Doing a masters while working in Spain

4 days ago

The author pursued a master's degree in 2022 due to boredom and feeling stuck in their freelance job, moving to Barcelona with their girlfriend for its ideal city size, beaches, and university.
They enrolled in a Master of Innovation and Research with a specialization in advanced computing, which had a theoretical focus but practical assessments like take-home projects and papers, with professors being highly supportive and personal.
Balancing part-time work (20 hours/week) and studies (3 courses per semester) was stressful, involving commuting by bike and dedicating mornings and Saturdays to coursework, but they accredited work-related credits and completed a thesis at their workplace.
Course quality varied, with some classes interesting and others boring; socializing was easy through study groups and university bars, embracing Spanish food culture and social habits like leisurely lunches.
The cost was higher than in Munich (around 800 Euros per semester), and while the degree was personally rewarding for intellectual growth and friendships, it had limited career impact and caused significant pressure, but the author recommends it for those genuinely interested in the subjects.

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