When it comes to working on your personal and professional growth, timing can be everything. While many students set their sights on a September start-date for their master's journey, there's a strong case to be made for beginning in May. This option comes with several benefits that can improve your learning experience and boost your career.
Let's explore why May is the perfect time to start your online master's degree.
1. You’ll avoid the September price increases
One of the most practical reasons to start your master's in May is financial. Universities often raise their course fees in September. By enrolling in May, you sidestep these increases, potentially saving a significant amount of money. This financial foresight not only eases your budget but also allows you to invest in other areas of your life.
2. You can study and still enjoy your holidays
One of the biggest perks of online learning is flexibility. Starting in May doesn’t mean giving up any holidays you already have booked. Instead, it lets you fit your studies around your travel plans. Whether you're reading by the beach or working on an assignment in a mountain cabin, you can enjoy both learning and leisure.
3. You’ll demonstrate a commitment to proactive personal development
Starting your master's in May sets a tone of proactivity. It shows you're eager to advance your knowledge and skills without waiting for the usual September start-date. For many regions across the globe, May marks the beginning of longer days and warmer weather. This is a great time to take advantage of the seasonal shift, which can naturally lift your mood and boost productivity. With this fresh momentum, you may find yourself more motivated and ready to tackle challenging tasks with renewed energy and focus.
4. You'll have time to establish a solid study routine by September
Enrolling in May allows you to establish a solid academic routine by the beginning of September. Since many people will still be in holiday mode, you can benefit from quieter study environments and less disruption in your daily life. This can be especially beneficial if you're balancing your studies with a full-time job.
5. You’ll graduate before the June to September holiday period
Imagine completing your studies and enjoying the summer holiday months free of assignments and lectures, while those who start in September are still studying. Starting in May aligns perfectly with an academic calendar that lets you finish your dissertation or final project before the summer. This timing gives you a clear break to relax and prepare for the next steps in your career with a fresh perspective.
6. You can beat the rush of other graduates searching for new jobs
Graduating earlier than the traditional September cohort means you enter the job market when fewer graduates are competing for positions. This timing can be particularly advantageous, since you can stand out to potential employers and capitalise on opportunities before the annual rush.
If you’re curious about what your life could look like as an online student, we recommend reading this interview with an MA Global Cultures graduate.
Start your master’s in May
Starting your master’s degree in May isn’t just a smart way to make education more affordable or enjoy the summer. It’s a strategic move that sets you up for academic success and early career growth. It offers flexibility, a schedule that fits your life, and a head start before the typical job market rush.
So, why wait until September? May could be the smarter way to reach your academic and professional goals.
Our May intake is just around the corner, and applications are open until 15 April 2025:
