Your degree, what next?: Further study

Further study following an undergraduate degree has several advantages and may even be essential for your chosen career...

It must be carefully considered, as choosing postgraduate study will result in committing more of your time and finances.

Should I consider further study?

When thinking about further study, you should take into account:

• whether further study is essential for your chosen profession or to enable you to enter a new profession, e.g. teaching, law, academia;
• personal interest - the subject area should be of great interest to you, so that you remain focused and motivated;
• whether it will improve your job prospects - further study can increase your earnings in the future, despite costing you in the short term;
• funding - are you able to support a postgraduate qualification?

Advantages to undertaking further study include:

• it will add to your academic achievements (something to consider if you did not achieve your desired grade in your first degree);
• it will develop your knowledge and skills or enable you to focus on a specific part of your undergraduate studies;
• you will meet and network with like-minded individuals, sharing knowledge and ideas, with the possibility of forming future working partnerships.

What are my options for further study?

The options available to graduates who have completed a first degree are:

• second degree - you can study for another degree, e.g. a BA or BSc, to enhance your first degree or simply study a new subject altogether. Remember that a second degree will not have the same funding options as your initial undergraduate degree, so speak to your university's student financial service for advice;
• professional study - certain careers will automatically require you to study beyond a first degree, e.g. medicine, law and teaching. For further information on which professions require further study and what type of qualifications are required, go to postgraduate study in the UK;
• academic postgraduate study - whether you intend to improve on your knowledge of your first degree or study an unrelated subject, you can either study a taught programme with lectures and tutorials, or a research programme such as a PhD.

As with a first degree, the above qualifications will require financial support. Consider funding opportunities carefully before undertaking any further study. You should also consider whether undertaking further study will increase your employability, if you will work at the same time to support yourself financially, and whether you will begin further study immediately after graduation or wait and get some work experience first.

Will I get funding for further study?

Postgraduate study is a financial commitment. There are some funding options available to potential postgraduate students, but the opportunities will vary depending on your subject choice. Explore your options at:

• GOV.UK - Funding Postgraduate Study  
• GOV.UK - Professional and Career Development Loans  

If you are studying for a research Masters or PhD, contact your sector-specific Research Council to see if you may be eligible for a grant.

AGCAS

Written by Claire Roby, Canterbury Christ Church University

Date: 

February 2012

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer