Types of courses

When considering postgraduate study it is essential to think about the type of course that you would like to study:

Taught – These are generally between 9–12 months long and involve you attending university in order to learn about a given topic. For example Masters Programmes or Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates.
Research – This is an in-depth study into an area of interest or specialism resulting in the production of a dissertation, this would normally be over a period of two or three years. The most well-known research qualification is the PhD, which is also known as the DPhil.
Professional – These are courses that are required specifically for you to qualify in a specific career area, for example law or accountancy. These qualifications differ slightly to research and taught programmes as they are generally awarded by professional bodies.

Further advice and information

Postgraduate study section of the Prospects website
About Postgrad Study - The aim of this guide is to provide information and practical advice to help students and graduates considering postgraduate study in the UK. (Guide produced by AGCAS)
A guide to Applying for a Phd(pdf)