Postgraduate study
If you are thinking about postgraduate study, it is a good idea to book an appointment with a Careers Adviser to talk about what is available in your area of interest and what might suit your career aspirations.
When you have decided which subject you would like to study there is a range of places to look for more information. We recommend:
- Postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University
- Search for postgraduate courses, including master’s and PhDs, on Prospects
- UCAS
- Jobs.ac.uk is an excellent site for information on PhDs and searching for opportunities
- Look at individual university websites. We recommend that you attend open days if possible.
- Explore a directory of master’s degrees and postgraduate qualifications around the world at www.findamasters.com
Discover all you need to know about making an application for postgraduate study.
Find out how to apply
Study options
Postgraduate funding information
Unless your employer is paying for you, most postgraduate courses will require you to pay tuition fees and you also need to consider how you will fund your living costs.
There is some financial support available for students on postgraduate courses.
The main Edge Hill University website contains information about how to fund your postgraduate course including government loans, university scholarships and fee reductions for Edge Hill University graduates.
Information about funding postgraduate courses including loans, part-time work and crowd-funding can also be found on the Prospects website.
Another useful resource that provides advice for prospective postgraduate students including a link to charities and trusts is Findamasters.com.
Certificate and diplomas
- Most post-graduate certificates (PGCert) or diplomas (PGDip) are vocational meaning they carry a professional qualification for a specific career.
- A PGDip is a larger qualification than PGCert as it carries more academic credits
- Courses usually last for 9 months.
- On completion of a diploma, there is sometimes an option to upgrade to a master’s qualification (MA, MSc or MBA) by producing a dissertation.
More information:
- Prospects: Postgraduate diplomas and certificates
- FindAMasters: Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas – A Guide
Postgraduate study considerations
People continue to study for a variety of reasons:
- A need to specialise further in a particular academic area.
- Need a particular professional or vocational qualification such as teaching or social work.
- Really enjoy a subject.
- Want to develop research skills.
- Do not know what to do after their degree.
- Believe it will enhance their employability prospects.
Think carefully about your motives for further study. We strongly encourage you to talk to a Careers Adviser about your ideas, particularly if your reasons fall into the bottom two points on the list above.
Support for current postgraduate students
If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, you are welcome to use Edge Hill University Careers during your studies and for up to three years after you complete your course.
We offer:
– drop ins for quick queries
– appointments in-person or over Teams
– online support with queries
– career resources
– and much more.
Careers resources
- Career development resources for PhD students
- Careers Advice from Jobs.ac.uk
- UK Research and Innovation (research career information, researcher case studies and links to research councils)
- Non-academic careers
- Your PhD, What Next?
- Researcher Development Framework (specifically designed to help you to identify the skills and personal attributes that you have been developing through your doctoral research)