For many students, finishing a one-degree program is sufficient. Choosing to continue with a postgraduate program, on the other hand, may help students stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. As a result, it’s critical to do comprehensive research and evaluations of potential graduate schools before enrolling.
What is a Postgraduate Course?
A postgraduate course usually lasts one year if taken full-time, or two years if taken part-time. A postgraduate course provides students with additional training in their field of study.
The material of the course is intended to supplement what students learned throughout their undergraduate studies. The curriculum of many courses is more practical in nature to better prepare students for the skills they will need in the job. Students who complete postgraduate courses improve their job chances and get a deeper knowledge of their field of study.
Here are some things to think about while selecting a postgraduate program.
The program
This is without a doubt the most crucial aspect to consider. If you want to pursue graduate studies in creative writing, you shouldn’t go to an institution that focuses on the sciences rather than the humanities. It would be best to choose the institution with the finest creative writing program since that will provide you with the best education available.
The price
When choosing between two colleges with comparable capabilities, you should consider the costs. Post-graduate education is not inexpensive. Inquire with the registrar or program advisor about any unique scholarships or work-study opportunities.
Accreditation
Check to see whether the institution you want to attend is officially accredited. Otherwise, all of your efforts would be in vain.
Online accessibility
Distance learning is available at certain universities. If the course you want to take isn’t offered nearby, consider remote learning. This may greatly increase your options.
Flexibility of time
Because many graduate students work part-time, you’ll need to choose an institution that allows you to be more flexible with your schedule. You may need to enroll in a part-time program in certain circumstances. It will take twice as long to graduate, but it will provide you more flexibility in your schedule and enable you to strike a balance between job and education.
Campus culture
When selecting a graduate school, the atmosphere on campus is an important factor to consider. Going to a highly conservative institution, for example, may not be easy if you have liberal beliefs. Though this is usually a small issue, it may have a significant impact on your academic experience.
Location
Unless you’re completely unable to move, this isn’t a huge issue. The majority of graduate students are married, and some even have children. As a result, moving isn’t always a viable choice. It would be best if you chose the most appropriate place for you.
The faculty
In a graduate program, students are expected to complete their research projects independently, with little supervision from the professors. You must, however, select a program with faculty members with whom you would like to work. Working with academics that aren’t interested in your study topic is tough. It’s also tough to study well when the faculty is constantly out of reach and only comes to town for occasional consultations. To get a better idea of the faculty’s character and work ethics, speak with existing students in the program.
The study’s main emphasis
When it comes to picking the appropriate graduate school, the emphasis of your study is crucial. Obviously, you want to attend an institution that has research interests similar to yours. Many colleges provide post-graduate engineering degrees, for example. However, not all of them are focused on robotics. You’ll need to select a program that complements your research interests.
The available resources
You may not be the greatest match for an institution with limited grant money and other comparable resources. Also, “resources” refers to financing for the program as a whole, not simply for students. You may find it challenging to complete your post-graduate studies if the program is already underfunded.
Investment return
It’s also crucial to think about the return on your investment. Postgraduate education may be time demanding and costly. According to The Big Choice, typical yearly earnings for individuals with postgraduate degrees may be more than $14,000 more than those with bachelor degrees, rapidly compensating for the course expense.
What are the Full-Time Postgraduate Courses?
A taught master’s degree usually takes one year to finish full-time, but some are two-year full-time programs, such as the MBA at the London Business School, which is modeled on the American model. Research-based programs may take longer; for example, certain master’s degrees can take up to four years, and a Ph.D. can take three to six years.
There are many benefits to studying full-time for a certification. It enables you to concentrate completely on the program without being distracted. It also allows you to take advantage of non-course opportunities like student groups, talks, and lunches with professors, among others. If you are pursuing a Ph.D. full-time, you may be required to attend classes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday throughout the academic year. Other full-time postgraduate courses, such as master’s programs, will include a certain number of seminars and tutorials each week, as well as individual study time.
