Considering further study

Things to consider when thinking about further study after graduation
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Further study can be a popular choice for graduates; a 2023 found that 7.8% of graduates of 2023/2024 were engaged in further study, while 10.5% were both working and studying.
Although further study can be an attractive option for many undergraduates, there are a number of factors to consider and doing your homework is key to ensuring you make the right decision for you.

Consider your motivation

It's worth taking some time to think about what is motivating your interest in further study before pursuing a masters, PhD or other postgraduate qualification. Further study can involve a serious commitment in terms of time and finance so understanding your motivations and undertaking research is essential.
There are many positive reasons behind a decision to pursue further study, these could be:
  • to satisfy intellectual curiosity and explore a subject in greater depth
  • a requirement for a particular career for example law, teaching, medicine, dentistry
  • to improve your career prospects, earning potential or to change career direction
  • to gain a new skills and experiences – perhaps the chance to acquire technical skills or live in a different country
  • to pursue a career in academia.
If you are considering further study for any of the following reasons, you might want to discuss your decisions with a careers adviser in more detail:
  • delaying entering the job market, perhaps while the labour market refreshes or to give you more time to clarify your direction. Take some time to think about how realistic this option is, as you may need to make career decisions in the early part of your course. There are graduate schemes, graduate jobs and entry-level positions out there and the Careers Service is here to help you secure them
  • to extend student life – life as a postgraduate can be even more academic and time demanding
  • because someone else suggests it’s a good idea but you are not sure.

Types of postgraduate study

There are four different types of postgraduate courses: taught courses, research degrees, conversion courses and professional qualifications.
Taught courses
Postgraduate taught courses are most comparable to your undergraduate degree in terms of teaching style. The majority of your learning will be delivered through lectures, practical sessions and seminars.
Research courses
Research degrees, or doctorates, can be taken after a masters degree and sometimes after a bachelors degree, where the masters is earned at the same time as the bachelors. They will have a heavy focus on research to explore a topic in depth.
Professional qualifications
Some postgraduate courses lead directly to a professional qualification required for entry into a particular career. For example the PGCE for teaching.
Find out more about study routes into specific career areas – where could your degree subject take you?
Conversion courses
Conversion courses give you an opportunity to enter a profession that you have not studied at undergraduate level or let you transfer to a different subject area. They are usually one-year taught courses and cover subjects like teaching, law, medicine, dentistry and property. If you are thinking of changing career then a conversion course could be the perfect way to transfer your skills to a new field.

Ways to find out more

It is important to explore the options available to you and to undertake research to decipher what the best route will be for you to take:
  • explore Where could your degree subject take you? to help you to decide on the right route for you
  • ask tutors, supervisors and others for their view on your suitability for further study, and for recommendations of courses and institutions
  • have conversations with current postgraduate students in the course you are interested in
  • use the University to find contacts and ask questions
  • attend careers fairs, presentations and speaker events to ask recruiters and those working in the sector for their view on the value of a higher degree
  • discuss your options by booking an with a careers consultant.

Experience as many universities as possible before deciding, and if possible, go and see the city. The reality is you are spending a good chunk of time living and working in that place, if you don’t like the place you live, there is a good chance you won’t enjoy the whole experience.

Toby Clayton, MSc Planning graduate

Further research
  • offers useful advice on how to apply for courses by type of qualification, as well as tips for writing your personal statement, getting references and preparing for course interviews.
  • is a particularly good website for finding postgraduate taught courses.
  • – comprehensive advice and information, including a blog.
  • is a comprehensive guide for planning and getting a masters degree.
  • – a good overview of the reasons why you might do a PhD, events, funding and PhD opportunities in the UK and globally.
  • – comprehensive advice and information for those considering doctoral research. It also has a wide range of which gives an insight to the different career paths which researchers take.
  • For those looking to study abroad and are good sources of information.
  • Thinking about using a conversion course to change career? .
  • Prospects have an in-depth article on the different available.

Funding your studies
Once you have completed your research and decided on studying further you will need to consider how you will fund your studies. There are a range of possible options including student loans, bursaries, competitive scholarships from research councils and other research organisations, universities, charities and trusts.
For information on postgraduate funding including student loans, there is a range of sources:
  • information guide.
  • or websites.
  • website.
  • Government .
  • – we have commissioned access to this resource which is a useful source of financial support towards funding postgraduate study. Current students can access it by using their student email address and graduates or non-Plymouth students can access the platform by typing in a PIN number: 8337. Once registered, you will be sent a password to gain full access.
  • Turn2us is a charitable service which has service.
  • allows you to search funding opportunities by subject, study level and funding provider.
  • GrantFairy is a useful mobile app you can download to search for scholarships.
Many universities offer a discount to its graduates who study further at the same institution. As a ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ student, you may be eligible for up to 20% discount in tuition fees.

International students and further study in the UK
Studying a postgraduate qualification in the UK is a popular choice for many students from across the globe. The (UKCISA) offers advice and information on what is involved. Another useful source of information is guide, which includes an overview of the UK education system, funding and Visa advice.
jennifer rasal
Careers Service