Your PhD...what next? : Research and professional training

Find out if research or professional training is the best next step for you. What does your chosen vocational or professional pathway require and what funding is available?

Postdoctoral research

For many subject areas, postdoctoral research is the next step for an academic career (although in arts and humanities subjects, it may be possible to gain a lectureship without postdoctoral experience).

In a postdoctoral research position, you will be expected to show more independence, taking full responsibility for the project. You may also take on additional roles such as the supervision of research students and the management of staff. You are also likely to get involved with the writing of research proposals and administrative tasks such as representing researchers on university committees.

Further vocational training

After completing your PhD you may decide that you want to make a significant change in career, requiring further vocational training. Some PhD graduates choose to undertake the one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) that leads to a career in teaching. See the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)  website for more information. Working for the National Health Service (NHS) is another option and several postgraduate vocational qualifications are available that lead to client-facing or management careers - see NHS Careers . It is also possible to complete a two-year MSc in Social Work to qualify as a social worker.

Explore types of jobs to find about further vocational training for your chosen career.

Professional training

Some PhD graduates undertake further professional training to enable them to move into other careers. Taking a law conversion course (the Postgraduate Diploma in Law), for example, is an option. This one-year course allows you to convert to a career in law irrespective of your undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications. Passing the law conversion course entitles you to move on to the Legal Practice Course (LPC), if you want to become a solicitor, or the Bar Vocational Course (BVC), if you wish to train as a barrister. Accountancy is another option and involves studying for professional qualifications on the job.

Explore types of jobs to find out about further professional training for your chosen career.

Will I get funding for further study?

The availability of funding for further study varies considerably depending on the course and on your own personal circumstances. Some training, such as accountancy, is paid for by the employer, whilst other courses, such as teacher training, may be covered by bursaries. Some courses require you to fund yourself, using savings or loans.

See funding my further study for more information.