Full-time study is also common amongst students pursuing a postgraduate qualification immediately after finishing a first degree, and those who have taken a professional hiatus and want to get a qualification in the shortest time feasible.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular full-time postgraduate programs.
Master’s degree in arts
Master’s degree in science
Master’s Degree in Business Administration
Master’s Degree in philosophy
Master’s Degree in Engineering
PhD
Part-Time Postgraduate Courses
A part-time Master’s degree allows you greater freedom than a conventional postgraduate degree. If you work full-time or have a hectic family schedule, this may be very beneficial.
Part-time Master’s degrees may be earned in a variety of methods. You might, for example, pursue a program using online modules or remote learning techniques. Alternatively, you may enroll in evening courses that are tailored to your schedule.
What is a part-time master’s degree?
A part-time Master’s program enables you to pursue a postgraduate course over a longer period of time, giving you more flexibility than a traditional one-year Master’s program. Importantly, you’ll take the same courses as a conventional Master’s program, but at a slower pace.
There are many distinct types of part-time Masters programs, each with its own methodology customized to your specific needs. For example, you may choose a course that is mainly campus-based and consists of nighttime courses or semi-regular teaching sessions.
Some programs provide intense teaching blocks occasionally, enabling you to prepare ahead and schedule time off work if required.
Part-time students may also take online or distance learning courses. These courses allow you to make your Master’s degree even more flexible by studying from home and tailoring it into your own schedule.
How long does it take to complete a part-time Master’s degree?
The duration of a part-time master’s degree is determined by the topic and school, as well as your individual circumstances. You’ll be able to finish a part-time Master’s degree in two to six years if you take courses and examinations at a slower pace than normal. Part-time programs typically allow you to choose the duration of your studies and study at your own pace.
Is it possible for me to work full-time while pursuing a part-time Master’s degree?
Most part-time Master’s degrees are intended to accommodate students from various backgrounds, including those who work full-time. This may imply that courses may be scheduled around your job schedule or that exams are staggered to make your burden more reasonable.
Working while studying isn’t simple, and you’ll need great time management skills to get the most out of your postgraduate degree while juggling your different obligations. On the other hand, your employer is likely to be very supportive (particularly if they’ve decided to sponsor you!).
Studying for a Master’s degree while working full-time demonstrates independence and drive, both of which are characteristics that can help you advance in your profession.
Cost of postgraduate course
In the United Kingdom, the average cost of a taught Master’s degree is £8,407, although postgraduate fees vary widely among subject areas, institutions, and nations. You’ll also need to budget for living expenditures and other educational fees.
Bursaries for postgraduate students
Bursaries are similarly non-repayable, although any student who qualifies may receive these lump amounts or yearly stipends. Students on a particular course, those in the greatest financial need, or underrepresented groups on a course or in a field of employment may all be examples.
Many countries provide non-repayable postgraduate education support in a variety of ways. These are some of them:
- Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) – in addition to any other types of student funding, postgraduates may be eligible for an allowance to compensate extra expenses incurred due to a mental health condition, long-term sickness, or another handicap.
- Get Into Teaching – Bursaries – for trainees who are eligible for financial assistance from their nation’s student aid provider and who are registered in a teacher training program that leads to certification as a competent teacher (QTS).
- The NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF)– offers nursing bursaries for pre-registration students interested in studying midwifery or another allied health profession at the postgraduate level. This is accomplished via training grants, parental support, and payments for specialized subjects, regional incentives, travel and lodging assistance, and an extraordinary hardship fund.
- Bursaries for Social Workers – From the first year of study onwards, the NHS Business Services Authority provides a limited number of income-based bursaries to support study and living expenses.
Postgraduate course requirements
Postgraduate programs include a wide range of entry criteria. Prior credentials and work experience are generally determined by the postgraduate degree level, course, and institution you choose. Keep in mind the kind of institution: TAFE institutions and private higher education providers will often have wider, more customized admissions requirements than universities.
