Further Study
Why consider postgraduate study?
Up to 20% of Warwick students undertake postgraduate study and it can be a rewarding experience but it's important that you do your research before committing yourself. Is postgraduate study necessary in your field? What are the costs involved?
- You may enjoy your subject and want to study it in more depth, make sure this comes across in your applications
- Some occupational areas require further study, e.g. teaching, law and academia
- You've delayed job hunting, but remember that the graduate recruitment cycle starts again each autumn term
- The Careers Blog: Will a Masters get you a job?
- The Careers Blog: Should I do a PhD?
Your options
- Postgraduate diploma/certificate - usually one year full time vocational or professional qualifications e.g. law (GDL), teaching (PGCE)
- Taught Master's e.g. MA/MSC or MBA - usually one year full time, but can be studied part time over two years
- Research based Master's/doctorate e.g. MPhil or PhD -3 or 4 years of independent research, supervised by one or two academics. PhDs can also be linked to industry, with a greater emphasis on vocational input (e.g. EngD).
Personal Statements
A personal statement may be between 500-1000 words but requirements will vary between disciplines and courses.
There is no definitive structure, but you may find it helpful to follow our guidelines (PDF)
Tips for before you apply
- Appointments - speak with a careers consultant to talk through your plans
- Research your options - find out whether postgraduate study will enhance your future employability
- Attend employer presentations, careers fairs and sector events to find out the employer perspective
- If you are considering a PhD, start thinking about possible supervisors and talk to current PhD students about their experience.
- Look at Warwick Postgraduate Study and Research for information on postgraduate study at Warwick.
External links
- Findamasters.com - search online for Master's opportunities
- Findamasters.com: Postgraduate loans guide
- FindaPhD.com - search online for PhD opportunities
- Postgrad - search for courses and institutions
- Postgraduate Funding - search for small grants e.g. top-up grants
- Postgraduate Studentships - information on courses, universities and student profiles
- Prospects: postgraduate study - including courses, funding, applications and career destinations
- Research Councils UK - for links to all the research council
- Targetpostgrad funding - searchable database for funding by university and course
- The University of Kent: postgraduate study - including choosing courses, funding, study abroad, applications and interviews.