Thinking about Postgraduate Study?

The Postgraduate Study handout from The Careers Group is a good place to start for initial advice and information on different types of postgraduate study, how to choose the right course, where to look for information on fees and funding, and where and how to apply.

The Prospects website also has a useful overview of postgraduate study.

Read out Further Study FAQs for more advice to help you make an informed decision about further study.

Considering doing a Masters?

People choose to study a Masters for a range of different reasons - from personal interest and passion for the subject, to the opportunity to specialise in your chosen field, supporting a career change, or to get an edge in a competitive job market.

However, Masters courses can be expensive and aren't necessary for all career paths, so it is worth checking that doing a Masters is the right thing for you, and if so, that you choose the right one.

The Prospects and Find a Masters websites have useful and comprehensive sections on some of things to think about when considering Masters study, choosing a course, as well as advice on fees and funding. They also have a database of courses from across the UK (and beyond) than you can search.

UCAS also has useful guidance on choosing a postgraduate degree.

Considering a PhD?

A PhD, or Doctorate of Philosophy, is the highest level of degree a student can achieve, demonstrating that they've made a meaningful new contribution to their chosen field. It's also a significant commitment - full-time PhDs typically last three or four years (whilst part-time PhDs can last six or seven).

PhD students independently conduct original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis of typically 60,000-90,000 words.

Take a look at our Postgraduate Study handout for a basic introduction to PhDs
Check out 'To PhD or not to PhD?' guide to help you make an informed decision
Read our Applying for PhD resource for more details about applying. Y

You can also find useful and comprehensive information on the Prospects and Find a PhD websites.

Thinking about Graduate Entry Medicine?

Graduate Entry Medicine is a pathway for existing graduates and degree-holders who want to study Medicine. Postgraduate Medicine programmes are accelerated, so they usually take four years to complete instead of the five or six years on standard entry courses.

Find out more using the links below:

The Medic Portal: general overview of Graduate Entry Medicine, including entry requirements and how to apply
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS): applications for Graduate Entry Medicine need to be made via UCAS

Entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine include your results of the UKCAT, BMAT or GAMSAT exam (depending on which medical school you apply to. Find out more about each exam below.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT):
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Other types of further study

There are a range of other types of further study, including:

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas: these qualifications are at the same level of study as Masters degrees, but they're shorter and you don't have to write a dissertation. So they may suit you if you're interested in further study but you don't have time for a full Masters, and/or would prefer not to do a full dissertation.

Professional qualifications: vocational training courses that relate to a specific industry or career path (e.g. becoming a Solicitor or a Chartered Accountant). Some can be taken directly after graduating, while others are aimed at professionals with several years of experience who wish to develop their career further.

MBA courses: these are typically aimed at high-achieving graduates who want to forge a successful business career and already have some management experience. They can often lead to new job opportunities, promotion or an improved salary.
Conversion courses: Conversion courses are intensive postgraduate programmes that enable you to pursue a career that your undergraduate degree hasn't prepared you for. They're usually vocational and can last anywhere between a few months and several years, depending on the qualification and whether you choose fast-track, full-time or part-time study. to help you switch career path. There are available in a range of areas including medicine, law, IT, psychology and social work.