Considering Postgraduate Study

There are many reasons for doing postgraduate study including: interest in a certain subject, gaining knowledge of a particular sector, making up for a poor undergraduate degree, putting off entry into the job market and aiming to improve your employability. Because of the financial considerations attached to further study, it is important to make the decision carefully, explore your options and consider how further study can help you achieve your career goals.


Reality check: postgraduate study will not necessarily make up for a poor undergraduate degree and it will not guarantee a job afterwards, so it should not be looked at as a “fix-all” solution. However, postgraduate qualifications can in some cases help you to be more competitive in the job market if you chose the qualification carefully and keep your career goal in mind.


Some courses are essential for your chosen career such as vocational courses like the Legal Practice Course for solicitors or a PhD for scientific research. In other areas such as the Arts, Journalism and Economics, postgraduate qualifications are becoming increasingly common in order to compete in these sectors.


You may also be offered a higher starting salary if the employer sees the value of your postgraduate study.


According to figures from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) 81.2% of Masters graduates were employed six months after graduation and 87.2% of PhD holders were working in six months.


In addition, further benefits of postgraduate study can be an opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a particular sector (if placements are part of the course) as well as increased subject knowledge and commercial awareness, and personal development such as project management, organisational and research skills.


Postgraduate study can be a good option, but it is important to carefully consider your options and choose an appropriate course related to your planned career. Before deciding on a course, book an appointment to see a Careers Consultant to discuss your options. Careers Consultants can also support you with personal statements and interviews for further study.


Prior to booking an appointment with a Careers Consultant, you may find the following PG resources useful in making a decision.

 

If you have decided to apply for a postgraduate course usually a Personal Statement will be required by the institution you have applied to. The following career guide on how to write a personal statement for PG study can assist you in writing this. Please book an appointment with a Careers Consultant to have it reviewed.