Deciding to pursue a master’s degree is an exciting step in your career – one that can open doors to new career opportunities, expand your professional network, and allow you to dive deeper into a subject you’re passionate about. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right programme for you?
We’ve broken down the key factors every prospective student should think about before making their decision.
1. Programme Delivery
How your course is delivered will have a big impact on your day-to-day experience. Most colleges, including National College of Ireland, will offer the following delivery methods:
- On-campus: The traditional delivery of programmes involves students coming to campus to attend their lectures. This method provides face-to-face interaction with lecturers and students, a structured timetable, and a campus community – great for students who thrive on personal connection.
- Online study: A delivery method that escalated in popularity post-Covid, online deliver offers maximum flexibility, letting you learn from anywhere. It is ideal for students looking to balance work, family, or other commitments.
- Blended learning: This method combines the two, giving students the benefits of occasional in-person sessions alongside the convenience of online learning.
If you’re unsure which delivery method works best for you, then consider factors such as your learning style, personal circumstances, and how much flexibility you need before making your choice.
Interested in learning more about NCI's Masters Programmes? Then join us at our upcoming On Campus Open Evening on September 3rd to chat with our lecturers.
2. Programme Structure
Another key factor to consider is whether you want to study your Masters programme on a Full-time or Part-time basis. Do you want to immerse yourself fully in your studies, or fit them around an existing job?
- Full-time study enables you to complete your qualification more quickly, often within a single academic year. However, it demands a substantial time commitment, with students typically expected to be on campus or engaged in learning from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday – much like an undergraduate schedule.
- Part-time study extends the programme over a longer period, typically two years, allowing students to maintain full-time employment alongside their studies. While it requires sustained motivation over a longer timeframe, it is often considered a more manageable way to balance work, academic, and personal commitments.
Your decision should be guided by your finances, availability, and the pace at which you want to complete your qualification. It’s important to choose a structure that suits your circumstances, so you can manage the workload effectively and enjoy a positive overall experience without overextending yourself.
3. Finances
While postgraduate education can be seen as an investment in your career and future opportunities, it’s important to budget carefully and choose a programme that suits your financial situation.
A clear understanding of your financial plan will help you avoid unnecessary stress once your studies begin.
- Ensure you thoroughly research programmes fees and any additional costs such as textbooks, laptop requirements and commuting costs.
- Look into funding options – from employer sponsorship to government-backed schemes like Springboard+.
- Explore scholarships and flexible payment plans that may be offered by the institution.
- Review what payment plans are offered by the college. For example, at National College of Ireland, we offer a Direct Debit Plan that allows students to pay just 20% of the course fee and then spread the remaining cost of the course across the duration of their studies. There is no additional fee or interest charge for students availing of this payment option.
- Something that is often missed by those considering a return to education is that students can claim tax relief on their tuition fees at a standard rate of 20% through Revenue.
Check out our blog "How to Afford College as a Part-Time Student" for more useful tips.
A number of financial supports are available for students who need help with college expenses while studying at NCI.
4. Support Services
Completing your Master’s programme can be demanding - so understanding the full range of support available to you is key, ensuring you perform to the best of your abilities during your studies.
At NCI, you’re backed by strong services across multiple areas:.
- Careers & Employability: The award-winning Careers team supports you with CV workshops, interview prep, job placement, employer panels, career fairs, and mentoring opportunities.
- Academic & Digital Support: From one-to-one and group academic help, to access to the NCI Support Hub and learning tools like Moodle, Office 365, and NCI360, NCI provides several support services to ensure you have the resources to complete your work to an impeccable standard.
- Computing & Technology: Dedicated computing support is available, along with a laptop-loan scheme and seamless access to IT services that underpin your studies.
- Wellbeing & Counselling Services: The Student Counselling & Wellness Service is there for emotional and personal support. You also have free 24/7 access to the SilverCloud mental health platform, plus the anonymous 50808 textline for additional support.
Strong support systems like these can be just as valuable as the course content itself -empowering you to balance your academic performance with career growth and personal wellbeing.
To learn more about these resources, visit NCI Student Support Services.
5. Time Commitment
Finally, be honest with yourself about the time you can dedicate to the programme. This will help you decide whether a full-time or part-time programme is best suited for you. Consider the following when selecting a course:
- How many hours per week will you need to attend lectures, complete readings, and work on assignments?
- Can you realistically balance your studies with your work, family, and personal life?
- Will you need to adjust your schedule, reduce work hours, or make lifestyle changes to succeed?
Planning ahead will help you integrate study into your life without becoming overwhelmed.
Choosing a master’s programme is about more than picking a subject – it’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle, goals, and ambitions. By weighing up these five factors carefully, you’ll be in a strong position to select a course that offers not just academic value, but also personal satisfaction and professional opportunity.
If you’re ready to explore your options, our admissions team can help you match your ambitions with the perfect programme. Learn more about NCI's postgraduate programme by visiting our course pages.
