Around 20% of UK undergraduates move on to further study after finishing their first degree. This figure is likely to rise in the current economic climate with more graduates looking to boost their employability while the recession bites.
You may be passionate about your subject, further study might be essential for your chosen career or perhaps you’re just delaying the moment when you’ve got to go out to work for a living.
Whatever your motivation, if you’re thinking about continuing with your studies you need to make sure that the extra commitment of time and money is going to be worth the investment, and that a course will really benefit your future career.
Be clear about why you want to carry on studying and make certain that it fits into your career plan.
Postgraduate courses can range from pure academic research to highly specialist vocational courses. Decide which is going to suit you best.
If you know what career you want find out whether a further qualification is essential, or whether it will give you an advantage over other applicants.
Explore early on whether potential employers are more likely to value another qualification or a year or two of relevant work experience.
MMU has a wide-range of postgraduate courses or professional qualifications, many with a strong professional bias. We can also help you to find out about courses at other institutions in the UK and beyond.
Check that the course you’re considering is recognised and valued in your field. Is it accredited by the relevant professional bodies?
Have you got the academic qualifications or work experience necessary to get on to the course?
How are you going to fund it? Funding is available for some courses, but bear in mind that you will usually need to find fees as well as living expenses. One of the most common ways of funding postgraduate study is via a Professional and Career Development loan. Application packs are available from the Government website.
Talk to relevant academic staff and admissions tutors and attend our postgraduate careers fairs.
If you are struggling to make a decision, check to see if the workshop Getting a Masters degree: a worthwhile investment? is on soon.
You can also book an appointment with a careers and employability adviser to help weigh up your options or help you with your application.
Pay a visit to the Employability Hub Library. Here, you will find information on possible sources of postgraduate funding.
The following sites will also be of use: