Explore postgraduate study

About one in five UK university students now enter some form of postgraduate study or research in the year after graduation, with many more taking up courses in subsequent years. But why choose this option?  

It is really important to be honest at the outset about your reasons for choosing postgraduate study - some reasons are more positive than others!

Good reasons:

• A postgraduate qualification is obligatory for certain careers, e.g. teaching, social work, clinical psychology.
• Further study will give you an advantage in career terms, e.g. some companies, especially those involved in scientific and technical research, look for people with specialist knowledge but also the additional transferable skills that are gained during postgraduate study. Most academic positions in Higher Education require further study.
• A postgraduate course can offer you the opportunity to change direction and shift the emphasis of your study to a more vocationally focused or relevant area, e.g. an information technology conversion course.
• You really enjoy your degree subject and want to explore it in more detail at a higher level.

Dubious reasons:  

• You don't feel ready to take a job.
• You hope to be clearer about career direction after further study.

Bad reasons:

• The course you are considering is the only one that still has vacancies or is funded.
• You have to do something!

Whatever your reasons for taking up postgraduate study, it is important that you research the options and desired outcomes and choose your course wisely.

Successfully completing a postgraduate course takes commitment and motivation and choosing the wrong course is costly in terms of money and time.  Bear in mind that you will have to explain your choices and what you gained from the experience to future employers - how will your postgraduate qualification separate you from the rest?

If you are at all doubtful about the wisdom of your choice, speak to a careers adviser who will help you weigh up the pros and cons.

Next section - What qualifications are available?