1. Further Study …… What’s right for me? Marie Kielty Careers Advisor
ITT Dublin

3. What influences you? Course demands What courses interest you?
Selection procedures
Methods of study
Job prospects
Further considerations….

4. Course Demands…. Taught v’s Research FT, PT, Distance/eLearning
9 months – 4/5 years
Exams v’s Independent study / Thesis
PG Cert / Diploma / Masters / PhD…
Convert to a “new” area / specialism….

5. Courses of Interest
Course(s)
Current specialism / Hybrid / Conversion
Location
Dublin only / Nationwide
UK / Europe / Rest of world

6. Selection Procedures College results ….. Application Form and/or CV
Interview (Group and /or Individual)
Skills Assessment (practical)
Other criteria e.g.
- Personal Statement
- Projects from college

7. Methods of Study
Full-time
Part-time
Distance / Online
Modular

8. Job/Career Prospects Occupational Profiles: Choice…..
More than 10,000 job titles
/ /
Current opportunities - LMI trends…
Choose Careers & Jobs – Section on Labour Market Information
Various Reports :
Transferable skills / Employability…..

9. Employability….?
“Employability can be defined as a set of attributes, skills and
knowledge that makes graduates more likely to gain employment
and be successful in their chosen careers to the benefit of
themselves, their employer the community and the wider economy.”
{GradIreland / Postgradireland Directory 2016, page 116}
Essential v’s Edge ahead?
Teaching / Law …….Journalism / Politics

10. Further Considerations…???
How many hours per week?
Will I be able to hold down a part-time job?
Financially feasible v’s Investment in your FUTURE
Committed?
Defer for a year?

11. Popular Reasons for Pursuing PG Study
Enjoyment of subject at undergraduate level
Need it to pursue chosen career
Want to convert to a new career area
Don’t know what I want to do ….give me time
Lecturer’s suggested this option
Opportunity to study / work abroad
To get a JOB

12. Benefits for you….
Opportunity to specialise at a higher level
Gain more relevant work related “transferable
skills”
May gain Work Experience
Salary usually increases
Superb networking opportunity

13. Benefits FOR Employers …..
Value the advanced knowledge and
skills developed
Demonstrates determination to succeed
Some employers will fund further study
/ professional qualifications

14. Postgraduate Options ….
Conversion Courses
Higher Diplomas
Employment Sector
Masters
Taught or Research
PhD’s
(3 – 6 years)
Show link with industry
Progression from Degree, P.Dip/MA/PhD - Employment

15. Full time enrolments on PG Courses
Postgraduate by Programme Type 2014/15 PG Number % of PG FT Enrolments Ph. D. 6,800 31% Masters (Research) 1,145 5% Masters (Taught) 11,113 51% Diploma 2,673 12% Certificate 86 0% Occasional 88 0% Professional Training 19 0% Postgraduate Total 21, %

16. Part time enrolments on PG Courses
Postgraduate by Programme Type 2014/15 Postgraduate Number % of PG PT Enrolments Ph. D. 1,358 9% Masters (Research) 303 2% Masters (Taught) 7,279 48% Diploma 3,363 22% Certificate 1,817 12% Occasional 373 2% Professional Training 648 4% Postgraduate Total 15, %

17. Check with Individual College website(s)
Course Fees….
Check with Individual College website(s)
Postgradireland Directory – Costs and Funding
Examples:
Graduate Skills Conversion Programme (~ €2 -3K) {sometimes fully funded / subsidised)
Research degrees ~ €4,000 +
Taught Masters programmes ~ €5,000 to €15,000+
EU / International Fees apply

18. 2. Have you a genuine interest in the course
Are you suitable?
You can be shortlisted from Application Form /online application:
1. Have you the desired entry requirements e.g. results/modules
2. Have you a genuine interest in the course
3. How have you confirmed this interest to yourself and
selection committee: e.g. work experience, shadow work,
contact with professionals working in this field, knowledge of
course content, spoken to past students etc.
4. Can you demonstrate the skills/abilities required that make
you a suitable candidate for this postgraduate course
5. Can you demonstrate how this postgraduate course fits into your career objective ?
Why YOU ???

19. Applications are all based on evidence!
Have you analysed the application? Are you clear on what skills, qualities and experience are essential for this course and ultimately for this career Your past is evidence of your future potential. Essential to draw on your past experiences to demonstrate your skills/experience in this field Are you using the right language (key words can often be found in the college/course prospectus or web site) Use the language of your degree - business e.g. Evaluated… Analysed… Reconciled….Designed…..

20. Postgraduate Study Abroad ……
Start planning up to 2 years in advance….
Opportunity to study in an institution with an
excellent reputation worldwide
Further study in a specialised subject area
Opportunity to perfect a foreign language
Gain life experience in an international /
multicultural environment

21. Postgraduate Study Abroad?

22. Country Specific Information. https://www. prospects. ac

23. www.education.ie www.education.ie (Department of education)

24. Questions….