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Posted Oct. 28, 2025

Best masters degrees to choose for changing careers

Best masters degrees for a career changeIf you are considering a change of career, one of the most successful ways of doing this is by studying a masters degree. Postgraduate study can provide you with new transferrable skills, as well as specialised knowledge in an area of interest.

When considering a masters degree to help move your career a new direction it’s important to consider various factors to help you make the right choice.

Why do you want to change careers?

Do you want to make the world a better place? If your reason for a career change is for personal satisfaction and you want to save the planet and help combat climate change and preserve natural resources – choosing one of the increasingly popular offerings in sustainability will be a fulfilling choice and help you carve out a career in this field.

If it’s for more money, then you may want to consider cutting-edge degrees that are at the forefront of the latest world developments – such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and machine learning; or postgraduate programs that will get you ahead in the lucrative world of banking and finance – think private equity and hedge fund management, in this instance MBA programs and other finance-related courses could be the best choice.

Are you hoping to future-proof your career? If this is the case, AI, technology and sustainability are interesting options that will remain relevant for many years to come.

Is your decision a response to modern-day societal changes? With the growing awareness of mental health issues and the increasing demands for experts and professionals in this field, related masters degrees and professional qualifications in mental health are a great choice.

Do you want to pivot to within another sector in your current career? Although this isn’t strictly speaking studying a masters degree to change your career, the reason for studying is career-related, so consider options that will help you move into your new area of interest.

What master degrees are best for a career change?

So, what are the best masters degrees to study for a career change? This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a good selection of masters courses that can help you move into a new career, no matter what your reasons.

MBA – Masters of Business Administration

Studying an MBA will give you skills in leadership, finance and business. MBA students can choose to focus in a variety of different areas, and according to the British School of Management and Science, some of the most popular MBA degrees are MBA in Finance; MBA in Marketing; MBA in International Business; MBA in Technology Management; MBA in Entrepreneurship; and MBA in Healthcare Management.

Masters in Artificial Intelligence

Every industry is affected by AI, which is causing employers and employees to make extensive changes in their work needs and demands. Advancing technologies in today’s world have created many changes in career developments – and by keeping ahead of this rapidly advancing and ever evolving field, you should be able to carve out your place in your desired career. With many entry roles declining as simpler tasks can be done by machines, keeping ahead of AI and technology is essential. Areas covered on a masters degree in AI will include artificial intelligence, data mining and machine learning.

Masters in Cyber Security

Although cyber security can usually be taken as an optional module on an AI masters degree, it is also a great topic to specialise in as a masters degree to further your career, as large corporations, small businesses, governments and even individuals become increasingly at the mercy of computer hackers and internet fraud. Having expertise in cyber security is quickly becoming an invaluable skill in a multitude of workplaces.

Masters in Sustainability

Sustainability is not just a buzzword – many people consider it to be a key component to the future of life on Planet Earth – and postgraduate courses in sustainability will often go hand-in-hand with business or enterprise as they will consider climate, environment and sustainability issues and how these can be overcome from an economical and business-savvy perspective.  The quest for a zero-carbon future and creating environmentally sustainable business models will be key considerations and the driving force behind the skills learnt on a masters in this field.

Masters in Mental Health

Mental health is an increasing area of research and study, with more funds and attention being directed towards this field within health services worldwide. As the mental health sector expands, so too does the opportunities for mental health graduates – with fulfilling careers available in fields such as nursing, therapy, counselling, rehabilitation, and child and adult mental health.

MPH – Masters of Public Health

An MPH (Masters of Public Health) explores worldwide health issues and how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, preparing students for leadership roles in these areas. MPH students will learn about epidemiology, global health policies, statistics, health inequalities, health economics, chronic diseases and statistics. MPH degree graduates can move into careers in international charities, government bodies and NGOs, with career paths including data scientist, community health worker, health educator and researcher, epidemiologist and academia.

Masters in Psychology

Psychology is currently one of the most popular subjects to study at undergraduate level in the UK, and the progression to studying this topic at postgraduate level is a natural one. Popular areas of study within psychology include behavioural psychology, child psychology, clinical psychology, criminal psychology, occupational psychology and sports psychology. If you are one of the many psychology graduates, moving onto studying this as a masters students at a deeper and more specialised level is a great way to move into a fascinating new career.

Want to change your career? Studying a masters degree is a great way to do this. Check out the great selection of postgraduate courses on Postgrad.com.

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