An overview of postgraduate study
Find out about three people with very different postgraduate experiences.
Why study postgraduate?
Postgraduate study can be rewarding in its own right. And it can also be an investment in your future. Find out more.
What's on this page?
Chosen carefully, a postgraduate degree can enhance your career prospects. But you need to consider if costs, together with all the hard work involved, will really give you added value, and therefore prove to be a good investment.
Take time to seriously review your reasons for studying, and research opportunities before applying.
The range of postgraduate study options available shows that further study is central to a range of careers.
Why study?
Because you will:
- increase your knowledge
- gain a qualification
- improve your career by deepening your knowledge
- change your career by gaining skills in a new area
- increase earning potential
When not to study...
Don't commit yourself to a postgraduate programme just because you're not sure what else to do. Any big investment requires solid thought and understanding.
You need to research the subject area you're interested in as well as the options it will open up for you. You should be able to find info and guidance from:
- the university where you took your first degree
- professional bodies allied to your proposed career
- careers services local to you – they should be able to put you in touch with any specialist advice you are seeking
What to study
Find out what each type of postgraduate qualification involves, what the entry requirements are, how much it might cost, and where to find out more.