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Choosing graduate programme

Checklist  - Choose the right master programme!

Do you have time to make the wrong choice? 
If you regret your choice of programme, you risk having to wait a year before you can enrol in a new one. So use this checklist before you choose your master programme.

1. Choose based on what you know – not what you think you know

Each year many students choose the wrong program and some drop out because it was not in line with their expectations. The title of the program does not tell the whole story; instead, get acquainted with the actual content of the programmes.
  • Read the course descriptions for ALL the courses. This makes it easier to compare the different programmes, and to make the right choice.
  • Be investigative: Talk to students enrolled in the program, but remember what is right for them is not necessarily right for you. 
  • Fell free to use the Open Day event or the student guidance service. 
  • Never choose an education solely because of its popularity, cool title or because it ”sounds nice”.

2. Be structured in your selection process – it helps you make the right choice

Are you having difficulties fully understanding the consequences of your choice? Get a better overview by writing down your thoughts.
  • Write down your specific requirements for your continued education. Be concrete about the academic content, and the competences you wish to obtain. Remember to include study environment, flexibility, employability, exam forms ect.
  • Prioritise your wishes. 
  • Make a pros-and-cons list for the programmes you are considering, and compare them with your priorities. 
  • Do not postpone the decision until the last minute!

3. Don´t make half choices – think of your complete profile

When you choose a master programme, you are actually only choosing the courses you will have on the first year. The electives and the master thesis is an equally large part of the programme. Here you can tailor the program in the direction you want.
  • Elaborate on what profile you want to create for yourself.
  • Think about how you want to create this profile through the master programme. Do you want to use the second year to specialise yourself, or do you want to create a broader profile by adding or combining multiple courses? 
  • Examine the possibilities to make individual adjustments in the programme, for instance which electives have previously been offered.

4. Plan B or C becomes a reality for many people – Choose your priorities wisely

Your education is only a means to reach your goal, not the goal in itself. There can be a variety of ways to reach the same goal, or maybe you can set several possible goals. Consider working with multiple alternatives that can lead you in the direction you want to go.
Remember that all your priorities can become your future programme.
  • Therefore, spend time on making a realistic plan A, B and C, and think it through. In that way you will be ready to start on all the programmes you prioritise.
  • Write the results down and try to combine the different programmes with different electives and specialisations. 
  • Only prioritize programmes you wish to be admitted in.

5. Choosing a master – choosing a career

Your choice of master studies is the beginning of your choice of career. It is therefore important that you choose something you want to do ”the rest of your life”. On the other hand, you should not think that your career path is locked, because you have made certain choices. Your education is only part of your qualification for future employment, and a professional life is long and can (luckily) go on to develop in many directions.
  • Find your dream job. Examine the market by reading job advertisements. What jobs are you interested in, and what is it that attracts you to these jobs above others?  
  • What competences and professional knowledge is required in those jobs? Remember to consider competences, tools or understandings that are required on the day-to-day basis. 
  • Examine what programmes can give you the competences you do not have. 
  • Take into consideration that you might need to take some courses in areas that may not be your strongest side, but will give you valuable competences with regards to landing your dream job.

Last updated by CBS Admissions Office 17/02/2012