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Further study

A new career path? Progress in your job? Essential qualifications? The postgraduate study benefits are many and varied.

 

Popular pages on the careers website

A world of opportunity

Postgraduate qualifications tend to be divided into: 

  • taught courses
  • research degrees
  • studentships. 

Degree apprenticeships are another option for further study. These combine full-time work and study. 

Taught courses - PGT

Master's degrees:

  • Master's are level 7 qualifications that advance your expertise in specific subjects
  • Full-time: 1-2 years | Part-time: 2-4 years
  • Popular choices: MA (Master of Arts), M.Sc. (Master of Science)

Explore other options such as:

  • LLM (Master of Law)
  • M.Eng. (Master of Engineering)
  • MEd (Master of Education)
  • M.Arch. (Master of Architecture)
  • MBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
  • MRes (Master of Research) This is unique to the 'taught' courses. It places more emphasis on research, rather than developing knowledge within a subject area. There are taught modules within the MRes, so it can still be classed a taught course.

Postgraduate Certificates (Pg Certs) and Postgraduate Diplomas (Pg Dips):

  • Equivalent to Master's degrees (Level 7)
  • Less time to complete, no dissertation required
  • Study a wide range of subjects
  • Many institutions offer a pathway to upgrade to a full Masters, provided you write a dissertation.

Conversion courses:

  • Preparation for a professional career
  • Focus on practical training rather than dissertations
  • Ideal if your undergraduate degree doesn't align with your desired career
  • Popular conversion courses: Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Engineering, Law, Marketing, Journalism.

Initial Teacher Training:

Become a UK teacher with postgraduate qualifications:

  • QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is required to become a teacher in a school in England
  • Popular option: PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) led by schools and/or universities, but there are other routes
  • Do your research to ensure you’re taking the right path. Explore Routes into teaching on the Prospects website.
  • Teach First Graduate Scheme has a salaried teaching path.

Professional qualifications:

  • Vocational courses for job entry or professional development
  • Awarded by professional associations
  • Prove your competence in the field
  • Popular qualifications: ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

Research degrees - PGR

Postgraduate research (PGR) courses contain original academic research to advance you in a specific field:

  • Conduct original academic research in your field, usually related to your first-degree subject
  • Present your findings in a thesis (70,000 - 100,000 words)
  • Popular research qualification: PhD (3/4 years)
  • Explore funding opportunities, including Research Assistantships Doctoral Loan: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • You can also apply for Research Assistantships - these are salaried posts that often offer the opportunity to study for a higher degree. Industry collaborations like the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships also offer research opportunities.

Degree apprenticeships

Apprenticeships used to be aimed at school leavers. Their combination of study and full-time work provided a training route into a profession after secondary school. Various levels of apprenticeship now exist that people from all levels of education can consider.

Apprenticeship Options: 

  • Intermediate (GCSE level)
  • Advanced (A Level)
  • Higher (Foundation Degree Level)
  • Degree (Degree or Master's degree level)

Apprenticeships allow you to gain a qualification, work experience and a salary at the same time, without the usual costs. Research what salary you'll receive - rates will differ dependent on the apprenticeship provider. Lower salaries are expected on apprenticeships. This is because other associated costs are already being covered by the employer.

Degree apprenticeships are an option even if you already have a degree, but it must be in an unrelated subject. They are offered within vocational subjects such as:

  • engineering
  • nursing
  • social work
  • management.

Master's degree apprenticeships are gaining popularity for postgraduate study and work. These types of apprenticeships are still in development, so there is a low volume available compared to other apprenticeships. Find more information on Prospects website and UCAS.com.

Here at the University of Salford, we offer level 6 and 7 apprenticeships. To find out more, visit our Degree apprenticeships section.

Choosing a postgraduate course

When choosing the right course for you, consider:

  • What subject area you want to study
  • The length of time you wish to study
  • Whether to study a taught or research-based course
  • Your career aims
  • What you wish to achieve by studying at this level.

Then use these websites to start your search:

Make a postgraduate application

  • Apply directly to institutions or through UCAS as required
  • Check individual institution pages for application guidelines
  • Prepare a personal statement, and research proposal (for research courses)
  • Gather copies of certificates/transcripts for previous qualifications.

Always follow instructions you are given and tailor your application carefully. Typically, you'll be asked to cover:

  • Why you want to do the course and attend that university
  • Relevance of your previous studies
  • Career aspirations
  • Relevant skills and experience gained outside your studies

My Postgrad Apps is an online system which can help you especially if applying for more than one course.

These resources can help you make postgraduate applications:

Funding postgraduate study

Secure funding for postgrad studies:

  • Explore loans, studentships, bursaries, and grants
  • Employers may assist with funding if beneficial for their business
  • Understand postgraduate loan processes and course fees
  • Consider full or part-time study and check Council Tax liability. (Full-time students are exempt, and part-time can claim reductions)
  • Check our Money pages for the latest info.

Funding guidance:

Institutional Scholarships and Awards

Professional Loan Schemes

Research councils are an important source of funding for UK postgraduate students. The Research Councils do not generally make studentship awards directly to students, but usually allocate them to departments in universities.

Further support

Listen to our Postgraduate Options and Funding Explained Linked In Learning Pathway for more information.

For specific research queries and support, contact your school's Postgraduate Research Office:

Speak to a Careers Adviser

Get guidance from our friendly team of Advisers. 

Open to current students and Salford Alumni only.