How can you do a master’s degree with a delayed start date?

There are a number of criteria you need to take into account if you want to do a postponed start to your Masters course. Your major is one of them. Depending on your orientation, you can select the school that’s right for you. Then you’ll know what procedures to follow, as they are specific to each institution.

Contents

Context

Why decide to change direction?

Students generally reorient themselves for the same reasons, whatever their level:

Personal reasons: Some people need to enter the world of work quickly. A course of study that enables them to earn a living quickly is therefore of more interest to them than long studies such as a doctorate. By opting for a Master’s degree in business, students will have a better chance of entering the world of work quickly.

social pressure to enrol: the young baccalaureate holder has opted for a ‘prestigious’ course (law, medicine) without any real information about it, or as a result of pressure from his parents, but it doesn’t suit him at all. Gradually, they realise that the course in question does not really correspond to their expectations and decide to reorientate themselves towards a course that really suits them.

A change of direction during the year: With the evolution of technology and life in general, many new professions are being created. Students can discover new careers that may suit them a little better. Hence the decision to change direction at Masters level.

Definition

What is a staggered start?

A staggered start to the new academic year is a way of saving time while changing direction. Starting a few months later than the traditional start of the academic year, it allows everyone to make up for lost time in an unwanted course. Over the course of a single university year, this method of education gives you the right to try out a Master’s course and to change if it is unsuccessful.

The delayed start to the academic year is available to students at all levels. However, it is most often used by students transferring to a Masters course. With very few options left, these students end up pursuing the path that allows them to flourish without starting from scratch. This is thanks to this fairly innovative entry procedure.

The staggered start to the school year does not affect the quality of the education offered to those who choose it. In fact, the content of the programme is the same. It is the timetable and conditions for completion that differ. Generally speaking, a Master 1 student with a staggered start starts in February or March and finishes in July.

As you can imagine, the training is more intense. You have to make up for the 6 months of missed classes. Depending on the course you choose, the staggered start to the academic year may involve work placements or sandwich courses in companies.

Registration

How do I apply for a staggered start?

To benefit from the advantages of a staggered start to the academic year, you need to start by defining the course you want to study. Although the start of the academic year only begins in February, it’s a good idea to find out if your course is available in October.

This is a precaution you should take, as it takes time to prepare the applications. Depending on the school you choose, you will have to sit competitive entrance exams or be selected on the basis of your application. Some schools even require you to submit a career plan. You’ll also need to prepare yourself mentally. If you are a transfer student, an oral interview is compulsory. At Master’s level, the interviewers really focus on the reasons for your change of direction and your general knowledge related to your professional field.

System

How does a staggered start at INSEEC work?

At INSEEC, the staggered start to the academic year is different from the staggered start usually offered by higher education institutions.

2nd year MSc students also have a staggered start to the new academic year: from March to September, they attend classes for 1 week a month, then spend 3 weeks in the company. In September, they resume their sandwich course, following the same timetable as students at the start of the new academic year in September: 3 weeks/1 week or 3 days/2 days, depending on the course. And this for 1 year. So they complete their year in 18 months.

To benefit from this type of training, you need to follow the standard admissions procedure. Specifically, you should start by sending in your application before December. You will be invited to an interview from January at the latest. You will then be informed by email whether or not you have been accepted.

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