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Postgraduate Study - University of Westminster Skills academy
This document discusses postgraduate study options and the application process. It begins by outlining different types of postgraduate qualifications such as Masters, doctoral research, and professional courses. It then covers factors to consider for postgraduate study like career goals and timing. The document provides many resources for researching postgraduate courses and funding sources. It emphasizes tailoring applications by highlighting relevant experience and motivation for the specific course and institution. Overall, the document serves as a guide for individuals exploring postgraduate study opportunities.
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Postgraduate Study - University of Westminster Skills academy
- 1. Postgraduate study ….Is itright for you? And how to apply Louise Bamford Careers Consultant Career Development Centre www.westminster.ac.uk/careers
- 2. Objectives This session willhelp you to: • Consider whether PG study supports your career goals • Research PG study options • Identify possible funding sources • Develop effective PG applications
- 3. Ice Breaker • Name •Subject • Objectives for today Then move on…
- 4. Types of PostgraduateStudy • Conversion course (subject) – e.g. GDL (law), IT, medicine, dentistry, psychology, surveying etc • Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma – e.g. PGCE, LPC / BVC • Masters – MA / MSc (taught) or MRes • Doctoral Research – e.g. PhD (usually via MPhil) ….………………………..full-time or part-time
- 5. Pros and Consof PG study?
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- 7. Career Player Tips andadvice => Postgraduate study
- 8. Factors to consider •Why do you want to do PG study? • Why now? • What else could you do?
- 9. Where to findPG courses? • University Websites • Prospects website (UKPASS) • TARGET PostGrad (UK) • MastersDegreeOnline.org (US) • Postgrad.com (Europe) • Findamasters.com (Global) • Findaphd.com / jobs.ac.uk (Mostly UK) • Specialist sites (e.g. teaching, law etc) • Via your network (tutors, employers etc)
- 10. Choosing a course •Course content / delivery mode • Department ranking • Employment prospects • Fees • Funding • Institution's reputation / support • Student satisfaction • Tutors
- 11. UK Government funding •From 2016-2017, UK / EU students under 30 yrs can apply for loans of up to £10,000 taught masters in English Universities (NB under consultation, conditions apply) • 2015/16 - HEFCE Postgraduate Support Scheme, taught masters awards of £10,000 for UK / EU underrepresented' students (conditions apply), via specific universities • Existing government bursaries / student finance loans (certain courses only – healthcare, social work, teaching)
- 12. Other Sources ofFunding • Studentships / bursaries – contact Uni for advice • Charities and trusts • Employers (e.g. GDL / LPC, Surveying) • Full/part-time work • Disability support • Bank (career development) loans • Research councils (PhDs) ……………………………………….....Bank of M&D!
- 13. Useful funding links •UcasPostgraduate • Gov.uk • Graduate Prospects • Targetpostgrad • Postgraduatestudentships • Postgraduatefunding • Alternative guide to postgraduate funding • Scholarship-search • FindaPhD • Jobs.ac.uk
- 14. Effective PG applications- content • Motivation for THIS course, subject area, Institution – be specific • Your suitability - relevant achievements, skills and knowledge from studies, employment and extra-curricular activities • Transferable skills for course - e.g. IT, analysis, numeracy, time management, communication, organisation and critical thinking • Fit with your career goals
- 15. Effective PG applications- general • Show commitment, enthusiasm (you have done your homework) • Give yourself plenty of time • Follow any instructions • Stick to the word count • Structure – beginning, middle and end • Spelling and grammar • Address any clear weaknesses • Ask for input / second opinion
- 16. Postgraduate applications –don’t • be negative • follow an online template • include irrelevant course modules, personal facts or extracurricular activities; • lie or exaggerate • make pleading statements • needlessly flatter the organisation that you're applying to • repeat information found in your application • use clichés, gimmicks, humour or Americanisms • include other people's quotes • namedrop key authors without explanation • use overly long sentences; • use the same statement for each application • use your undergraduate UCAS application as a template • waffle From prospects
- 17. Your action plan •What are your career goals? • Your personal PG pros and cons? • What else do you need to find out? • What will you do next?
- 18. Evaluation •how was itfor you?
- 19. In summary • Considerpros & cons AND alternatives to PG study • Research possible courses and funding options carefully • Take time to tailor any applications • Detailed information on CDC website, postgraduate study ..…..and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance
- 20. Career Development Centre Services 1-to-1 Guidance E-Advice Vacancies &Events Information Resources Volunteering Employer Events Talent Bank Associates In Schools Mentoring
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- 23. Contact us Harrow Harrow Campus RoomEG.16 Maria Hewlett Building Nearest tube: Northwick Park Central London Cavendish House 1st Floor 101 New Cavendish Street Nearest tube: Warren St/ Goodge St/Gt Portland St Tel: 020 7911 5184 E-mail: careers@wmin.ac.uk www.westminster.ac.uk/careers