Reply to: MSc

[Paddy]

Just buy one for £150 off ebay or "online university" - much easier than working.

Why are you doing an MSc? (Purely out of interest, that's not an "why are you wasting your time?" kind of question, in case it came across that way I've never really seen the benefit / interest in more studying, particularly when I'm working as well - what's the attraction / motivation?

Buy an MBA degree for Dh20,000... - Emirates 24/7

[ratewhore]

Holy Thread Resurrection Batman!

Just had my unconditional offer from Edinburgh Napier to study a MSc in Security and Digital Forensics on their distance learning program, looking forward to it for a number of reasons, will give me something to do when stuck on the bench or in a hotel room when working away, hoping to build on the practical exposure I have had to InfoSec with some formal qualifications before trying for CISSP. I never studied for a bachelors degree so think I read somewhere a few European countries won't let you work there without a degree, but mostly I am looking forward to it because the subject fascinates me!

Well done and good luck!! Have to say though, my MSc has made absolutely no difference to my day rate or available opportunities...

[pmeswani]

Their quality is probably very high but I'd have to say that the cost is an issue, especially if you are not in UK. I wouldn't say that 2000 pound for each single module (even for as cheap as the pound is now) is "moderate". Unless you have a top paying contract it might be cheaper to take a year out and do it full time at any accredited institution.

I don't quite follow your logic. Let's say your normal day rate is £400 per day. If you do a MSc full time and the cost of the course is, for example, £10k. The true cost of your Masters is £98k (based on 220 days a year billable work lost and the cost of your Masters). I would consider £2k a module with the OU as cheaper than doing a full time Masters. However, if you want to do a full-time Masters, don't let me hold you back. I can only hope that you are able to recoup the lost earnings over the following years.

(PS: This doesn't take into account any additional living costs and other expenditures such as buying books, lunch, socialising, etc)

[eek]

Well done.

Just a bit of warning.

When countries don't let you work without a degree some of them also look at the length of the degree. So even though your Masters will count because you didn't study for x years they will discount you. However if you have over 10 years of experience it's not something to worry about.

It can be in some countries. Even with 30 years experience Turkey wanted to see the certificates.

[SueEllen]

Holy Thread Resurrection Batman!

Just had my unconditional offer from Edinburgh Napier to study a MSc in Security and Digital Forensics on their distance learning program, looking forward to it for a number of reasons, will give me something to do when stuck on the bench or in a hotel room when working away, hoping to build on the practical exposure I have had to InfoSec with some formal qualifications before trying for CISSP. I never studied for a bachelors degree so think I read somewhere a few European countries won't let you work there without a degree, but mostly I am looking forward to it because the subject fascinates me!

Well done.

Just a bit of warning.

When countries don't let you work without a degree some of them also look at the length of the degree. So even though your Masters will count because you didn't study for x years they will discount you. However if you have over 10 years of experience it's not something to worry about.

[zamzummim]

Yes. don't!

Study for my masters in operational research, took 4 years part time such a toil. If I were to attempt it again I'd take a year out.

Yep, that's what I did, took a year out, was stressful financially, but it was over faster than you know it.

[scooterscot]

I'm starting one.

Anyone got any experiences of contracting and studying at the same time?

Yes. don't!

Study for my masters in operational research, took 4 years part time such a toil. If I were to attempt it again I'd take a year out.

[Francko]

Because the OU is in the top 10 Universities for many of their faculties, therefore it must be crap... right?

I've been with the Open University since 2001, and not had a major problem with their delivery of courses or cost.

Their quality is probably very high but I'd have to say that the cost is an issue, especially if you are not in UK. I wouldn't say that 2000 pound for each single module (even for as cheap as the pound is now) is "moderate". Unless you have a top paying contract it might be cheaper to take a year out and do it full time at any accredited institution.

[eek]

Grammar and the flow of writing isn't really important for academic work is it?

Only if you want the person marking it to:-

1) understand it
2) still vaguely like you and mark you positively.

[SimonMac]

and breathe

Grammar and the flow of writing isn't really important for academic work is it?

[Pondlife]

Just had my unconditional offer from Edinburgh Napier to study a MSc in Security and Digital Forensics on their distance learning program, looking forward to it for a number of reasons, will give me something to do when stuck on the bench or in a hotel room when working away, hoping to build on the practical exposure I have had to InfoSec with some formal qualifications before trying for CISSP.

and breathe

[SimonMac]

Holy Thread Resurrection Batman!

Just had my unconditional offer from Edinburgh Napier to study a MSc in Security and Digital Forensics on their distance learning program, looking forward to it for a number of reasons, will give me something to do when stuck on the bench or in a hotel room when working away, hoping to build on the practical exposure I have had to InfoSec with some formal qualifications before trying for CISSP. I never studied for a bachelors degree so think I read somewhere a few European countries won't let you work there without a degree, but mostly I am looking forward to it because the subject fascinates me!

[pmeswani]

God help us all!!

Actually, if you want a distance learning MSc in Information Security, you want the Royal Holloway MSc. It's the most well respected and recognised MSc in the industry.

Or just take your CISSP like every other monkey who's ever walked past a firewall GUI and considered themselves a security expert...

Even though Royal Holloway is the best for delivering MSc's for Information Security, I personally couldn't afford the cost and the time off. I hope to get my post grad within 2 years and my Masters a year after... however the cost of the Masters conversion is quite high.

[Mich the Tester]

Because the OU is in the top 10 Universities for many of their faculties, therefore it must be crap... right?

I've been with the Open University since 2001, and not had a major problem with their delivery of courses or cost.

I've been very pleased with them in about the same timeframe too.

[pmeswani]

What makes you think the OU is 'crap'?

Because the OU is in the top 10 Universities for many of their faculties, therefore it must be crap... right?

I've been with the Open University since 2001, and not had a major problem with their delivery of courses or cost.