Computer science/IT : Further study

Research shows that in 2011, six months after graduation, around 14% of computer science graduates had gone on to either full-time further study or a combination of study and work.

Some computer science graduates chose to study a computer science subject in greater detail, through an MSc or PhD. Further study is essential for a career in academia and can be useful for a range of other careers. Specialising in a particular area can be particularly useful, for example, when considering a career in developing new technologies and products such as internet security and e-business services. It is also possible to combine computer related work with further study through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).

Some computer science graduates decided to take a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Scotland) in order to teach IT in secondary schools. Vocational postgraduate courses are also available in areas such as journalism or law. Such courses allow you to study in an area you wish to enter as a career.

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.