Thinking of Postgraduate (PG) Study?

Tahira MajothiCareers ConsultantCareers & Employability ServiceUniversity of Salfordwww.careers.salford.ac.uk0161 295 5088 © University of Salford Careers and Employability

Service 2010

Introduction• What can I study?• Where can I study (UK or Overseas)?

• How do I fund my studies?

• When do I apply?

• Who can help me?

Tip: Start with SWOT Analysis: What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Tip: Start with SWOT Analysis: What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to progression?Opportunities and Threats to progression?

Source: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/angelocesare/ 2006

PG Study Overview:• PG Study numbers have increased• Biggest rise in Masters’ courses, up by 27%• Starting salaries closer to those with first

degrees• 94% of PGs are likely to be ‘employed in the

professions’ compared to 78% undergraduates

(Source: Higher Education Policy Institute HEPI 2010 ) http://www.hepi.ac.uk/478-1769/Growth-in-UK%E2%80%99s-postgraduate-sector-driven-by-overseas-students.html

Why consider PG study?• Passion for subject

• Retrain in new career

• Start of academic career

• Improved job prospects

• No set career idea – it buys me time!

© University of Salford 2011

Bear in mind…

• Some careers require PG qualifications• Might offset poor A-Levels / UG degree

-Pro: specialist knowledge, stronger analytical/research skills, balanced outlook, time management and administrative skills

-Con: Is course insular? Is work experience still lacking and do your interpersonal skills need developing further?

Types of Masters

• MA – Arts, Business

• MBA – Business administration

• MEd – Masters of Education

• 12 months f/t including independent study

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate_taught_courses.htm

Source: Flickr © http://www.flickr.com/photos/oberazzi/ 2006

Types of Research Degrees• PhD / Dphil

• Professional PhDs i.e. Ed.D or EngD

• NewRoutePhD – research and personal skills training

• Involves juggling of commitments – teaching, liaising with supervisor, conferences, writing up research etc

• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/research_degrees.htm

Additional Postgraduate Pathways

• PG Diploma/Certificate

• Distance learning – Open University

• Vocational – PGCE, LPC

• 1-2 years

• May lead to entry onto taught Masters programmes

Conversion courses

• Law – Graduate Diploma in Law

• Teaching e.g. PGCE

• Medicine

• Psychology – graduate conversion

• Healthcare – nursing, art therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy etc

Issues to consider• Availability of courses & related funding• Reputation e.g.

– Research Excellence Framework http://www.hefce.ac.uk/research/ref/

• Eligibility – e.g. Law, medicine, for US study, all non-US

graduates may have to take the GRE or GMAT exams before applying for PG courses.

• Timing– e.g. for US study, start application process up to 18

months in advance, PGCE Primary Sept 1st – Dec 1st,

Cost of StudyWhat to take into consideration:

• Tuition fees Tuition fees (subject to change/increase, check with Institution/s of choice).

• Living costsLiving costs• Additional support Additional support e.g. childcare or Disabled

Students Allowance• FundingFunding/Bursaries/Scholarships/Loyalty

discounts

www.prospects.ac.uk/links/pgstudy

Funding Options for Masters Study

• Bursary schemes – Social work, Nursing, Teaching

• Salford University support:– Competitive and may not cover whole cost– Discount or loyalty schemes at Salford University– Check with University Course Department first!

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships http://www.ktponline.org.uk/

• Grants or funds through Trusts• Professional and Career Development Loanshttp://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/ChoicesAfterYouGraduate/DG_10012463

Funding Sources for PhDs:• www.jobs.ac.uk – search PhD Studentships

• Times Higher Education Supplement

• Different Research Councils for different subjects

• Apply via university, which allocates funded places on behalf of the Research Councils

• Eligibility– Generally need 2:1, sometimes 2:2 for Masters

– EEA students – fees only; Overseas students – not eligible

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships

• Find A PhD website

How the Careers Service can help you:

• Access to Funding Guides and Directorieshttp://www.advice.salford.ac.uk/page/otherfunding

http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/page/funding

• 1-2-1 guidance appointments• Email guidance• Workshops – CVs, applications, Interviews• Interactive Services