A Guide to Postgraduate Taught Courses

Three students chatting while studying in the Catalyst building.

Considering a postgraduate taught course? We’ll take you through the whole process, from the benefits of postgraduate study to being a student at Edge Hill. And if you want to know more about any aspect of the postgraduate journey, you’ll find links to information and resources.

If you’re an Edge Hill undergraduate student thinking about postgraduate study you can read our dedicated guide: Thinking about progressing to postgraduate study?

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study gives you the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in a subject area you love. Or, if you’ve decided on a career change, you could study a ’conversion’ course where you can study a completely new subject. A Masters degree can help you stand out in the jobs market and with a postgraduate qualification you may be able to move into more senior or specialist roles. You’re likely to be developing practical skills on your postgraduate course too. Where you will work with industry experts and apply the theory to real-world scenarios. And having a Masters degree is likely to increase your earning potential with graduates making more money and experiencing less unemployment than those with an undergraduate degree (Graduate labour market statistics, GOV.UK)

94.4% of taught Masters graduates at Edge Hill are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes data released 2024)

94.3% of our PGCE graduates are in work or in further study 15 months after graduation too (Graduate Outcomes data released 2024)

Choosing the right postgraduate course for you

The first step to finding the best postgraduate study option for you is to think about what you’re looking to achieve. Do you need a specific qualification for a new or more advanced job? Do you want to change career? Are you looking to gain more skills and experience to be a stronger competitor in the jobs market?

The next step is to explore our postgraduate subject page. Here you can choose subjects of interest and discover the course options for each of those subjects. On course pages you’ll find all the course details from what you’ll study to entry requirements and future career choices. It’s a good idea to explore all your options, so you could consider postgraduate teacher training and research too. If you’re not sure which postgraduate route is the best for you, you can explore all your options by watching our ‘Exploring your postgraduate options’ video.

And if you have questions?

You can talk to current postgraduate students who will be happy to answer any questions you have about studying at Edge Hill. You also have the option to attend one of our postgraduate events. Our postgraduate events page will give you information about upcoming open evenings and other activities both online and in-person at the Edge Hill campus.

Funding your postgraduate studies

The financial support you can get for your postgraduate studies depends on the course you’re doing and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. We’ve put together resources to help you understand how you can fund your postgraduate course, manage your money and information about finding a part time job, so you can work alongside your studies.

You can also find detailed information in our postgraduate students fees and funding guide.

mature female student at the money advice stand getting support for female member of staff

Balancing your postgraduate studies

Think you can’t do postgraduate study because of work or family commitments? There are ways to make it happen. We don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to enhance your employability, take your current career to the next level or start something new. That’s why we offer part-time study options. As you choose your course, you should also consider how studying will fit in with the rest of your life. Look for the study option that fits best with your personal circumstances. Some of our postgraduate courses offer an evening timetable, so you can work full-time alongside the course. Part-time study options are available for the majority of our taught Masters courses. And if you’ve already started your career you could consider a shorter, less intensive course like a PGCert.

“Edge Hill are very understanding and supportive of students working alongside their degree, and I was given two possible timetable options. This allowed me to tailor the degree to suit my own personal work circumstances. I have found working alongside studying a degree to be extremely rewarding. I have learned a lot of valuable time-management and self-discipline skills through balancing my work and study commitments.”

Lauren Taylor, MA Marketing Communications & Branding

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course

For most postgraduate taught courses, you’ll apply directly to Edge Hill using our online application form with a supporting statement. You can apply for more than one course at the same time and if you’re currently studying an undergraduate degree you don’t need to wait until you’ve completed your course to apply for postgraduate study. Some courses, including PGCEs and research degrees use a different application process and we recommend you check how you need to apply before submitting an application.

More information about how to apply

Postgraduate accommodation options and commuting

Postgraduate students usually live off-campus in Ormskirk or nearby and we’ve put together some helpful information about finding suitable private accommodation. Many of our postgraduate students commute to Edge Hill, you can find information about getting here, making connections at our commuter breakfasts and applying for your car share scheme on our dedicated commuter page.

shot of the edgelink bus through the tree at the front of campus. lots of students walking round.

Getting involved in postgraduate student life

You’ll have the chance to get involved in student life right from the start. Before you begin your postgraduate course you’ll receive an induction timetable which will include activities for you to get to know your course mates. We’ll also send you information about our Student Life Portal, where you can explore events and find ways to connect with other students and find new friends. And you can find out more about Edge Hill and meet other students at our free events including Student Life Fest, Welcome Fair and postgraduate specific activities.

Students gather in the Hub for Welcome Week

The Western campus on an Open Day. There is a sign advertising Student Life activities.

A high angle shot of students walking through Central Campus on Welcome Sunday.

Support for postgraduate students

We pride ourselves on our student support and have a range of services and specialist teams available to all students. From careers and money advice to wellbeing, we’ll make sure you have the best possible postgraduate university experience. Here a few of the teams you may have contact with during your time with us.

Once you’re a student at Edge Hill, you’ll be allocated a Personal Tutor, who will provide you with support and advice throughout your course. They’ll be your ‘go to’ person for academic and personal support.
From our UniSkills Team you can access resources on developing academic skills and managing your time to help you make the most of your studies, as you balance them with the rest of your life.
If you’re looking for advice on topics such as banking, budgeting and student finance our Money Advice Team can offer tips, provide financial health checks and help if you’ve got money worries.
And our Careers Team are available to support you with CVs, job applications and interviews. You’ll still have access to our Careers Portal as a graduate, so you can receive help and advice up to three years after your graduation.