3. • >12,000 taught postgraduate courses are
available in the UK alone
• In 2011, around 22% of UK graduates
entered some form of further study
or training
4. What does it all mean?
• Certificates
• Diplomas
• Master’s Degrees
• Doctorates
5. Certificates and Diplomas
• Example: PGCE, Diploma in Law, Diploma in Psychology
• PGCE
• Usually one year full time
• May be vocational leading to a professional
qualification/exemptions
• May be a conversion course
• May be initial stage of Masters
6. Masters
• MA, MSc, MEd, MRes, MPhil ( 1+3? )….
• One year FT/ Two years PT
• Detailed study of academic discipline
• Conversion courses
• Taught or research?
• May also be essential part of professional qualification
(e.g. Psychology)
7. Doctorates
• PhD, DPhil, DProf, DBA…
• 3 years FT, ? PT
• Often transfer after an initial year of research
• Vocational doctorates exist (e.g. DClinPsy)
8. So why choose PG study?
• Impress employers?
• Profession demands it?
• Fancy a change?
• I love my subject?
• I’ve just won the lottery?
• An extra year to sort myself out
9. Pros and Cons: I love my subject?
Highly motivated
Opportunity to specialise
Enjoyment
Challenge
Self-fulfilment
? Part of a greater plan?
? Expense?
11. Pros and Cons: Better qualified
Research your career
Choose the right course
Check professional
requirements
? Poor choice
12. Pros and Cons: Fancy a change?
• Conversion courses
IT
Law
Psychology
(Teaching)
• Access guidance
• Choose the right course
• Ask the right questions
• DLHE
13. Benefits of PG
• Self management
• Communication skills
• Research Skills
• Team Working
• Initiative
14. How to Fund? 1
• Research councils
• University Scholarships and Bursaries – on the increase
• Funded Masters ( e.g. ESF, NHS )
• Knowledge Transfer Partnership
• Professional Bodies
• Local, National, International Government
• Charities and Trusts
15. How to Fund? Commercial Loans
• CDL (up to £10,000, Vocational, returnable
after course)
16. Funding: The reality
• Most postgraduates self-fund
• Funding is uncertain until Universities declare
PG funding rates
• Students from outside the EEA may pay more
than double
• Partial funding can help
17. A timetable
• Research opportunities early
(Year 2 for early deadlines and study abroad)
• Check deadlines
• Check entry criteria
• Check fees and funding
18. How do I find out? People
• Tutors in “Home” and “Away” establishments
• Careers advisers
• Serving professionals
• Students on the target course
19. How do I find out? Publicity
• Academic Journals
• Departmental Notice Boards
• Directories
• PG Prospectuses
• PG Fairs
• University Websites
20. How do I find out? Information
• Postgraduate Study and Research AGCAS
• THES
• Guardian
• Prospects Postgrad
• www.tees.ac.uk/careers
• www.prospects.ac.uk
21. Yes or No?
“A taught programme of study, well chosen, will
enhance future career prospects and may be a
vital part of the plan.”
www.prospects.ac.uk – Why do postgraduate
study?
