms" offered were highly inappropriate in that
context (unless they were offered as out-and-out childish insults) and
didn't even make much sense.
Obviously the context of Usenet is way over your head.
Oh, it *was* insult. Thanks.
Must have hit a raw nerve with an expert :-)
--
IanL
ZMS Ltd - Education Management Consultants
WWW.thelearningmachine.co.uk
WWW.theINGOTs.org
FatMax
2004-09-12 11:38:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Robert de Vincy
So, when *do* you use your highly entertaining gem? What situation
warrants it?
Flushing out humourless twats like yourself seems a pretty good
situation to me.

Go on give me the "some of best freinds wear a red nose and oversize
shooz" line
Post by Robert de Vincy
Post by Bev
Post by Robert de Vincy
The two trite "witticisms" offered were highly inappropriate in that
context (unless they were offered as out-and-out childish insults)
and didn't even make much sense.
Obviously the context of Usenet is way over your head.
Oh, it *was* insult. Thanks.
*You* may insult Mr. OpenOffice with impunity but when you get shirty
with the woman I lurve *you* are on shaky ground. And probably going
to burn for a long time.
--
Pope FatMax 1.1.2
Fetch my slippers, hat and socks
We're going crusading
`p
2004-09-12 12:37:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by FatMax
Post by Robert de Vincy
So, when *do* you use your highly entertaining gem? What situation
warrants it?
Flushing out humourless twats like yourself seems a pretty good
situation to me.
Oi! I've warned you before, flaming ignorant bast^h^h^h^h err, umm,
nasty people comes under the baliwick of the holy sock not His
Hopelessness the Dope's!

How can I run a decent Inquisition for the Unholy C when anyone thinks
they can jump in .... do people know how long I trained to be the bad
boy of this ng!

There'll be a schism if this carries on for much longer.
--
`p
The study of non-linear physics is like the study of non-elephant
biology.
Bev
2004-09-12 14:09:53 UTC
Permalink
`p blathered...
Post by `p
How can I run a decent Inquisition for the Unholy C when anyone thinks
they can jump in .... do people know how long I trained to be the bad
boy of this ng!
There was training involved? I thought it came naturally.
Post by `p
There'll be a schism if this carries on for much longer.
<passes the toilet paper>
--
Bev.
Robert de Vincy
2004-09-12 13:18:37 UTC
Permalink
FatMax did write:

[snip]
Post by FatMax
Post by Robert de Vincy
So, when *do* you use your highly entertaining gem? What situation
warrants it?
Flushing out humourless twats like yourself seems a pretty good
situation to me.
Go on give me the "some of best freinds wear a red nose and oversize
shooz" line
Pfffft. That is *so* 2003. Squirty lapel-flowers is where it's at
these days.
--
BdeV
Bev
2004-09-12 14:09:22 UTC
Permalink
FatMax blathered...
Post by FatMax
*You* may insult Mr. OpenOffice with impunity but when you get shirty
with the woman I lurve *you* are on shaky ground.
<swoooooooooooooooooooooon>
Post by FatMax
And probably going
to burn for a long time.
Do you think so? I suspect a very quick fizzle out myself.
--
Bev.
Bev
2004-09-12 22:28:35 UTC
Permalink
Robert de Vincy blathered...
Post by Robert de Vincy
Post by Bev
You're presuming rather too much in deciding what *I* was commenting
on. My post was made as a follow up to Ian's, therefore I was
commenting on that.
So, when *do* you use your highly entertaining gem? What situation
warrants it?
Usually when I am introduced to someone as an 'expert' in something or
other, in order to adjust the balance.
Oh, and as a comparison with something similar posted on Usenet of
course.
Post by Robert de Vincy
Post by Bev
Post by Robert de Vincy
The two trite "witticisms" offered were highly inappropriate in that
context (unless they were offered as out-and-out childish insults)
and didn't even make much sense.
Obviously the context of Usenet is way over your head.
Oh, it *was* insult. Thanks.
Obviously the context of Usenet is waaaaay over your head!
--
Bev.
John Porcella
2004-09-17 16:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by Robert de Vincy
Post by Bev
Ian blathered...
Post by Ian
Definition of an Ex - spert - Has been who comes in short bursts.
ex= has been
spert = drip under pressure
And neither of them very funny, clever, or -- indeed -- apt.
Why do such silly "witticisms" continue to be spread?
Perhaps because they are funny and/or clever and certainly apt?
--
MESSAGE ENDS.
John Porcella
John Porcella
2004-09-17 16:10:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ian
Post by John Porcella
Post by Ian
Post by John Porcella
Why should having more than one skill by 'silly'? However, I
appreciate that in society today expertise in one area is lauded, and
being multi-skilled is frowned upon.
Really? For jobs in this company multi-skills are an absolute
requirement. We need people who are technically knowledgeable, can sell
and can manage. If they know about how education and businesses work
that's an advantage too.
--
IanL
ZMS Ltd - Education Management Consultants
Yes, really! You will generally find that somebody who knows a lot
about a little, an expert, is more highly prized than somebody who knows
a little about many things.
Definition of an Ex - spert - Has been who comes in short bursts.
Heh-heh! I like it! 8-)
--
MESSAGE ENDS.
John Porcella
Andrew Virnuls
2004-09-07 16:14:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Matthew Huntbach
Post by Marc Brooks
Post by Andrew Wilson
I hear of people doing say a degree in sociology, and then they go
onto to do a masters in computing or whatever. How does this work
when a person changes a subject, is a this a common practice? How long
does a masters take to do,what are the entry requirements and do you
apply via UCAS or what?
Got a degree in Geography in 1989, worked as a mainframe ops analyst for a
year and gained a MSc IT in 1991 from Leicester Poly. V. intensive course
compared to a degree, gives you a knowledge base somewhere between a HND and
a degree but in a single year. I applied direct to the poly but things have
probably changed a bit since then.
There are two sorts of Masters degrees. One is advanced study in a
subject you have your first degree in. The other is a one year
intensive study of a new subject. The second sort of masters is often
called a "conversion masters".
I heard from a lecturer friend that conversion masters are going to be
re-named - to something like "post-graduate diploma" - to prevent
misleading/confusing employers, and making it clear that someone with a
conversion masters in Computer Science won't be at the same level as someone
who has studied Computer Science for 4 years.

Andrew
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