Deciding whether to pursue postgraduate study is a significant step, with many factors to consider - from choosing the right course to navigating applications and funding. In this article, Jenny McGowan, one of Keystone's experienced University Consultants, shares her insights on the benefits of further study, application strategies and key tips for making an informed decision.
Postgraduate or graduate education refers to the courses and qualifications beyond undergraduate level. Postgraduate study doesn’t need to be directly connected to the course you took at undergraduate level, though it is often the case.
There are a wide variety of postgraduate study options available in the UK. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your unique interests and career goals. Some students opt for academic or research-based courses, whereas others are more suited to vocational options.
Here is an overview of some common options at postgraduate level:
Master's Degrees: these are typically one or two-year programs that provide advanced study in a specific subject area. They can be taught courses such as Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Or research based options such as Master's of Philosophy (MPhil) which are a good option for those who are interested in pursuing a career in academia or research.
Doctoral Degrees: these are advanced research degrees that typically take three to four years to complete. Doctoral degrees in the UK include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas: these are shorter programs that provide specialised training in a specific subject area. They can be a good option for those who do not want to commit to a full master's degree program.
Professional Courses: these are programs designed to provide specialised training in a specific profession, such as law, medicine, or teaching. Examples of professional courses in the UK include the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), and the Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education (PGDME).
Taught vs Research Courses
Taught courses or modules are similar to undergraduate study in that you are being taught knowledge by a lecturer or professor, but often in smaller groups with more interactive discussions than undergraduate lectures. Each module will then have an assessment (e.g. exam or written assignment) based on what you have been taught.
Research courses usually involve completing a larger-scale project which forms the majority of the course assessment. This is completed independently but alongside others studying similar topics and supervised by an academic.
Many postgraduate courses will have elements of both, for example within many taught Master's programmes there will be a dissertation or project where students will need to conduct a small-scale research project and this is often worth a significant % of the final grade. And many PhD courses will have taught modules within the first year to ensure the students have the necessary research skills.
What is needed to apply for postgraduate study?
What is required varies from course to course so you need to carefully check what is needed for each course, but a general summary of what might be required would be:
- Academic Requirements: All courses will have a minimum academic level that is required and some courses will have subject requirements too. This is usually based on your undergraduate degree, but could be higher, e.g. a Master's if you are applying for a PhD. If your undergraduate degree is from outside the UK there will be equivalent grade requirements you can check. You will need to submit your academic transcripts as part of your application.
- CV or Resume: You will need to submit a CV or Resume outlining your academic and professional experience to date.
- Personal Statement: Most universities will ask for a piece of writing (usually 500-1000 words) which outlines your interest in the course and your reasons for applying as well as your academic suitability. Some universities will ask you a series of questions with shorter word limits, or even a video presentation outlining your interests.
- Written Work: This could be an essay they ask you to write about a relevant topic, or it could be samples of written work you have completed as part of your undergraduate degree. At Master's level some universities will ask for a research proposal and for PhD study this will be an essential part of the application.
- References: Most universities will ask for one or two references and they will provide guidance on the type of reference they require. Usually these will be academic references from your current institution, e.g. a supervisor or tutor who knows you well.
- Admissions Tests / Interviews: Some universities may require an admissions test and/or an interview once they have reviewed all applications. The structure of these will vary course by course and information should be available on the course website.
How do you apply for postgraduate study in the UK?
Unlike UCAS for undergraduate study there is no centralised platform or application system for postgraduate study. For most courses you apply directly to the university through their application portals. You usually need to register for an account and then complete the application form for each course.
When is the Master’s application deadline?
This will vary between course and university. The earliest deadlines will be in the autumn the year before you start. Some will have various deadlines throughout the year and others have a rolling process where they stop accepting applications when the course is full. If you are applying for funding or scholarships through the university there will usually be a fixed deadline you need to apply by.
Are there funding opportunities or scholarships for postgraduate study?
Many universities will offer scholarships and funding opportunities for postgraduate students and the eligibility for these will vary by course and as examples do take a look at the options provided by Oxford, Cambridge and UCL.
If you are a UK resident you may be eligible for postgraduate loans from the government or if you are applying for vocational courses that lead into careers such as teaching or social work you may be eligible for bursaries. You can find out more about these options here.
If you are an international student the British Council has collated many scholarship options here, or there might be further funding opportunities from governments or foundations supporting students to study abroad.
Can you apply for a Master’s degree before graduating?
Yes, you can apply during your last year of undergraduate study using your grades to date. You will be required to submit a transcript when you apply so the prospective university can assess your current level and a Master’s offer is likely to be conditional and will state the final grade you need to achieve in your undergraduate degree.
Do you need a 2:1 to do a Master's?
This will depend on the Master’s course and university you are applying to. Many universities will have a 2:1 minimum requirement but there will be some that require a first and others that have lower requirements.
Do you apply for a Master’s through UCAS?
No, each university will have its own process you will need to follow. Most universities have their own online application portal for postgraduate study.
Do you apply for a PhD through UCAS?
No, the application process will be specific to your research interests and for many PhD courses you will need to find a supervisor and contact them in advance of applying to discuss your research interests.
Tutors for Postgraduate Study
Keystone provides consultancy and undergraduate and graduate tutoring services for those looking at postgraduate study. Keystone’s team have years of experience providing support on all aspects of university applications, including subject/institution choices, personal statements, entry requirements and interview preparation. Many of Keystone’s staff and tutors are educated to postgraduate level and are able to provide expertise across a wide range of disciplines.