Should you get an Honours degree and do you need one? You might have been asked the same questions by family and friends – you have a decent degree, so isn’t it time to get out there and start your career? It's okay, you're not alone. Many third year students find themselves pondering whether they should go after that Honours degree.
What Is an Honours degree?
An Honour’s degree is a postgraduate qualification in one of your major subjects. It usually takes one year of full-time study, or two years part time, to complete. If you complete your Honours successfully, you are eligible to study for a Master’s degree.
Is getting an honours degree important in getting a job?
As jobs become more scarce, so competition within the job market increases. It stands to reason that further study, especially of post-graduate qualifications like an IIE BA Honours degree or or an IIE BCom Honours degree, will help set you apart from the rest.
By no means are we saying that you won’t get a job if you don’t have an Honours. Instead, we’re saying that in today’s world, a postgraduate qualification could be a big deciding factor for recruiters. And don’t be swayed by honours degree myths - even though this post-graduate degree is no walk in the park, with dedication and the right academic support, it’s achievable.
What are the advantages of an Honours Degree?
Whether it’s a BA Honours degree as a postgrad to your Bachelor of Arts, or an Honours to complement your Accounting degree, here are some of the advantages of studying further:
- It’s about keeping up with the pack
Times have changed and this has driven an increased awareness of education and its importance. Now students are studying further so that they can stay in the running for the jobs they really want. - You can never be too qualified
We just happen to be of the belief that you can never have too many qualifications. This is especially true when applying for jobs that have minimum qualification requirements. You might very well be the best person for the job but if you don’t have the qualification level they’re looking for, your chances are reduced. - Can you afford to be without it?
There’s no reason why you can’t get your dream job with a Bachelor’s degree alone. Many people have been hired without a postgraduate degree, and work experience and personality also help when filling that vacancy. But can you afford to risk not studying further? Studying for an Honours won’t guarantee you a job but then again, not studying one won’t either. It all depends on you and where you see yourself 10 years from now. - You’re sending the right message
By pursuing an Honours degree, you’re sending the following message:- I’m ambitious, driven and passionate about what I do.
- I value education, and I’m not afraid to put time into learning new things.
- I invest effort in things that pay off long term, the same way I would with my career.
- Some industries insist on it
While for some industries a postgraduate qualification isn’t a “must have”, for others it’s mandatory. In the field of education, for example, many schools will only consider educators with postgraduate qualifications. The same can be said for the science and accounting fields. Even if you are considering work in an industry that might not require an Honours, an additional qualification will help you better understand your working world and where you fit into it. - You could earn more
Research confirms that a postgraduate degree impacts your ability to earn more money. Over time, the combination of qualification, work experience and skills can lead to better earning potential.
Do you have the time to study for an Honours?
The short answer is, “Yes”. Time is a huge factor that influences whether or not people decide to study further. After a minimum of three years for an undergraduate degree, some people are put off the idea of investing more time into studying, while others are eager to join the ranks of the working world. Nowadays, graduates can choose between part and full-time Honours degrees. At The IIE's Varsity College, we offer both modes of study so the choice is yours.
What should you consider before applying for Honours?
Do your homework - there is probably a lot you might not know about postgraduate studies and the reasons to get an honours degree. Check that your chosen programme is accredited. You don’t want to reach the end of a programme only to have recruiters say that it isn’t recognised by their company.
Think you’d like to add an Honours degree to your CV? We’ve got more than one way to help you do just that. For more on IIE postgraduate programmes that are helping our students go further faster, please click here.
Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), South Africa's largest, most accredited provider of private higher education.