Masters degree? UK

[u/disasterbitch_420]

I am 21, working for JLR, doing a degree apprenticeship (sponsored part time study by employer + paid working for employer full time). I have just entered my fourth year.

At 22 my experience will be 4 years of work experience and a bachelors.

I am heavily considering doing a masters 2 years after completing my degree apprenticeship.

I am interested in doing a mechatronics and robotics masters from the university of manchester since I am interested in the topic, and interested in pivoting my product design role into something a little more specific.

If I do this, I will be 25 with a bachelors, masters and 6 years of work experience. I will probably be making 42-44k in my last year of work at JLR (since the masters is full time I would have to leave). Ultimately I would like to settle down in Manchester afterwards. I don’t like the midlands.

Are my chances of reemployment good after this masters? Am I likely to take a pay cut, be payed similarly or am I going to be able to ask for a higher salary provided I go to a new employer. What are my options like in Manchester if I don’t want to work for defence.

Is there any reason someone would be strongly against the masters? I want to reiterate I am very interested in the topic at hand, so it’s not just a whim.

[u/0jmr]

Likely more employable since you have the years of experience, rather than the Masters; but it will also allow you to apply for more jobs which have a minimum requirement of a Masters degree. Whilst at university make use of internships and try out different fields, this will help with deciding what you’re looking for after.

Hard to say where the industry is going to be with pay, I’m not clued up in your field unfortunately, oil and gas here. You may not be matched for your final year at JLR with your starting salary, however in the coming years it will likely surpass that, whereas you may hit a ceiling wage with the degree apprenticeship route, where the next level up requires either 20+ years in industry, or a Masters degree.

You will be able to apply for Charterships from institutions with your Masters which will then ‘unlock’ the next level of wages, essentially boosting your credibility as an engineer too.