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Thinking about postgraduate study? January 19, 2012

This is the time of year when students start considering further study. I have already posted about funding postgraduate study but I think it might be useful to consider what postgraduate options there are and how to decide whether to invest the time and money in more study.

Many students only really consider undertaking a taught masters course. These are generally one-year courses with the emphasis being on lectures and learning in the similar style to undergraduate courses. Typically these tend to be MA or MSc qualifications. However you can also do research masters courses where the significant component will be an independent research project (e.g dissertation). These are often MRes or MPhil. Students who go on to start a PhD will often gain the MPil after their first year – that is, PhD students “upgrade” from a MPhil. MBA courses, particularly AMBA accredited courses, require significant management-level work experience prior to applying. You can explore many of these options at the MBA & Postgraduate Study fair.

So why would you think of doing a masters? For some students it is about gaining more knowledge. Perhaps you have done a broad or general degree and want to specialise. Or maybe you want to learn about a different discipline than what you studied – e.g. a biologist may want to study marketing.

For other students it can be about increasing their chances of getting a job. There is a perception that having a masters automatically makes you more employable. In the UK it doesn’t work like that. Some postgraduate courses will definitely increase your employability but most probably won’t enhance your career prospects so much. Generally speaking, the more specialist a masters course is the more specific employers will value it.

Careers advisers can help talk through these options with you. It may be that postgraduate study could boost your career or just be something you want to enjoy for the sake of it. Contact your careers service to make an appointment. Our colleague Callum Leckie also contributed to this useful video that may help:

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