What do people think of doing several masters courses? Apart from the considerable financial implications! I only ask as their are many fields in the biological sciences and humanities which are very tempting to go into. I'm not overly enamoured by the idea of specialisation in a subject because by defintion it will be to the detrement of other also very interesting subjects.

Hiya!

There were several reasons why I decided to do 2 MScs.
1) I have different interests in psychology, so I wanted to specialise in various areas. 2) Psychology as a profession, is competitive. I have completed Stage 1 of its chartership, so if I decided to go down that route and get chartership via stage 2, then I have this option. 3). My second MSc is in research. I took this on as my research skills were extremely weak. After completing I received a funded PhD studentship. 4) I have had plenty of practice in building up skills such as team working, interpersonal skills etc. I have also learnt heeps and have published stuff. 5) I have found it easy to get assistant psychologist and a research position.

Overall, I've throughly enjoyed having the chance to branch out in areas for my own interest and improving my career aspirations.

There's a girl on my MRes course who has already done a masters before this one. The reason she gives for doing 2 masters is that it is a tradition in Taiwan (where she is from).

A bloody expensive traditon. I often wonder how 'average people' fund the most expensive postgraduate qualifications like MBA's. Lancaster's MBA is I believe £17K. Takes some chasing back that figure.

Definitely don't do another a Masters unless it is a requirement.

I know of at least one person who did one Masters and then moved onto another Masters. It sounded like they did this because they couldnt find a PhD position and they didn't want to work.

Can't it look like more knowledge and experience specially if they are similar e.g.. research masters and taught masters?

I don't want to put anyone off, after all it's your £3K-£17K, do with it what you will. But in my experience, undertaking multiple Master's level qualifications, unless there is some significant time period involved, makes the person 'look like' they are collecting letters after their name.

If you want to do it and can afford it, theres worse ways you could be spending your time eg in a job thats not taking you anywhere/making you unhappy/badly paid, in jail (dont ask), on the dole.