Politics and international relations: Further study

In 2010, six months after graduation, a fifth of politics and international relations graduates had taken up further study, such as Masters courses and PhDs, while another 7% were combining further study with work.

Having a further academic qualification may enhance employability by demonstrating a greater understanding of a specific subject area and equipping you with a broad range of contacts. The research experience of higher academic study may open doors to future work opportunities and will be especially valuable to those wishing to pursue a career as a researcher.

Vocational courses are popular with politics and international relations graduates, particularly courses that qualify graduates to work in careers such as accountancy, journalism, law, management and teaching.

If you are considering further study, you need to think carefully about your motivations, long-term career plan and finances. Will a further qualification enhance your employability? Seek guidance from tutors, a careers adviser, employers and people who have undertaken further study.

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 postgraduate study in the UK and search courses and research to identify your options.

For details relating to finance and the application process, look at funding my further study.