Hacking the Master’s Degree with upGrad

A master’s degree is a unique qualification in today’s career landscape. Demonstrating a prolonged dedication to learning, a master’s degree is more specialized, hyper-focused, and often research-based. When applying for jobs in a competitive landscape, a master’s degree can set candidates apart. 

However, undertaking a master’s degree program is also an incredibly time-consuming process, not to mention very costly. Master’s degrees can range anywhere from $30,000 to $120,000 to complete, averaging on the higher end, and take two to three years of full-time study.

This provides a huge barrier for those unable to foot the bill of a master’s program or those who are hesitant about exiting the workforce for several years. So, is there an alternative for someone who wants to expand their learning and climb up the career ladder with a master’s degree without taking two years off work and paying tens of thousands of dollars?

The answer is yes. This is exactly what upGrad was created for. It is an online platform that works with top universities to offer master’s degree programs that may be less conventional, but highly practical. upGrad incorporates the skills-based approach that coding bootcamps offer into its curriculum, allowing students to learn theory and practice hand in hand, preparing them for exciting career opportunities when they graduate. 

Value Effective Program

One huge draw that upGrad has is the financial ease that it offers prospective students. At an average of $10,000 per program, upGrad provides the same level of education at a fraction of the cost of an in-person, university-run master’s program. upGrad likes to say that it provides quality education at one-tenth of the cost of a standard offline program from a university. 

The way that upGrad is able to provide such cost-effective education is through its online model. It should be noted, however, that upGrad is not just an online university course. upGrad actually works with the university partners to create the structure for the courses that it offers. The programs are specifically created for optimal theoretical and practical overlap.

With upGrad’s knowledge across a variety of industries, it focuses on content that matters and reduces the time and money spent on extraneous elements of a conventional master’s degree. 

This also speaks to the value provided at a lower cost. upGrad understands the industry you’re interested in working in and tailors the courses to focus on what’s required by the industry and succeeding in the workplace, tying this into theoretical concepts that are the base of master’s programs. 

Students will also save on residence costs, textbook costs, and other tangible costs that come with attending university in person.

Understanding the Needs of the Industry

upGrad eliminates the cost barrier for prospective students wanting to take a master’s degree, but what is also especially unique about upGrad’s program is the way that the programs are specifically constructed to act as a gateway to career prospects. 

Whereas many master’s programs are more focused on theory and knowledge accumulation than the practical application of forwarding the careers of their graduates outside of academia, upGrad aims to set graduates on a great career path.

It does this by creating course content with the university partners. upGrad doesn’t just pare down a university course and put it online, but rather the opposite. It enhances the theoretical concepts of the university with relevant industry skills. 

Incorporating best practices from the industry into the curriculum is done through upGrad’s huge network of industry professionals, who can provide up-to-date, current insight into how various industries work in a contemporary setting.

At the end of the day, what students receive is master’s degree qualifications with skill-based learning incorporated into the program. Graduates emerge with the most current knowledge in their given field, ready with a master’s degree qualification, and the practical knowledge to land an exciting position with opportunity for growth. 

High-Quality Courses

upGrad offers a wide range of courses across a variety of disciplines. Some of the most popular programs include a Master’s in Data Science, a Master’s in Machine Learning, and a Master’s in Computer Science. It also offers the MBA program from Deakin University and the MBA program from Liverpool Business School, among others. 

If a full master’s degree is not what you’re looking for, you can take advantage of upGrad’s specializations and advanced certificate programs. Whether you’re interested in marketing or management, software or business analytics, there are expert quality courses that could be right for you.

To get started and get a feel for upGrad, there are also free preparatory courses. From Business Basics to Machine Learning & Technology, this allows prospective students to build foundational knowledge before embarking on a master’s program. Self-paced cutting-edge content is provided through these courses along with a live discussion forum. 

upGrad has over 500,000 platform users, with over one million learning hours logged, and an 87 percent course completion rate. upGrad has a large international network, allowing students to have networking opportunities with peers from over 85 countries. Students will also have access to 1:1 mentorship from industry professionals.

If you’re interested in obtaining a master’s degree, furthering your professional and educational life without breaking the bank or pressing pause on the rest of your life, upGrad could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Hack the master’s degree by learning about the program you’re interested in and start your application process.