Postgraduate

Why do further study?

View our 'Should I do a Master's?' event presentation which illustrates some reasons why you might decide to pursue postgraduate study.

You may decide to undertake further study for a wide range of reasons:

Increase your job prospects

Some careers such as law and architecture require further study. In others, undertaking a more specialist postgraduate course will enhance your career prospects. We advise that you research your career choice to establish if further study will increase your employability.

Provide you with extra confidence

Many postgraduate students feel they have something extra to offer employers, which gives them greater confidence when they are job seeking.

Help you with a career conversion

Looking for a complete change? Want to be a teacher or move into business and management? It is possible to study a completely different subject at postgraduate level. Some students complete a non-vocational first degree and through further study, convert towards particular career areas. Some courses do not require a first degree (such as an MBA where relevant experience can apply) so it is important to fully understand your options.

Facilitate your academic career

If you want to lecture or research further into your subject, a postgraduate course will help you achieve your goal. Further qualifications are usually a prerequisite for an academic career. Examine what courses are available in your area and talk to others already working in your field.

Love of the subject

What could be better than making a career out of the subject you love? Further study is an investment of both time and money; consider how the course may fit into your long-term career plans.

When is the best time to undertake further study?

You can undertake further study at any time that feels right for you. It will often depend on the course and financial considerations.  For specialist academic courses, your undergraduate knowledge base may be important. Some postgraduate courses benefit from, or even require, a period of relevant work experience, for example the MBA and social work courses.   However, with increasingly flexible study patterns and the availability of part time courses, it is possible to combine work with study.

Discounts and scholarships

A range of Discounts and Scholarships are available including a 20% alumni discount on fees for postgraduate courses and postgraduate research programmes. See our discounts and bursaries page for more details.