Further study

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Further study

Pursue your passion with postgraduate study or research

Postgraduate study (also known as further study) is studying towards a Master’s or doctoral degree, or a postgraduate diploma or certificate, after having obtained a bachelor's degree. This may be taught or through research.

The following links allow you to search a wide range of programmes easily.  Once you have narrowed down your selection, spend some time going to the institution's website to get in-depth information into the programme, modules, teaching methods, what graduates go onto do once they have completed the programmes:

Things to consider when deciding on postgraduate study

  • How will the programme improve my career prospects
  • What will I enjoy  studying
  • Is it a requirement for a particular career
  • Do I need it to change careers
  • Am I applying because I haven’t had the time to look for a job during my final year
  • University reputation
  • Taught or research
  • What is the course content
  • What links does the university have with industry
  • Do I need to be located somewhere in particular
  • Cost of the programme  (Institutions have different fees)
Which degree is right for me? (Prospects.ac.uk)

Study Abroad options

There are many reasons why students and graduates of British universities look overseas for their postgraduate study. They may wish to study with a world-class academic in their subject; they may plan research that will be more easily carried out in the country to which it relates; fees may be lower or funding more readily available; they may already have friends or family there or they may just wish to live as a student in a different country and culture.

Whatever your reasons, postgraduate study outside the UK is a very real possibility and many overseas universities actively encourage applications from international students. However, begin planning earlier than you would for study in the UK: during your second year is the best time to begin investigating the opportunities.

Be aware that in the US and Europe, PhDs take much longer (typically 5 or more years) than the typical 3 to 4 years in the UK: in the United States you usually spend the first part of your PhD doing a lot of taught study. Also funding would be much harder to obtain abroad. The Explore Studying Abroad section of the Prospects website has information on study in over 50 countries and is a good place to start. Many postgraduate courses are now taught in English, especially in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. If this is not the case, you may need to take a language proficiency test.

Funding options

You can get funding for postgraduate study through loans, studentships, bursaries and grants. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply use the links below:

Gov.uk

Prospects.ac.uk

UCAS.com