So, you’re trying to decide where to do a masters in digital marketing?
Differentiating between the different courses can be excruciating. Do I need to go to a highly ranked university? Does the course more practical or theoretical? Will I get the opportunity to do a placement? And on and on it goes.
This post will go through several of the factors I considered before deciding to study a masters in digital marketing at RGU.
It is 2019- Are rankings still the be all and end all?
Almost a decade ago, whilst I was trying to narrow down my undergraduate university options, rankings were the most important factor. Teachers would talk about aspiring for Russell Group universities or even Oxbridge. Ultimately, 17-year-old Dave opted for the University of East Anglia, which was the perfect choice at the time.
Fast forward nine years, following three years of travel and a bizarre collection of jobs, I found myself looking to study a completely different subject. This time, with the specific goal of attaining the skills and experience to build a career in digital marketing. Alongside rankings, a number of other factors ultimately shaped my decision to study at RGU.
Employability
The most important consideration, for me, was how effective the
The fact that RGU has the highest employment records out of any other university in Scotland was certainly an appealing factor. The digital marketing course is also particularly well-known for its employability.
A quick search through student profiles on the Digital Scot (and previous student’s LinkedIn profiles) showed me exactly what type of career I could aspire for. The course has had students go on to work in over the world in some incredibly exciting companies. We even had a set of students from last year set up their own digital agency!
How well is the course suited to my previous experience?
Being a complete newbie to the digital marketing world, I questioned whether I could even apply to the course. My technical abilities were fairly limited, and I had no education in marketing or business (besides a few online courses).
Fortunately for me, this programme did not require me to have a specific marketing or business background. Having a classroom full of people with different backgrounds and experiences makes it so much more exciting. Many of the topics covered, from SEO to Google Analytics, are completely new to everyone. So, everyone is in the exact same boat.
I would recommend looking at the course content for different digital marketing masters programmes. Many courses have a more academic slant, whereas others, such as RGU, are more practical. A key aspect of the course, for me, was the fact students get the opportunity to work on real client briefs, and have the option to go on a work placement.
Feel free to check out the RGU MSc Digital Marketing course content.
Could I really see myself living THERE?
You have really got to consider if you could actually picture yourself living, breathing and studying in these different universities. If you’re a country bumpkin, moving to the centre of London may feel very intense.
Equally, if you are used to the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, Aberdeen would take some adjustment. Personally, I’m an outdoorsy kinda guy, so being close to the highlands, the beach, and having a university on a river is the dream.
Money Money Money
And of course, MONEY! Masters programmes do cost money, and you have to consider other outgoings such as accommodation, food and whether you can fit in a part-time job alongside your studies. Getting the right balance to suit you is paramount- and even consider looking into part-time options!
Overall
In early 2018, I knew that if I was going to leave my job and go back to education, I needed to come out with practical skills, alongside the theory. I spent a lot of time visiting universities, speaking to lecturers, and having coffee with current students trying to figure out which course was for me. University prospectuses are confusing, and you just don’t get the full picture. Speaking to people on the course is vital!
Factors, such as rankings, should definitely play a role when deciding where to study but should also be considered within a wider context. Once you have a goal of what you want to achieve from a masters programme, it’s far easier to make a decision. And of course, you have to see yourself living there for a year or so, so choose wisely!