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Further Study

People continue to study for a variety of reasons such as:

  • A need to specialise further in a particular academic area
  • Need a particular professional or vocational qualification i.e. teaching or social work
  • Academic research experience required
  • Enjoy their subject so much
  • Do not know what they want to do and this puts off the decision making process
  • Think carefully about your motives and in particular if they fall into the - "I am not sure what I want to do" category

Do not just drift into further study - if you need time to think, consider short-term work or voluntary work as an alternative

If you know you want to study, think carefully about the following:

  • What subject do you want to study?
  • How do you want to study it e.g. part-time full time, distance?
  • How are you going to fund it?
  • Where do you want to study?

Do you have the right qualifications for entry?

What type of further study is available?

Broadly speaking post-graduate study is divided into research based or taught degrees

  • A doctorate PhD, DPhil or DEng these are by research
  • A masters- MSc, MA, MBA MEd, MRes or MPhil these can be research or taught
  • A certificate or diploma - PgC or PgD these are usually taught.
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Doctorate

It will usually take 3 years to complete at a minimum. As a research you will undertake an original piece of research, which you then write up and present as a thesis. This is a long-term project and is therefore very demanding and you need to be sure you can maintain the motivation required. So ask yourself:

  • Have you enjoyed dissertation or project work?
  • Do you want to research a subject, which is normally related to your degree?
  • Do you want to work in academic research?

Are you likely to obtain a 1st class degree or 2.1 at the minimum?

Masters

Masters courses are usually 12 months in length, comprising of taught modules, examinations and a project or dissertation. The course may be vocational or academic. Some courses such as IT for non-computer science graduates are designed as conversion courses. Important points to consider:

  • A 2.1 is usually required for entry
  • MPhil is a research based higher degree
  • MRes is a new qualification with usually a year intensive research training and then students continue to doctorate level

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas

  • Most of these are vocational
  • Some may accept those with HND qualifications
  • Usually last for 9 months with sometimes an option to produce a dissertation after the diploma is completed to upgrade to a Masters qualification

With part-time courses a certificate may make up the firs part of the course, followed by the diploma and then followed by an MA, MSc or MBA

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How to find out more

There are many directories relating to postgraduate courses and research opportunities mainly in the UK. Some of these directories are available in the Careers Centre for students to take away.

The Prospects website contains a database of courses that you can search and a list of latest courses offered by higher education institutions.

Other useful websites:

Applications

Most post graduate applications require you to apply directly to the institution and so you are not limited to the number of institutions you can apply to. You should apply around Christmas time or early in the second semester.

Some postgraduate courses in vocational areas such as teaching, law and social work have a clearing house that will deal with your applications. There are likely to be closing dates for these courses and you are advised to apply early for popular courses.

If you are applying for research based study this should be discussed with your tutors. They will be able to give you advice on your suitability, research topics and method and timing of your application. You will also need a strong academic reference, so your application should be fully supported by an appropriate tutor.

Studying Overseas

Although the overall numbers of students going on to pursue postgraduate study abroad are small every year a small number of students do go to study in another country. You will need to go through the same stages as other students.

  • You will need to start your research around 18 months before your intended start date as studying even in the EU as information will take longer to come by.
  • For details and timescale on how and when to apply for Postgraduate courses in USA see CC 57 Postgraduate Study in the USA in our Download Zone [PDF]
  • Some of your tutors may have had a spell of working or studying abroad - use them as a starting point
  • Establish your reasons for wanting to study abroad - you may have to convince an institution of these reasons.
  • Make sure the course you want to study is acceptable to the appropriate professional bodies in the U.K.

Useful web sites for study abroad    

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Useful Information

Research Councils

Information available at the Careers Centre

The following booklets can be collected from the Careers Centre or can be downloaded.

Prospects Series - Postgraduate directory and magazines with useful articles

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Last updated: 01-Dec-2011

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Edge Hill University
St Helens Road
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L39 4QP
United Kingdom
GEO: 53.559704; -2.87388
01695 575171
01695 579997

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