What do you already understand about postgraduate courses, and how can you decide whether postgraduate study is worthwhile and suitable for you? In this article, we guide you through the decision-making process by highlighting several important questions to consider. Before looking at those questions, however, it is useful to understand the different types of postgraduate courses that are available.
Postgraduate courses
Masters degrees
MSc, which stands for Master of Science, MA, which stands for Master of Arts, and MBA, which stands for Master of Business Administration, are among the most common and popular postgraduate course options. These programmes usually take one or two years when studied full time, or longer if studied part time. Some masters courses are taught in a similar way to undergraduate degrees, while others have a stronger research focus and require students to spend more time studying independently. Research-focused masters may lead to qualifications such as an MRes, or Master of Research, or an MPhil, which stands for Master of Philosophy.
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are at the same academic level as a masters degree, but they can sometimes be completed in a shorter amount of time. These qualifications are often vocational, and they may be studied either full time or part time while you are working in a relevant role.
Graduate Conversion Course
If your undergraduate degree has not prepared you for a particular career path, you may be able to complete a graduate conversion course. Many of these courses are intensive and accelerated programmes designed to help graduates move into a new professional area. Examples include conversion courses in psychology, law, medicine, nursing, engineering, social work, and teaching, including the PGCE or PGDE, which means Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Education. These vocational programmes often include work placements as part of the training.
Professional Qualifications
Some professional qualifications are also offered at postgraduate level. These may include qualifications in areas such as marketing or management, or qualifications that allow you to work as an accountant, solicitor, actuary, or in another regulated profession. These qualifications are usually provided through professional bodies.
Doctorate
The highest academic qualification you can complete is a doctorate, such as a PhD, or Doctorate of Philosophy. Doctorates can take up to four years when studied full time, or up to seven years when studied part time. A doctorate usually involves researching, writing, and publishing an extensive thesis on a specialist topic, with guidance and support from an academic supervisor or tutor. Some doctorate programmes are vocational and include practical experience alongside research.
Have I got what it takes?
Make sure you are confident that you can manage both the academic level and intensity of postgraduate study. Check the academic entry requirements carefully for any courses you are interested in. In most cases, you will need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:1 degree classification, sometimes in a relevant subject area. Admissions tutors may also consider applicants for certain postgraduate courses if they hold an equivalent professional qualification and/or have significant relevant experience.
For entry onto a doctorate programme, you may need to have already completed a relevant masters degree. For research-based courses, you will usually need to identify a research topic and submit a detailed research proposal.
Beyond meeting the academic requirements, you will also need to demonstrate commitment. Admissions tutors may expect you to have read widely around your subject area and possibly attended conferences or similar academic events. For vocational courses, paid or voluntary work experience may be required, or at least strongly beneficial.
What’s driving my decision?
There are many good reasons to pursue postgraduate study, but because it requires a major investment of both money and time, it is not a decision to make casually. Positive reasons for continuing your studies may include:
- to explore a subject that genuinely fascinates you in much greater depth
- to gain access to a specific career route
- to move forward in your current career
- to develop the research experience needed for a future academic or scientific career, for example
- to strengthen your position in the employment market, although this is not guaranteed
Warning signs should appear if you are considering a postgraduate course mainly because you do not know what to do next and want to delay making a career decision. Even if you do have a clear goal, there may be another route that helps you reach it more effectively, such as gaining practical work experience.
Can I afford it?
Postgraduate courses can be expensive. As with undergraduate study, you will normally need to pay tuition fees and cover your living expenses. Fees can vary greatly, and courses that involve a large amount of face-to-face teaching are often the most costly. Studying part time or through distance learning may allow you to continue working and earning while you study.
Some possible ways to fund your postgraduate studies are listed below. Make sure you meet any eligibility requirements and check the details carefully, including any responsibilities or obligations attached to the funding.
- Government-backed postgraduate loans, and in some cases grants, are available to help with tuition fees and/or maintenance costs. You can find information through GOV.UK in England, Student Finance Wales, the Student Awards Agency Scotland, or Student Finance Northern Ireland.
- Each year, Research Councils allocate grants to universities and other research organisations to fund PhD studentships. Competition for this funding is very strong.
- If you are interested in teacher training, nursing, other healthcare courses, or social work, you may be able to access specific funding to support your postgraduate studies.
- Scholarships or bursaries may be offered through universities or professional bodies.
- Some employers provide formal sponsorships.
- If you are currently employed, ask your employer whether they would consider supporting you through a postgraduate course that is connected to your work.
You can find more information about postgraduate funding on the Prospects website.
Where shall I study?
Depending on your subject, you may or may not have several course options across different institutions.
Begin by searching online for suitable courses, using resources such as Prospects or Postgraduate Search. Going to a postgraduate fair can give you the opportunity to speak with representatives from a range of institutions. Open days and virtual events can also help you learn more about the university, department, facilities, and teaching environment, as well as giving you the chance to speak with current students and staff.
You may be considering postgraduate study at the same university where you completed your undergraduate degree, and the familiarity may feel like an advantage. You may also be thinking about studying close to home so you can live with your family. However, these options may not always lead you to the strongest or most suitable course.
It is worth exploring a range of universities across the UK and possibly overseas as well. Whatever you decide, make sure your choice is based on careful research. Find out as much as you can about:
- course content, including any compulsory and optional modules
- teaching and assessment methods, contact time, and the support available to students
- the background and/or research interests of academic staff
- the facilities available within the university and department
- the destinations of previous students after completing the course
- course accreditation, if this is relevant
- the reputation of the course among employers or academics
- links with commerce and industry, including whether the course offers work placements, mentoring, networking opportunities, or similar benefits
What is the best mode of study?
You may not always have a choice depending on the subject you want to study, but many postgraduate courses offer different study modes. These may include full-time study, part-time study, distance learning, or blended learning, which combines online learning with face-to-face teaching.
Several factors may influence your decision. How quickly do you want, or need, to complete the qualification? What kind of learning style would suit you best? If you are considering part-time study or distance learning, will you have enough motivation and time, especially if you are working or managing other commitments? You should also think carefully about the financial implications of each study mode.
When and how do I apply?
An expert working with a test preparation platform, the co-founder of Achievable, gave us pointers that started with making sure you apply in plenty of time (ideally around six months before the course start date). Remember that not every course begins in September or October. Competitive courses can fill quickly, and once places are full, new applicants may no longer be considered.
For many postgraduate programmes, you apply directly to the institution or institutions you have chosen. However, there are some centralised application systems, such as those used for professional courses in teacher training, clinical psychology, or entry to performance-based courses in music, dance, or drama.
For graduate-entry courses that train students for certain professions, such as nursing, allied health professions, social work, medicine, or veterinary science, applications are made through the UCAS undergraduate application service.
Application processes differ, but you will usually need to complete a separate application for each course unless you are using a centralised system. The form will almost certainly include space for you to explain why you are applying, what you can offer, and why you are suitable. Treat this section with the same care you gave to your undergraduate personal statement. You will also need to provide the names of referees, who may be employers or course tutors. There is often an application fee.
Depending on the course, you may need to attend an interview, complete an audition, submit a portfolio of your work, or take an admissions test. As mentioned earlier, for a research-based course, you will normally need to submit a research proposal for review.
Finally …
Start researching courses as early as you can and seek professional guidance if you need it. If you are still completing your undergraduate studies or you have recently graduated, support should be available through your university careers service.
Remember that you do not have to begin postgraduate study immediately after finishing your first degree. Many people benefit from taking a break from education for a while. Moving your education to the next level can be an exciting opportunity, but it is important to make sure it is genuinely the right choice for you.
