Before you apply

Postgraduate study is a major commitment and should not to be entered into without some self-reflection and career planning.

Why do I want to study further?

What is best for me?

Consider your motivation for studying further. The benefits of postgraduate study depend on your chosen career path and what you want to achieve.

In competitive sectors that attract a lot of job applicants, further study may enhance your chances and help you stand out from the crowd. Also, you may wish to study further to change your career path. Some examples:

  • For non-Law graduates, the Common Professional Examination (CPE)/Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a one-year postgraduate programme that includes all the core elements of a law degree.
  • The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an intensive one-year course for those wishing to train as a teacher.
  • If you wish to pursue an academic career you will typically need a Masters, and usually a PhD.

While some professions insist on postgraduate qualifications, other sectors value relevant work experience and/or short, industry-specific courses over academic postgraduate courses.

Do your research and speak to people in your chosen industry to find out which would be the better option for you; a postgraduate qualification or relevant work experience - or perhaps a combination of the two?

Useful links

  • and have information about what different jobs involve and whether postgraduate study is needed to get into them, details of postgraduate courses and advice on choosing a course.
  • Information about from Disability Rights UK.
  • by Vitae provides advice, information and useful links.
  • by Vitae has advice and information on longer term career goals within and outside HE.

“Masters study is only valuable if it's complemented by relevant work experience. If you fail to gain work experience, your employability will be seriously weakened and you'll run the risk of getting into unnecessary debt. Furthermore, some graduates find that starting salaries are lower than expected”.

Source:

Postgraduate case study 

In this video, Nikolay Burlutskiy talks about his experience of postgraduate research study at the Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯'s Doctoral College.

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How do I find the right course?

What is best for me? 

Comparing details on university websites is a good starting-point, but using your network of lecturers and other students to ask questions will help form a bigger picture. Attend open days and talk to staff and students on the courses that interest you to help you make a decision.

Before you start searching for courses it is important to be clear what your priorities are. Ask yourself:

  • Do I enjoy the subject?
    It is important that you enjoy your course of study. Research the course content thoroughly so that you are sure it will motivate and excite you.
  • How far am I willing to travel or move? 
    Is relocation a realistic option, or do you have commitments that mean you need to find a course close to home? What are the time and cost implications of commuting to your chosen university?
  • Do I prefer a taught or research-based course? 
    A taught course may be more suitable if you enjoy contact time with lecturers and fellow students, and prefer learning through lectures. If you are considering a PhD and want an insight into PhD studies, and if you enjoy independent study focusing on a single topic of interest, then a research-based course may be more suitable.

Useful links

  • /
  • from jobs.ac.uk has information about PhDs, research studentships, professional doctorates.
  • can help you research courses and universities to find your ideal match.
  • from TARGETJobs includes the postgraduate application timetable, example interview questions and advice on options with your qualification.
  • has information on course choices and funding.
  • helps you compare and shortlist courses at UK universities and colleges.
  • has information on postgraduate study for international students.

Should I get a postgraduate qualification now or later?

It may be appropriate to undertake some postgraduate courses immediately after gaining your degree, because the knowledge and technical skills you have gained will be fresh and up-to-date. Delaying study may mean that your skills become out-of-date.

Sometimes a niche or new postgraduate course can help you be at the forefront of developments in your area and strengthen your employability if you communicate positively about this to your targeted employers.

In other instances there may be benefits to studying later in your career, using the intervening period to gain industry experience or develop creative practice. It is common to undertake postgraduate study later in life as part of continuous professional development.

How will I pay for it?

Postgraduate study is expensive. Many students opt to work full or part-time while studying - discuss this with your course leader to assess the feasibility of balancing your academic and professional workloads.

You could opt to work for a time prior to commencing study in order to save for your course. This will allow you to gain valuable work experience and begin developing contacts, as well as assess exactly what course would benefit you most.

Some employers sponsor employees to take a relevant course, but often you will need to fund yourself.

The UK government offers loans for Masters degrees, and is planning to introduce loans for PhDs. For more information on this and other funding options see funding postgraduate study.