When choosing a postgraduate degree in Cape Town, one of the biggest questions undergrads ask is how postgraduate honours differ from masters.
These degrees are both year-long programmes taken at the postgrad level. They both rely on high grades throughout your studies (including your undergrad years). They are both considered ‘door openers’ in many industries — especially in business.
How do they compare, and what else should you know about these postgrad degree courses?
What is a postgraduate honours degree?
If you are thinking of pursuing a postgraduate honours degree in Cape Town, you may want to keep the following facts in mind:
- The honours degree typically follows an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. It is the initial qualification for students aiming to specialise in any field, helping prepare students for research and postgraduate study.
- This qualification helps to deepen your understanding and experience within your field. As such, it demands a very high level of theory, practical application, and the ability to self-study.
- Completing an honours programme will help you meet the minimum entry requirements into a master’s programme. Your area of specialisation within the honours programme will affect your entry into a master’s degree.
Benefits of getting an honours degree
Getting an honours degree will not only make you eligible for further study. It will also show potential employers that you have a higher capacity for independent learning and are a hard worker.
Honours degrees also help you develop some skills you may miss out on if you only complete an undergraduate degree. Some of these skills include the following:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting
- Critical thinking
Honours degrees are highly recognised worldwide, and many companies in different countries prefer hiring graduates with honours degrees. This makes it easier for you to immigrate to another country if this is one of your career goals.
Lastly, you also open the door to higher-level job positions offering higher salaries and employee benefits.
Who should get an honours degree?
You might want to get an honours degree in the following cases:
- Your school invites you to do an honours degree after completing your three-year undergraduate programme: Students who achieve excellent marks often get invited to pursue further studies at the same university.
- You want to apply for a master’s degree: Some master’s degrees, such as a Master of Business in Healthcare Management, require an honour’s degree to be eligible for enrolment.
What is a postgraduate master’s degree?
A postgraduate Masters’s programme in Cape Town is a year-long qualification such as the MBA (Masters of Business Administration), which is one of the most sought-after, challenging qualifications for postgrad students to pursue.
Some things to keep in mind for students considering this type of qualification include the following:
- The primary aim of a master’s degree is to educate, train and prepare students at an advanced level. Likewise, graduates are also prepared for highly specialised employment within a given field. In the case of the MBA, students are equipped with essential skills needed in business.
- There is a robust research aspect in this qualification. Students typically need to prepare and deliver an essay known as a dissertation, which is a complex research project that implements the advanced knowledge acquired during the study period. Grades for this paper can often determine whether or not students complete their degrees.
- Master’s students complete their qualifications with the ability to handle difficult issues, make better decisions based on data and communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
- Minimum entry requirements for this postgrad qualification in Cape Town typically include a relevant honours degree, a professional BA degree or a postgraduate diploma.
Benefits of getting a master’s degree
Businesses are much more likely to hire highly qualified and skilled professionals in a competitive job market.
Thus, a master’s degree does not only provide a competitive advantage but also opens the door to executive-level positions that pay far higher salaries. Master’s degrees also allow you to change careers, build credibility, and be seen as an expert.
Who should get a master’s degree?
You might want to get a master’s degree in the following cases:
- You want to become an authority in your field: Perhaps you are incredibly passionate about your field or industry and want to be known as an expert.
- You want to climb the corporate ladder to the top: Your ultimate career goal is to attain senior or executive-level positions within local or international companies.
Study postgraduate degree courses with REGENT
If you are interested in furthering your studies and would like to pursue an honour’s degree, look at our BCom Honours to see what is included and its admission requirements.
If you need to talk to a consultant, contact us directly or fill out an enquiry form on this page.
