Advice
and Tips on Postgraduate Study
Postgradute Study
Why Do Further Study?
A significant number of Dundee University graduates each year go on to postgraduate study for
varying reasons. It is important to be clear in your own mind why you want to take this path.
Entry to some occupational areas requires a postgraduate qualification, for example teaching or
social work. Most academic positions in higher education, and in the field of research, also
require further study at a higher degree level. Other people will choose further study to increase
their qualifications and, hopefully, improve their chances of entry to their chosen profession,
such as journalism or marketing. Finally, further study can be a way of changing direction and
taking a course unrelated to your first degree, such as information technology. Some people may
be attracted to postgraduate study for the love of their subject or to give themselves more time
to decide about their future. The problem with this approach is that if you are half hearted you
may have difficulty in convincing course selectors of your commitment and may also face
difficulties explaining your actions to employers. If you need time to consider your future you
could think about alternatives such as short term, temporary or voluntary work. It is important
to remember that future employers will want to know why you chose your postgraduate course and
what you got out of it.
What qualifications are available?
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas
These courses are normally vocational in nature, taking around 9-12 months to complete, and often
combine a theoretical background with practical/ vocational preparation for a particular career,
such as, teaching or librarianship. A relevant degree is not always a requirement for study, and
so this route offers scope to graduates wishing to change direction. Some courses, such as those
in journalism, conservation or community education, do often specify the need for some evidence
of relevant experience. With the completion of a dissertation some diploma courses can award a
Masters level qualification where no masters funding is available. This can sometimes be a way
of obtaining local government funding for an M.Sc. (i.e. via the diploma route).
Higher Degrees by Instruction (Masters)
Most MSc/MA degrees are full time taught courses, normally lasting one calendar year, although
there are increasing numbers of part time courses for those already in employment. A good honours
degree (minimum 2:1) is often required, usually in the same subject area. These courses usually
consist of course work and a dissertation. Some of these courses build on and extend first degree
work, for instance an MPhil in Modern Poetry would require a first degree in English, while others
are more vocational in nature, such as the MSc in Occupational Psychology. The Masters of
Research (MRes) are commonly awarded for science courses. MRes courses are more orientated
towards pursuing a research career, though some have a taught element.
Higher Degree by Research (Doctorates and Masters)
Higher degrees involve the in-depth study of an academic subject, usually in the subject of the
first degree. It normally takes one or two years of full time research for a Masters, and three or
more for a doctorate (PhD). Usually, a good honours degree is essential for entry, and some PhDs
may require that a Masters degree is completed first (notably the Masters in Research, MRes).
Choosing Your Course of Study
Having decided on the most appropriate type of study you should consider:
- location and reputation - remember to speak to your academic staff for advice
- be clear about your motivations and consider carefully the type of course
- level of competition for entry
- the selection process - do you have the relevant skills, experience, type or level of degree
required?
- closing dates - some courses, such as teaching and clinical psychology do have fixed closing
dates as early as mid December. Others do not set a fixed closing date, but accept applications
early in the Autumn Semester. In many cases timing of applications is likely to be determined by
the timing of funding applications. Most applications are made directly to Universities. Some
Universities have adopted the UKPASS system - an online service to apply to taught and research
postgraduate programmes.
How Will it be Funded?
It is often much easier to find a place on a programme than it is to secure funding. There are
very few courses that automatically come with a guarantee of financial support. In the first
instance contact the course to ascertain if there is funding available, and find out how previous
students on the course funded themselves. The main possibilities are:
Public Funding
As with all postgraduate funding it is first necessary to secure a place on a course before you
are able to apply for any funding. Competition is intense, with only a small percentage of
candidates actually making successful applications. Each Research Council publishes an approved
list of courses and many of their awards are allocated to these courses on a quota basis. The
Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland and Local Education Authorities also provide limited funding
to certain courses. The European Social Fund and some Local Enterprise Companies also support
some courses.
Career Development Loans
It may be possible to take out a Career Development Loan
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/CareerDevelopmentLoans/index.htm
Institutional Help
In addition to the fact that many students now undertake postgraduate study on a part time basis
and work part time, there may be some institutional help available in the form of studentships,
hardship funds or teaching, lab work or marking.
Alternative Sources of Funding
There are a number of charities, trusts and foundations which may award partial funding for study.
There is a wide range of schemes available, details of which can be found in 'The Grants Register'
and in the 'Directory of Grant Making Trusts', available in the JobShop/Placement Base and
University Library.
What About Study Abroad?
If you are interested in this the importance of starting your preparations and investigations early cannot be stressed enough. Information can be harder to track down, closing dates vary significantly, many countries have quite different academic systems, there may be language, or additional test requirements, such as the GRE or GMAT test results required for study in the States, competition may be higher, and, finally, it is important to be sure that the course you study overseas is acceptable to professional bodies in the UK. For more specific information on US study, please refer to the Fulbright Section at JobShop/Placement Base.
Resources Available
Choosing Your Course
At JobShop/Placement Base : the following paper based resources are also essential reading:
Prospects Postgraduate Directory, free Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide, free publication
Prospects 'Postgrad' publication (published October/March/May).
Funding
Study Abroad
Udpated: Summer 2011
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