Business studies : Further study

In 2010, 9% of business studies graduates had opted for further study with another 8% combining work and study. Popular options include: Masters in marketing, human resources and international business management; the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Common Professional Examination (CPE) for conversion to law; the MBA and computing/ICT courses.

Those combining study with a job often work towards a professional qualification, usually supported by their employer. The UK’s various accountancy bodies all offer qualifications:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)  
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)  
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)  
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)  for the ACA qualification.
• Chartered Accountants Ireland  
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)  

Those in city careers such as investment analysis may study with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)  and city traders may work towards Financial Services Authority (FSA)  qualifications.

These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgrad study and search courses and research to identify your options.

Look at funding my further study for details relating to finance and the application process.