Further Study – Why do it?

Approximately 20% of Southampton graduates enter postgraduate study or research each year.  There are more than 12,000 Postgraduate Taught (PGT) courses available in the UK as well as Postgraduate Research (PGR) programmes (masters and doctorates).  Most postgraduate students study full-time however it is often possible to study part-time and by different methods such as open and distance learning.

Make sure you are clear about why you are pursuing postgraduate study and what it can do for you before you commit. The Prospects website offers some good advice while the University of Southampton pages offer advice and information on courses available at this institution.  For many areas, postgraduate study is something that you can do at any time in your life. You may like to consider the following:

I really enjoy my subject:

It is vital to think about how your choice of course relates to your long-term career plans.  If you need help clarifying your choices then the suggestions in your Subject pages, the Career Planning Guide and starting points for finalists may help.  If your course is not directly related to your career, consider how it might enable you to develop skills that future employers will value.

I need it to pursue my chosen career:

For some career areas postgraduate study may be essential; for example journalism, law, teaching, or clinical psychology. For other fields you may have a choice between postgraduate study or directly entering employment. Research the area of work that interests you to identify whether a postgraduate course is essential or desirable.

I don’t know what to do – this will give me more time to decide:

Postgraduate study demands considerable commitment and motivation. You are likely to have to fund it yourself or take a loan. If you are looking for time out before committing yourself to a career why not find out more about other work experience or global options available.