1. The University of Kent Careers and Employability Service Postgraduate Study: Mathematics
Bruce Woodcock
University of Kent
Careers and Employability Service
You can download a copy of this presentation at

2. WHY DO POSTGRADUATE STUDY?
Because you are interested in your subject.
Because you enjoy life at university.
Because you want an academic/research career.
To improve your job prospects.

3. TAUGHT MASTER’S DEGREE: MSc
Higher degrees by taught course & dissertation
Length: one calendar year (September – Sept.)
Seminars, coursework and exams over the academic year
Followed by a 3 to 5 months-long dissertation prepared over the summer:
Need 2:1usually.
Funding normally via postgraduate loan

4. RESEARCH DEGREES M.Phil or PhD
Length: from one year for research Masters to three for PhD
Work independently to prepare a thesis
Your supervisor will advise and guide - who you choose is very important
Original research expected
Research Council funding normally available
Need MSc or First Class degree. May have to compete with MSc students for PhD places

5. WHERE TO STUDY? Continue at Kent? Top quality university
“The Devil you know!”
Friends may still be here.
Study elsewhere in the UK?
More choice
Can be seen as good to make a change
Study abroad?
Much more work involved
Apply early!

6. CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
Prospects Postgrad website – database of all PG courses in the UK
Ask your lecturers!
Use league tables and research assessments - but with caution!
Visit universities and talk to current postgraduates

7. What can I do with my degree?
Gives details of Kent graduates in your subject who have gone on to do postgraduate study.

8. RESEARCH COUNCIL FUNDING for PhDs
EPSRC Engineering & Physical Sciences
BBSRC Biology and Biotechnology
MRC Medical
NERC Natural & Environmental
STFC Science and Technology Facilities Council

9. RESEARCH COUNCILS AWARDS
EPSRC, BSRC, MRC, NERC, STFC
Apply to postgraduate department where you want to study, not to the research council. Department allocates awards.
Closing date 31st July, but apply autumn or early spring terms.
Open to English and Welsh applicants.
Scottish and Northern Ireland applicants need to confirm eligibility for particular courses.
European Community applicants usually get fees only.

10. AWARD VALUE Fees paid Maintenance grant about £15,000 outside London
May be extra allowances for dependants
Most PhD students get a few hundred pounds p.a. for invigilating, supervising practicals/seminars etc.
Normally need a 1st or high 2:1 or MSc to get award

11. New Postgraduate Loans
A new postgraduate loan scheme will be implemented for English-domiciled students and EU students studying in English institutions from 2016.
Will offer students up to £10,280 to help with the costs of a masters degree.
Students are eligible for the loans if they are under the age of 30 and are studying for a full-time masters, or part-time at 50% intensity or above. There are no subject restrictions.
Like undergraduate loans, graduates will only pay them back if they earn over £21,000, and repay at a rate of 6% of income above this sum.
Information on the Postgraduate Loans Scheme

12. OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING
University Research Assistant: posts are relatively rare
Other jobs, unrelated to your studies
Undergraduate teaching: sometimes a requirement of university studentships. Kent has a Graduate Teaching Assistantship scheme supporting 300 postgrads
Company sponsorship/PhD whilst employed
Charitable trusts
ASK COURSE DIRECTOR WHAT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE!
and-funding
UofK has a Graduate Teaching Assistantship scheme supporting 300 postgrads
Research Asst example:

13. UNIVERSITY STUDENTSHIPS
Aimed at encouraging research – few available for taught courses
Sums vary but often similar level to Research Council studentships
May include a requirement to teach part-time
Eligibility varies
A brief list of these funds in Prospects Postgraduate Study Guide - or check with the universities you are applying to
One exception at Kent is Psychology which has several bursaries for MSc courses

14. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Fees – about £5,000+ a year for UK/EU students on many full-time academic courses at Kent. About £1,000 off at Kent.
But can be up to £20,000 for some courses – especially in London
International student fees start at around £8000
Maintenance – rent, food etc.
Study expenses - travel to libraries, cost of producing thesis, etc.

15. HOW TO APPLY No UCAS equivalent for postgraduate academic study
Each university will have its own online application form
Academic reference is important
No overall closing date, but you may need to apply early - in the first term of your final year
Early application especially important for funding
PhD studentships advertised from late November to January. Sign up for alerts on
EARLY IN FINAL YEAR
Discuss postgraduate study with your academic advisor.
Research and shortlist courses and universities
JANUARY ONWARDS
Most MSc applications made in Spring term.

16. Writing your personal statement
Usually have to write a personal statement of about 500 words on why you wish to do the Master’s degree.
Why you want to do this course?
Why this university?
Relevance of your first degree
Academic skills
Career aims
For PhDs may need a 2,000 word research proposal on what you want to research and why
See our postgraduate study page
for help with writing personal statements, funding and how to apply

17. Further Help
How to apply for postgraduate study
Practice interview for PG study
Help for PhDs
An adviser is available for short (15 minute) consultations in the Careers and Employability Service any weekday morning or afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. You don't need an appointment to see the duty adviser at these times. Just ask at Careers Reception to see them. They can review your PRINTED personal statement for postgraduate study.

18. Careers Award on Moodle
Half the unemployment rate for students completing the award Enter Moodle, search for DP2650 or Careers Award and click enrol
if you have problems enrolling
More info at

19. Telephone: Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 to 5 including vacations Drop-in times (no appointment needed: 15 minutes): to and 2 to 4 pm Help given for up to 3 years after graduation Weekly careers s every Monday afternoon

20. The University of Kent Careers and Employability Service Postgraduate Study
Bruce Woodcock
University of Kent
Careers and Employability Service
You can download a copy of this presentation at