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Reasons to study a postgraduate program in the UK
Ben Hutchinson is the Professor of European Literature and Director of the Graduate & Researcher College at the University of Kent.
Question: Why should you study your postgraduate program in the UK?
Answer: A UK postgraduate degree is an excellent way of boosting your career and establishing a point of difference. What’s important to remember, however, is that it is not just about your career. Postgraduate study, whether for a taught (PGT) or a research degree (PGR), should also be about pursuing a passion.
University recruiters are looking for this passion, as well as for the requisite qualifications (normally, for a masters degree this will mean a 1st or a 2:1 at BA/BSc level, and for a PhD a strong masters degree). Be wary that applying for a course and applying for funding are generally two separate processes. The academic application is based on prior achievements, suitability for the course, and potential fit with supervisor and department (for PhD proposals). Applications for funding or scholarships follow a different route, and are generally very competitive. Acceptance on a postgraduate course does not necessarily mean that funding will follow.
That said, there are a number of potential avenues for funding. One is PGT scholarships: like many universities, Kent offers a range of scholarships for those considering a masters. Another avenue of support is through the Doctoral Training Partnerships, which offer funding for PGR and sometimes also for PGT, normally as part of a broader consortium or hub of institutions. It is also sometimes possible to find funding for specialist PhDs on predetermined topics; these can be a very good opportunity if your research fits with the subject, since there are likely to be fewer candidates.
What’s great for home students, is that there’s a variety of study options available at postgraduate level, you can choose to study part time or full time, online or on campus depending on what would suit you and your lifestyle. There are also Conversion courses on offer for those looking for a career change. It’s recommended to attend Open Events to find out more about the courses, academics, the university and further opportunities.
When considering universities, look at the specifics of the degree on offer: what modules does it contain, who will be teaching them? But look also at the university more broadly, and at the support that it provides for postgraduates. Does it have a Graduate College, for instance, and if so what kinds of training does it offer? It’s important to have the right support while you study and feel confident you have welcoming community.
One general thing worth considering when applying for a postgraduate degree is how far you might want to go down this path. Postgraduates generally fall into one of two camps: those who see their degree as a stepping stone to a career elsewhere, and those who wish to continue in academia. There is no single path, and one of the great strengths of the postgraduate community is its rich diversity of both backgrounds and ambitions. The best advice is to take a degree that will help you figure out what your ambitions are.
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