Careers Service

Further study

Before applying for further study you need to ask yourself:

  • "Is it right for me?
  • Are further qualifications necessary for your chosen career?
  • Do you just love your subject and want to study it in more depth?
  • Will postgraduate study help you to change career direction or is it that you can’t think of anything else to do?"

For detailed information on the factors you need to consider before choosing a postgraduate course take a look at:

We would also recommend that you find out about career paths that other postgraduate students have followed to raise your awareness of the labour market and identify possible options for you:

Before making a final decision it’s a good idea to talk over your plans with someone who can help you to clarify your ideas, such as your Director of Studies, course tutor, dissertation supervisor or other members of your school. You can also consult one of our Careers Advisers for advice on career options after further study. You can book an appointment on-line at: www.glas.prospects.ac.uk.

Do you know what postgraduate study options are available? There are several "course types" on offer including:

  • postgraduate certificates
  • postgraduate diplomas
  • masters degrees
  • doctorates

Some are taught courses and some are research based. Taught courses may be made up of assessed modules, written exams and a final year dissertation. Research courses such as a PhD are assessed via submission of a final thesis and verbal exam (VIVA).

Some postgraduate courses lead to entry into a particular career e.g. teaching while others could be the stepping stone to a research or lecturing career in academia. Keep your career aims in mind when researching different types of course so that you can make the right choice for your future.

For an explanation of the different types of postgraduate courses available see Targetcourses - different types of postgraduate courses.

Some postgraduate positions come with funding attached. These are called studentships – they can cover both fees and living expenses, but there tends to be a lot of competition.

Other sources of funding include grants and bursaries, but these can be extremely limited. There’s lots of competition for postgraduate funding, so our advice is to apply as early as possible.

Check out university websites for details of fees and funding for their particular courses.

Fees and funding at University of Glasgow: http://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/ukandeuscholarships/.

Other funding sources:
Funding postgraduate study abroad:

When choosing a course you need firstly to consider how you want to study - full-time, part-time, distance learning, taught courses or by research?

Consider where you want to study. Do you want to study in the same institution where you gained your undergraduate degree or do you want to experience university life somewhere else?

Think about the course content to make sure that it meets your needs, for example, find out if the course is accredited or recognised by the industry body of the profession you want to enter.

Postgraduate Study at University of Glasgow: www.glasgow.ac.uk/postgraduate/about.

Postgraduate study elsewhere in the UK:

Studying abroad can be a life changing experience giving the opportunity to travel, learn about different cultures, meet new friends and enhance your CV.

Helpful resources:

We have put together some country specific resources below:

Europe

The advantages of taking a postgraduate course in another European country can be considerable, especially if you want to work in that country. The experience can also be very broadening and add ancillary skills, such as languages.

Euraxess UK is part of an initiative to increase the mobility of researchers, students, scientists and academic staff, you can search for UK and international funding. Funded studentships and fellowships in the UK and overseas are also advertised.

Ploteus contains information on studying in thirty countries.

Europa Pagesis useful for language courses in France, Spain and Germany and English courses in the UK and Ireland.

Eurydice is an information network on education in Europe including database of all national education systems, with HE details.

Study in Europe provides information on higher education institutions in thirty-two European countries and includes lots of practical advice on how and where to apply.

Australia

Australia offers many advantages for further study including a University system which isn't too dissimilar to that in the UK, meaning that British degrees are readily understood by Australian institutions.

IDP Education Australia promotes and supplies information on study in Australia to the rest of the world and their website is packed full of useful information including an online searchable university/course database and help on applying and funding.

Study in Australia is the official Australian Government website for advice on study in Australia. It has extensive information on types of courses available, study costs, scholarships, student visas.

Studies in Australia has information on 10 of Australia's universities, including scholarships.

Australian government provides advice on studying in Australia. The Good Universities Guide Hobson's guide to help you decide what and where to study in Australia.

USA

The Fulbright Commission is the best place to start your research. Its aim is to promote student exchange between the UK and the US.Many of the resources you will need to find out about study in the USA are available online, linked from the Fulbright site.

The site also has details of how to apply for the prestigious Fulbright Awards for Postgraduate Study in the US, and lists other specific awards for UK students., including the BEST Scholarships (BUNAC Educational Scholarship Trust).

EducationUSA is the US government's official portal for international students considering studying in higher education in the States, is another valuable resource. It includes information on undergraduate and postgraduate study, short-term study and opportunities for scholars, and funding.

Online Graduate Programs provides a detailed understanding of all aspects of graduate education. Resources include how to get into graduate school, with comprehensive advice about writing effective applications and how to answer the most common questions at interview, as well as information about funding and scholarships.

Peterson's is a comprehensive site providing information to help you to choose colleges and courses, and access its International Scholarship Search database for possible sources of finance.

Scholarships and Student Finance Services is a good source of information on scholarships for study in the USA.

You can also check the following sites, which have information on funding courses of study in the USA:

Competition for postgraduate courses can be high and so it is important that your application stands out. You must show your motivation and commitment to further study and detail any experience that you have had that adds value to your application.

Many courses don’t state specific closing dates but it is important to apply early to avoid disappointment particularly if you are also applying for funding.

Details of how and when to apply can be found on university websites.

Applying to University of Glasgow: Postgraduate taught degree, Research degree.

Applying to other universities:

Who can do postgraduate study?

Graduates with a "good" 2.1 or better are usually eligible to apply for further study. However, you may still be accepted with a 2.2 if you have obtained good results in modules that are relevant to the postgraduate course. If you are in any doubt speak to the relevant department or the Graduate School at the university in which you are interested.

Some postgraduate courses require a degree in a relevant or related subject while others are conversion courses that are open to graduates from different disciplines. Some conversion courses such as a Masters course in Social Work will require relevant work experience in addition to a degree.

When to apply

Deadlines for postgraduate study can vary and each institution will have their own postgraduate admissions procedures.

We would advise applying early as entry can be competitive and there may be an early deadline for applying for funding. We recommend starting the application process at least 9 months in advance. If you want to study in another country you may need 18 months for the application process.

Some course applications are handled by central bodies: teacher training, law conversions and graduate entry to medicine. Ensure you are aware of the procedure for your area of interest.

How to apply

Applications are usually made online via the website of the institution to which you are applying. You will find clear instructions on how to apply and details of any supporting documentation that you are required to send e.g. CV, covering letter, personal statement, research proposal (for research based courses), transcripts and evidence of funding.

You will need to leave enough time to procure and prepare these documents. Registry can provide you with your transcript, contact them for further details. When preparing your application and supporting documents, follow any instructions carefully and be sure to address the entry requirements. These might include academic achievement, subject specific knowledge and (particularly for vocational courses) relevant skills and experience.

Admissions tests

Be aware that you may need to take an admissions test for some postgraduate courses for example Business courses may require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).