In general, completing a bachelor’s degree or comparable studies is the minimum entrance criterion for any postgraduate study (an advanced diploma will be enough in some cases). A bachelor’s degree in any subject may be adequate for certain postgraduate programs. Others will need a degree in the appropriate area, although non-graduates with sufficient work experience may also be accepted. Then some programs demand a bachelor’s degree with honors, significant job experience, and a difficult admission exam.
The following are the entrance criteria for the majority of postgraduate programs.
Qualifications obtained previously
Graduate certificates through PhDs are all types of postgraduate credentials, and the prerequisites vary based on the kind of postgraduate qualification you want to pursue.
A research-based master’s program, for example, may need completion of a bachelor’s honors degree, a master’s preparatory year, or research experience. At the same time, a graduate certificate requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma. For further information about postgraduate degrees and their admission criteria, see Postgraduate degrees.
Experience in the workplace
Many postgraduate courses need work experience as a prerequisite, which is ideal for individuals with significant professional job experience who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree to further their careers. Work experience is an alternative entrance criterion for certain courses, allowing individuals who do not satisfy the academic requirements to be admitted based on comparable work experience in a related professional field. Other programs, particularly those with a professional TM focus, include work experience as a regular admission requirement in addition to the academic prerequisites. Prestigious and demanding degrees like the MBA often require candidates to have excellent grades in their prior degree and significant professional job experience.
Biographical essays and other information forms
Many postgraduate schools, particularly in the more competitive courses, require applicants to submit additional information forms and biographical essays to determine their professional background and goals. These may be used to shortlist applicants who have fulfilled the academic criteria for the next stage of selection or an interview or see whether a candidate’s work and life experience can compensate for the lack of academic entrance requirements. This is a good time to tell the institution about your personal background, job experience, life experience, goals, and motivations for taking the course (and check it thoroughly to ensure there are no errors). You may be able to fill out a supplemental information form online via your local Tertiary Admissions Centre, or your higher education institution may need you to complete their own supplementary information form or submit a biographical essay with your application.
Interviews
At the postgraduate level, interviews are frequent to get into the most competitive and renowned programs. Your communication skills, professionalism, reasons for wanting to finish the course, statement of personal objectives, and enthusiasm for your area will all be evaluated by interviewers. This is your opportunity to shine and prove to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate for the course.
Portfolios and auditions
These are needed for admission to various creative arts programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Auditioning is often needed for performing arts courses in the fields of dance, music, and theatre. Portfolios for fine arts and design courses are accepted. These entrance criteria provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities to the selection committee.
Tests
For more difficult and renowned programs, such as the master of business administration or graduate-entry medical and law degrees, several institutions administer admission exams. Here are a few examples:
The Application Process for Postgraduate Courses
Applying for a master’s degree isn’t always the same as applying for a bachelor’s degree. Although there are some parallels – you’ll almost certainly need to compose a personal statement — the application procedure reflects the Masters’ post-graduate character.
If you’re applying for a Masters program at an institution directly, you’ll typically complete these steps:
- Find the Master’s degree that’s right for you — We’re the best location to start your search for postgraduate programs since we have thousands of them listed on our website!
- Make contact with the referees ahead of time – After you’ve decided on a degree (or courses), start thinking about former lecturers or tutors who might give you a good reference. Sending them an email gently requesting permission to use their name as a reference is a smart option.
- Write your personal statement — Get started on your personal statement as soon as possible, allowing enough time to reread and redraft if required.
- Apply online via the university website — Most colleges (with a few exceptions) have their own online application systems, so make sure you’ve familiarized yourself with the website of your desired university and understand how to begin the application process properly.
- Attach supporting papers — After you’ve filled out your personal information on the university’s postgraduate admissions site, you’ll almost certainly need to upload several documents to back up your application. Your personal statement, references, and copies of your academic credentials may all be included.
- Check your email frequently — After you’ve submitted your application, keep an eye on your inbox for (hopefully good!) news from the admissions office.
