Blogs: Jonny offers his advice on choosing a postgrad course

Post 3, May 2013

Jonny Brown is a postgraduate student. He graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in politics, before moving to Newcastle University for a Masters in media and journalism

Undergraduates, you're nearly there. This month you will reach the finale of your university life and begin to wonder what the next step is and where it will take you. Treat yourself and have some time to do nothing but relax - you have deserved it.

For those who need some organisation to your life, you have a couple of options: work, travel or postgraduate study. I'm here to talk about the latter.

I was keen to begin further study but when it came to researching courses, funding and accommodation, I soon began to question my motives. Funding was my biggest issue. Some university courses offer funding opportunities but only in special circumstances, while in some subjects third-party organisations offer scholarships or grants. In journalism, for example, the Guardian newspaper provides funding to certain courses at specific universities. Make sure you do your research before applying to your university.

Another option is applying for a Professional Career and Development Loan (PCDL), which allows you to borrow up to £10,000 from a bank and pay it back over a five-year period. However, you will be charged interest and you have to start paying it back regardless of whether you're employed or not.

Choosing your university is another issue to dwell over. I chose Newcastle as I live in the region and the course was best for what I wanted to do. Also, the cost of the course was cheaper than some rival institutions, which played another important role in my decision.

Now, the thought of heading back to university is daunting, but that isn't the only option for those looking into postgraduate study. Take me as an example - I'm studying media and journalism at Newcastle University. But also in Newcastle are the offices of the Press Association, which runs courses that train you to be a journalist with a good chance of securing a job at the end.

It's down to you and what you feel will benefit your career choice the most. A close friend of mine took the four-to-five month course at the Press Association and now works as a reporter for a news agency. Me? Well, I'm doing assignments, conducting research and taking part in charity fun runs.

I chose my course because it suited my interests and the course at the Press Association suited my friends. So, whatever you decide to do now in the next stage of your career, take your time and research all possible avenues.

If you don't want a repeat of the university assignment pile up, you might want find a course that is more hands on and specialised for your interest.

Your next step could be heavily influential on your future career, but don't worry, if it's not for you there is still time to figure out what it is you're after. I knew I wanted to go into journalism but that was after doing a range of different work experience placements.

If you are not too sure what you want to do then try and gain some work experience over the summer. Unlike at undergraduate level, you can apply for postgraduate courses in late August and still start in September.

In summary, figure out what you want to do next whether that be work, travel or study. Postgraduate is only an option and not a guaranteed route into employment. I'm happy I chose postgraduate study but then again, travelling the world doesn't sound so bad? Now, isn't that food for thought...