Looking to learn (more)? A postgraduate degree could be for you…
Postgraduate study is a great way to gain additional knowledge on your chosen subject area, as well as increase your earning potential and career prospects. And with competition for the best graduate roles increasing, going back to university could be the best way to stand out from the competition.
We’ve already covered whether going back to university is right for you, but to help you understand what it involves, here’s everything you need to know about postgraduate degrees:
What is a postgraduate degree?
A postgraduate degree is an advanced part of higher education, which usually comes after a bachelor’s degree.
The structure of the courses are often similar to undergraduate study, although the work will be more detailed and specific, and may involve an increased amount of self-directed learning.
What are the main types of postgraduate degree?
Postgraduate study consists of a few different degree types – which differ in terms of subject area, learning style, and the type of qualification gained.
These can be broken down into the following areas:
- Taught courses (e.g. Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc))
These courses usually last around 1-2 years full-time, and will involve a varied balance of lectures, seminars, project and research work, and a dissertation. If you want to specialise in a particular area, you can choose replace your dissertation with a Postgraduate Diploma.
- Research degrees (e.g. Doctorates (PhDs) or research-based masters Programmes)
Research-based degrees usually involve more independent and specific learning than taught courses, and last around 3-4 years full-time. Instead of following a set timetable, your degree will usually involve managing your own projects that are primarily led by your own determination and initiative – although you will receive some guidance from a tutor.
Are there other types of postgraduate qualifications?
Not all postgraduate courses are equal to a degree, and some are used to help directly towards career progression and/or to aid further postgraduate study.
These include:
- Conversion courses (e.g. Graduate Diplomas in Law (GDLs), Graduate Diplomas in Psychology (GDPs), or Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCEs))
There are many subjects that offer conversion courses, including medicine, dentistry, architecture, social work, and more. Their main purpose is to give students the knowledge they need to study a new subject at postgraduate level, and/or change careers. Conversion courses are usually a year long, and are structured as a taught course – involving a combination of lectures, exams, work placements, and practical study.
- Professional qualifications (e.g. Postgraduate Certificates (PGCerts) or Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDips))
These (often) vocational courses are shorter than a masters or a PhD, and aren’t the equivalent of a full postgraduate degree, but they may be included as part of one. The format and structure is usually the same as a taught course.
What are the entry requirements for a postgraduate degree?
Specific entry requirements will vary depending on the type of postgraduate degree you do – although you’ll always need to have gained an undergraduate degree before studying for any type of postgrad.
To do a Master’s degree, conversion course, or professional qualification, you’ll usually need: a minimum of a 2:1 at undergraduate level. However, a 2.2 may be accepted with relevant professional experience.
To do a PhD or a Doctorate, you’ll usually need: a master’s degree with merit (along with a relevant research proposal and impressive academic experience).
Generally, universities will look for graduates with the best possible grades and academic potential when filling their postgraduate places – so making your knowledge and certifications known in your application is vital to standing out.
What are the benefits of gaining a postgraduate degree?
Figuring out if a postgraduate degree is right for you often comes down to establishing the key benefits. From there, you can assess whether they’d help you fulfil your personal, academic, and career goals.
Here are some of the top advantages of gaining a postgraduate degree:
- It’s a great way to progress in your career
- It can help you change careers
- It will increase your earning potential
- It helps towards your personal and academic development
- You’ll be more attractive to employers
- You’ll gain and expand on useful skills
- You could learn something new
What jobs require a postgraduate degree?
There are many roles that require a postgraduate degree to get started or progress, and those with this qualification will often notice a far greater earning potential in a number of fields.
A postgrad is especially important for those wanting to become a specialist Doctor, Nurse, or a Teacher of higher education. And, if you want to work in science or healthcare, a PhD is usually essential to allow you to progress to more advanced roles.
But it’s not just the above fields where a postgrad will make a difference. There are also various other industries where having a postgraduate degree will help you set you apart from the competition.
Can I study part-time or on a distance learning basis?
If you want to make your degree fit around other commitments such as full-time work or raising a family – part-time or distance learning study is a great way to get your qualification without it disrupting your lifestyle and/or income.
Most universities offer these flexible options instead of a full-time schedule, although it will usually mean the length of your course is doubled.
Part-time learning allows you to: use your spare time to study flexibly for your degree (around 20 hours a week), meaning you’ll be able to attend seminars and lectures in evenings and weekends (or days off), or access recordings online.
Distance learning allows you to: study independently from home, without having to attend university directly. You’ll receive help, guidance, and resources online from a tutor, and can work on your degree whenever you’re able to.
There are also a number of other learning options designed to fit around a busy lifestyle – which will vary from course to course.
Can I get funding?
Whether you apply for a postgraduate student loan, are eligible for a bursary, scholarship, or grant, or your employer funds your course – there are many ways to make sure you can afford to do your postgraduate degree.
To find out more about student loan options as a postgrad, read what you need to know about postgraduate student loans.
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