A large number of graduates each year continue on to full time courses of further study; in total nationally some 25% of all graduates, but in some areas - particularly Arts and Social Science - this figure may be as high as 40%.

Reasons People Pursue Postgraduate Study

There are many reasons why people are attracted to a full time postgraduate course, for example:

• The level of competition for jobs is so great that a vocational qualification oriented towards a particular career might improve job prospects
  
  
• A degree subject may be perceived as too 'generalist' and the acquisition of a specialist skill may help improve employment prospects
  
  
• A postgraduate diploma/qualification may be a professional requirement in certain cases
  
  
• Enjoyment of the subject and the desire to widen knowledge and expertise in this area
  
  
• Intellectual challenge and satisfaction
  
  
• The desire to 'convert' the subject of a first degree into a different area or field of study
  
  
• Ambitions to become a lecturer or researcher and enter an academic career
  
  
• You may not feel ready to make a career choice and commit yourself to training in employment. Postgraduate study can serve to 'keep the options open'.

Help With The Decision

Whatever the reason for considering postgraduate study, the decision to go ahead must not be taken lightly.

Prospective postgraduate students can and should seek the advice on the academic options from their supervisors/tutors. Careers Advisers can also give a balanced view about the latest information on job prospects.

Possession of a postgraduate qualification does not always carry a guarantee of success in the job market, but equally, for some careers, a postgraduate qualification may well be essential, e.g. research posts.

Some Words of Warning

• There is considerable competition for places on many postgraduate courses.
  
  
• Most courses will accept applications, and begin selection early in the Autumn session - apply early.
  
  
• You should not rely on getting on to one particular course.

(If different institutions offer similar courses, you should apply to a number of them to increase your chances of getting a place on the most appropriate course for you. Selection may be as tough as for direct entry into employment. Therefore the same amount of thought and preparation will be necessary).

• Financial support is nearly always difficult to obtain.

(Teacher Training is the only course that attracts a virtually mandatory grant. Most grants are awarded on a competitive basis so there is no guarantee that just because you obtain a place you will be awarded a grant).

• For entry into higher degrees in particular, and sometimes to determine the question of financial support, the class of degree will be important (to obtain a government grant in the Arts area will probably mean gaining a 'First'.)
  
  
• If you fail to find financial support for a postgraduate course, or do not achieve the required degree level, you would be advised to have alternative career plans available, and to consider taking part in the milkround interviews.

So, is it worth it?

As well as gaining an additional qualification, further study will allow you to develop skills such as teamworking, project management and investigative skills. Only you can decide whether postgraduate study is the best option for you.

Postgraduate Options

1. Academic

These are in the main Higher Degrees which students follow in order to advance their knowledge of a particular subject area of their first degree. This may or may not enhance the prospects of entering a particular area of work.

2. Vocational

These may be higher degrees, but may also be Diplomas or Certificates and are seen to be a means of entry to a particular field of work. Indeed they may be essential for some careers, e.g. Teaching, the Legal Profession, Social Work, etc.

Many graduates go into training courses that may not directly relate to the subject matter of their first degree.

Types of Postgraduate Study

(a) By Research

Some postgraduate degrees, e.g. Ph.D., but also some Masters are granted after a period of research and submission of a Thesis. Most students would be based in a University, but it is sometimes possible to register whilst researching as an employee in an organisation. A Ph.D. would normally last three years, and may be approached initially via a Masters degree.

(b) By Instruction

Most Masters degrees, e.g. LL.M., M.A., M.Sc. last one or two years and provide course work (lectures, seminars, etc.) on a specific subject; they may involve training in research methods and submission of a dissertation or thesis. Some of these may be vocational in nature, e.g. librarianship, social work and lead to full or partial professional qualifications.

(c) Diplomas and Certificates

Usually vocational courses lasting one or two years and providing total or partial exemption from professional examinations, e.g. Personnel Management, Social Work, Librarianship, etc.

 

Further Information

The range of courses, institutions, reasons for study, methods of financing and application procedures is immense and we cannot cover all these questions here. There are, however, many useful, and some essential, publications that you should become familiar with, in particular:

1. "Postgraduate Study and Research" (AGCAS Booklet)

Provides a summary of the general considerations to be borne in mind and the basic facts about finance.

2. "Graduate Studies" (CRAC)

A major directory of postgraduate institutions and courses in the UK, it provides lists of courses by subject area, subdivided into Higher Degrees by Research, by Instruction, and Diplomas and Certificates.

3. University Careers Services

Useful information is usually held in University Careers Services.

Your Service will normally have a section containing the prospectuses of all UK Universities and a large number of other Colleges offering postgraduate courses.

This content is © The University of Hull. Edited and reproduced with kind permission from John Franks - Head of Hull University Careers Service. All Rights Reserved.