Choosing the Right Course and Applying for Postgraduate Study

From CareersWiki

Jump to: navigation, search
PGstudynew.jpg

Contents

Introduction

The decision to undertake a postgraduate course is highly personal. Some students pursue a further degree in order to change career paths, where others are simply passionate about their academic subjects. However, regardless of motivation, you should research your decision to undertake a postgraduate qualification thoroughly. While students may cite the enhancement of career prospects as a motivation, there are career paths where work experience may be a more useful tool than a postgraduate qualification. On the other hand, obtaining a postgraduate degree may provide a job applicant with a distinct advantage. Therefore it is important to research your chosen area of employment, to determine whether time spent on a further degree will pay dividends. If your reasons for choosing a postgraduate course derive from external pressures (parents, tutors), or simply from a desire to postpone a career choice, you should think carefully as to whether this is the right decision for you. Even shorter, one-year degrees and certificates require not only a significant financial commitment, but a personal one as well.

Pgmap.jpg

Researching Courses

Finding the right course, at the right institution is not always as simple as it may seem. There are now a plethora of options in terms of postgraduate study, with most universities, colleges, and professional bodies offering a range of degrees. In general, most courses fall into four categories: diploma / certificate, taught Masters, professional qualifications, and research degrees (see the Quick Guides “Is a PG Arts/Science Degree for Me?” for further information).

In your search for the correct programme, do not forget to look into options overseas. Postgraduate study can be an ideal chance to experience a different culture, both educationally and personally.

Also, do not overlook your professors and tutors, as they can be a great resource for finding a suitable postgraduate programme. These professional academics are usually well acquainted with the top institutions in the field, and can sometimes put you in touch with key people in those institutions. This allows you to get inside advice about a programme, as well as setting up a possible networking opportunity.

PhD001.jpg

Making Your Application

Completing an application for postgraduate study can be a significant undertaking, however once you have filled out the first, most of the legwork is done for any successive submissions. Applications may require, among other things, an up-to-date CV, dissertation proposal, personal statement, reference letters, sample of academic work (this can usually be an essay), or portfolio (e.g. fine arts). Also note that some universities, particularly in North America, charge an application fee.

As with most applications for study or work, it is best to get the whole submission in well before the deadline. This not only ensures that you can deal with any delays, but also if the programme operates on a rolling admissions basis, your application will be received when most of the spots are yet to be filled.

If you are undertaking a research degree, make sure that your proposed topic matches that of one of the academics in the department. It is no use applying for a programme where none of the current staff are able to supervise your dissertation. Almost all of the departmental pages on a university website will include staff profiles and research interests. It is also important to contact the most appropriate potential supervisors in advance of your application, either by email or post. If you get an academic interested in your topic, or even if you both agree on an entirely new topic, your chance of acceptance to the programme is greatly improved.

For science researchers, where the programme is already outlined and you are applying for a post within the larger project, ensure that you are able to clearly demonstrate your suitability. This may involve drawing attention to previous study, and indicating prior knowledge or experience that relates to the project.

In terms of the application itself, common sense rules prevail (please see our take away information A Quick Guide to CVs and Applications). A tidy (even typed), well presented application, will be better received than an unintelligible scrawl. Also, make sure to get your references sorted well in advance of the deadline. Be mindful of exam periods, and times when applications for graduate recruitment are due, as your lecturers and tutors will be extremely busy. However, do not hesitate to remind your referees of an upcoming due date, if they have not yet completed your recommendation.

And finally, if you are applying for a postgraduate programme (especially in North America) check if it requires the completion of a standardised exam, such as the GMAT, LSAT, MCAT etc. These exams are scheduled at fixed dates and locations throughout the year, and to relieve some of the stress it is best not to the take the last available opportunity of sitting the test. Some graduate programmes will take an average of the results, so if you do not perform well on the first one, you have the option to re-sit. For further information, see our Quick Guide to Postgraduate Testing and Interviews.

Pgapply2.JPG

Writing Personal Statements

It is impossible to give comprehensive general advice about writing personal statements because their content will differ depending on the nature of the programme you are applying for. Some universities give clear guidance about what they want the statement to cover. In some institutions, each department will give (sometimes differing) requests. Check and see. If in doubt, enquire! Otherwise, we suggest you structure your statement around these elements:

The best overall strategy is to be well informed, and give yourself ample time to produce a successful application. Have afew people check it before you send it off - a careers adviser, tutor, friend, parent…

Careers Centre resources

The Careers Centre has many resources relating to postgraduate study in the UK and abroad.

See an Adviser

Our Careers Advisers are on hand to answer your questions regarding your choice of postgraduate study and can look over your completed application.

Drop-in is available for all students and recent graduates of the University of St Andrews on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

Bookable appointments: students who are in their penultimate or final year, postdocs and those studying for a Masters or Phd, can book an appointment with a careers adviser. Further details.

Books

The Careers Centre has a wealth of books on postgraduate study and funding, which are available on short-term loan from reception.

Links

The Prospects website has a wealth of information on postgraduate study in the UK and abroad.

Deciding to Do a Postgrad

Researching Courses

Making Your Application

Retrieved from "http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/wiki/Choosing_the_Right_Course_and_Applying_for_Postgraduate_Study"
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Practice
Toolbox