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Posted Aug. 21, 2023

7 reasons to study a masters degree with links to industry

Warwick Manufacturing Group

Whether you’re looking to launch, enhance or change your career, studying for an industry-relevant masters degree can offer numerous benefits to positively impact your career and personal growth. 

WMG (formerly known as Warwick Manufacturing Group) is one of the largest academic departments at the University of Warwick. WMG’s long-established mission is to bridge the gap between industry and academia, across both its research and education portfolios. The masters courses in WMG are wide-ranging and span the areas of engineering, technology, management, business and innovation, with programmes such as: Engineering Business Management, Programme and Project Management, Supply Chain and Logistics Management, e-Business Management, Cyber Security, Automotive Electrification and others. These one-year, full-time courses give students the opportunity to go beyond theoretical learning, enabling them to develop the skills and knowledge that employers seek in today's competitive workplace. So, not only will you be studying at a top ten UK university, but you will also gain the industrial relevance necessary to make impact throughout your career.

Here are just seven ways that an MSc aligned with industry could benefit you.

1. Access to industry trends and innovations

Masters courses that are aligned with industry tend to incorporate the latest trends, knowledge, technologies and innovations. Staying up to date with these developments can help you contribute effectively to your sector.  Studying for a masters in the WMG department at Warwick will provide you with a management education that has real business and industry application. Courses are designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen careers. Gaining an in-depth understanding of real-world challenges and learning how to apply theoretical concepts to solve practical problems faced by professionals in the field, are core focuses of the MSc programmes.

2. Enhanced career prospects

Studying for a masters degree is intended to significantly improve your career prospects. Employers want graduates who possess specialised skills and expertise that can immediately add value to their business. WMG fosters strong relationships with industry and offers a practical education, with a focus on employability. Many alumni have gone to work for a range of companies with close links to WMG. For example, Braulio Solano, who studied the MSc Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles at WMG, is now working for Jaguar Land Rover where he is applying the expertise acquired on the MSc course directly into his role. You can read more about his alumni story here.

3. Networking opportunities

Postgraduate courses often provide networking opportunities and extra-curricular sessions, allowing you to connect with professors, industry experts, alumni and fellow students. These connections can lead to valuable job opportunities and industry insights. WMG host a series of careers and employability events throughout the academic year, such as FutureFest. These events are intended to give students the chance to network and hear from prospective employers, explore career opportunities and attend skills workshops.

4. Practical learning environment

In the WMG department, students are embedded in a practical learning environment, where tutors have a wealth of industry expertise and guest speakers contribute to the teaching. What’s more, the learning environment has been designed to simulate the workplace, this means that students work on collaborative tasks, simulations and case studies to tackle real-world business challenges. The focus on hands-on learning, industry teaching and the practical application of knowledge ensures that graduates are not only well versed in the theory but are also able to apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios. This is highly effective in developing professionals who will go on to make meaningful contributions in the global workplace.

Warwick Manufacturing Group

5. Analytical and critical-thinking skills

Masters graduates often go into a range of management and leadership roles where they are responsible for leading teams and making strategic decisions. Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are essential for business success. Masters study requires a much deeper level of learning than undergraduate study; you will be expected to conduct in-depth research within your subject area and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your field. Therefore, the skills you will develop will add significantly more value that academic content alone. Analytical and critical-thinking skills will enable you to analyse and evaluate, helping you grasp the subject matter in depth. These skills will be transferable to the workplace, where graduates are able to solve a range of complex business challenges with confidence.

6. Industry accreditation

Several of the courses in WMG are accredited by relevant professional bodies, such as the Association for Project Management; Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply; The Institute of Export and International Trade; GCHQ and others, meaning that the teaching and learning is certified as being approved by industry. For a course to gain accreditation, it has been recognised by a relevant independent body for its outstanding course design and content, as well as the relevance of the programme within a professional environment. Take a look at the WMG course webpages for accreditation information.

7. Personal development

Studying for a masters course in a subject area that you’re passionate about means you’ll be learning, researching and contributing to your field, as well as boosting your career prospects and leading to a successful and fulfilling career. A masters degree can open doors to a world of opportunities, not only from a professional, but also a personal point of view. Whether you’re studying for a masters degree straight from your undergraduate study or you’re returning to the classroom following several years of work experience, you can benefit from a range of academic, personal development and social experiences at university; all of which will help shape your future.  Studying in WMG means being part of a global community, with students from around the world – this international exposure will also help your personal and professional growth.

By offering a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills and industry exposure, WMG is developing leaders of the future, by contributing to the growth and success of its students as well as the industries they'll go on to work in.

Visit the website for more information about the masters courses in WMG, University of Warwick.

Warwick Manufacturing Group

WMG MSc courses

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