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Thinking about postgraduate study?

Published on 19 October 16

If you're debating the pros and cons of further study, next month is a great time to explore your options.  

The Postgraduate Study Fair  on the 19th November at Manchester Central will give you chance to connect with over 90 universities and take a look at the types of courses available throughout the country.

The University is also holding two postgraduate Open Days in November; a Postgraduate Taught Courses Open Day  on 23^rd November and a Postgraduate Research programmes Open Day  on the 2^nd November.

At both of these, there will be chance to meet staff and students from the courses you are interested in - as well as the opportunity to find out more about specific finding opportunities and the excellent support and resources available to all our postgraduates.

Not sure whether postgrad study is for you, or need more information about the different types of courses available? That’s okay, these events will give you the information you need to make an informed decision, but in the meantime, here are some things to think about.

Different types of postgraduate study

Taught courses

The usual first step into Postgraduate study undergraduate is a taught postgraduate degree (Masters, Postgraduate Diploma for example). A full tome Masters course generally takes one year full time.  A Masters degree is structured in a very similar way to your undergraduate study. You will be expected to attend taught courses and usually to submit a final project or dissertation.

Research programmes

Entry onto a Postgraduate Research course (a PhD or MPhil for example) generally requires a Masters qualification. A PhD consists of three or more years of independent research on an original topic culminating in the submission of a thesis.

However, if you are already thinking about a Research degree it’s worth exploring whether you can go straight from your undergraduate studies. Some four year programmes only require an undergraduate degree as there is a taught element included in the first year of the programme.

To find out more about the different types of qualifications available see this guide to postgrad qualifications .

So, is postgrad study for you?

Good reasons to consider further study:

1) You’re passionate about the subject you’re studying and feel you still have the enthusiasm and commitment for further study. Undertaking specific research during a dissertation or project will allow you to become an authority on your chosen subject, and it’s a real achievement when you see your bound dissertation or thesis

2) Furthering or enhancing your career prospects. There is a word of caution attached to this school of thought. Whilst academic ability is one of the skills a graduate employer will be looking for, you will still need to be able to to articulate all the additional skills your extra studies have given you. That said, postgraduate study is a prerequisite for some jobs (for example, postgraduate conversion courses can enable you to enter a profession that you have not studied at undergraduate level) and can be desirable in others. If this is your primary reason for thinking about further study you might want to discuss your thoughts further with a careers advisor and do some research on your chosen field. 

3) Building networks.  Another way that studying can impact on your future is how it helps you to build networks and gain an insight into your chosen field.  Your lecturers and tutors will know (and could well be) academic and industry experts so can be helpful when deciding upon that next step.

4) You’re looking for a change of direction.  So you are passionate about a subject – just not exactly the one you’re doing?  Many postgraduate courses accept people from a range of related academic backgrounds, so don’t necessarily be put off by your undergrad course. Also some postgraduate courses can act as conversion courses if you want to enter a different job sector, but make sure you do your research about which courses employers are looking for.

Other things to consider:

• Staying on because you love university and don’t want to leave or because you don’t know what else to do aren’t the best reasons to apply! Postgraduate study is a real commitment in terms of time and money.  Why not come along to the postgraduate study events and talk to staff and current students about what it’s really like and where it could take you. You can also find further advice from the The Careers Service

• Funding. If you need funding for either a PhD or a Masters it’s important that you explore your options early.  There will be information at the study events about funding and sites such as  FindAMasters , Find A PhD, Postgraduate Studentships and  Prospects are all really useful resources as is The University website for information about studying here.

• Applying for courses. There is no UCAS application system for postgraduate study and so make sure you talk to the different institutions you are interested in and find out about their application processes– especially if they have a deadline for the course you are interested in.