At this point in your educational journey, you may be considering your next step. Should you go straight into the world of work and ‘learn on the job’, or is it worth studying for a master’s degree in the UAE? The emphasis placed on higher education by employers is significant – those who are higher up the educational chain will inevitably be more appealing to potential employers, as well as having greater earning potential.
Studying for a master’s degree also allows you to challenge yourself, embrace new ideas, and ignite that entrepreneurial spirit that could one day lead to you becoming an employer rather than an employee. An influential alumni network, the confidence to push yourself further, and demonstrating to those in your field that you are serious about your career path are also vital benefits of having a master's degree certificate.
The UAE has always embraced education and the advancement of the younger generation as a critical pillar of its social development. As a result, the UAE now has one of the world's most dynamic and forward-thinking economies and societies. Studying for a master’s degree in the UAE could make you part of the next chapter of the country’s ongoing success story.
What is a master’s degree?
Once you've achieved your bachelor's degree, you can go on to study your chosen subject or a related one at a higher level of competency. A master’s degree demonstrates that you have a more in-depth understanding of a complex subject or field of study in both theoretical and practical applications. A master’s degree also shows that you have expanded your ability to apply critical evaluation and analysis, as well as fine-tuning your skills in solving complex problems.
A master’s degree typically takes between one to three years to complete and can be studied on a full or part-time basis. The length of the course will depend on the subject you are studying.
There are two types of master’s degrees. A ‘taught’ degree is a structured course that is primarily classroom-focused and involves a series of lectures, seminars, and supervised learning. A 'research' degree is more independently oriented towards the student's chosen study area.
Master’s programs aimed at working professionals are also available and are often sponsored by the employer to allow a particularly talented employee to pursue significant personal development. This makes them a greater asset for the organization, benefiting both employee and employer.
Why should you consider studying for a master’s degree?
The importance of a master’s degree cannot be underestimated. With an ever-changing work environment demanding more rounded, multi-skilled individuals, demonstrating that you have a much greater understanding of your particular subject and its application in the real world makes you a much more appealing candidate.
The working environment is also much more global in the 21st century, so students with master’s degrees from highly respected universities have a much wider field of potential employment within a contemporary international workplace. Put simply, obtaining a master’s degree could potentially futureproof your career, enabling you to choose a more engaging and dynamic path.
Ultimately, the more highly qualified you are, the more opportunities open up for you once you move into the workplace. It can also boost your earning potential – another key reason why a master’s degree is important for your future.
Why study in the UAE?
UAE universities have a growing international reputation as centers of academic excellence. They offer highly engaging and practical courses and highly technical roadmaps that stimulate and encourage students towards a ‘start-up mindset’ and a culture of entrepreneurialism. The UAE is moving away from the ‘dusty hallowed halls’ concept of university study and towards a system that will prepare students for a future in a more innovative working environment.
UAE universities also deliver that all-important infrastructure that allows students to feel they are being properly supported throughout their time in higher education. Learning in a friendly, supportive, and engaging environment brings out the best in students, allowing them to exceed their own expectations.
A fun and rewarding postgraduate experience
Learning should be fun. It should stimulate the mind, ignite ambition, and prepare the student for their next step into the world of work. The UAE has become a global economic hub delivering an ultra-modern learning experience for home-grown and international students while maintaining traditional Arabic values. Cultural diversity is embraced, and the educational landscape in the UAE is now more inclusive than ever.
Students from around the world are also drawn to the UAE for its quality of life. And because the UAE's higher education system is based on models from the UK, the USA, and Europe and primarily teaches in English as a first language, it appeals to international students from across the globe.
With scholarships and grants available to make studying for a master’s degree in the UAE even more affordable, there has never been a better time to sign up for a program.
To learn more about the programs at ADU, browse our website or contact our admissions team, who will be happy to help you pick the right program for you. You can also take a look at our guide to choosing a master’s degree.