Making the most of postgraduate study at masters level Karen Parkhouse

Why do you want to do it? academic interests and aptitudes? change of direction? work-related experience? necessary for chosen career? improve your prospects?

What Do Postgraduates Do? ‘First destinations for both levels [of postgraduate study] remained significantly more positive than for undergraduate destinations, with much lower unemployment rates, and overseas work or study featuring strongly for doctoral graduates.’

Employers will value....  Specialist knowledge and skills (maybe)  Transferable skills, including –self management and discipline –rational thinking and project management –interpersonal and communication skills  Wider perspective, increased confidence You will still have to provide evidence of these skills, plus suitability and motivation!

Before choosing….  Think about what you want to achieve  What do you want to learn?  What skills do you want to develop?  Be very clear about the course content  Research graduate destinations and options

What are you looking for?  Specific knowledge e.g. modules, research topics  Specialist skills?  Research experience and training?  Project work?  Vocational training?  Work experience?  Employer links?  Global connections……?

You might also want to consider..  Course structure and assessment  Teaching quality  Student body  Research expertise  Quality and reputation  Facilities?  Employer views  Wider opportunities

Research your options

Destinations of HASS Masters graduates, 2013/14

Making the most of PG study Think carefully about your reasons for applying Be clear what you want to gain and how you will achieve this Research the options thoroughly Speak to academic staff, postgraduate students and possibly employers Check that you meet the entry requirements Continue to develop your career ideas or plans

Make sure your application grabs attention!