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Posted Oct. 27, 2020

7 great reasons to start your PG studies in January 2021

January start datesJanuary start dates for postgraduate programs have been increasing in popularity over the last few years.

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And in light of the Covid-19 pandemic even more UK-based universities are offering January starts in 2021.

Here are some interesting postgraduate courses that are starting in the UK in January 2021.

January Start Dates

So, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should start your PG studies in January 2021.

Sort your career out

Lockdown gave lots of us plenty of time to think about our lives and our futures, and now you’ve had a bit of time you might feel that a change of career is a good plan. Or, if you are one of the unlucky ones, then a change of career might not be what you planned on, but it's what you're going to need to do. So it’s time to turn a negative into a positive!

Lots of online options

Universities – such as the University of Edinburgh – had already began to offer more courses online before the pandemic, and this trend has continued. You might find that some universities are offering more blended learning opportunities, combinations of online and on-campus studying or courses that had previously been only offered as on campus now offer both options.

Universities will know what they're doing

If the Covid-19 pandemic is still on-going come January 2021, then university campuses will be well-rehearsed at welcoming new students. Many universities, such as Queen Mary's University of London, are promoting January as a start date for most of their courses or are even planning to delay start dates a little further such as Cardiff University. This means that the rules and regulations that are in place for postgraduate studies will be well known to staff and students making it easier on new incoming students to get to grips with what they should be doing.

Get work experience

For students who finished their undergraduate degrees this past summer, then waiting a few months gaining work experience could make a big difference. Trying out a possible career choice will make it easier to gain access to relevant courses and get a job when you graduate with a postgraduate qualification.

New study opportunities

The Cover-19 pandemic has revealed difficulties and exposed new areas of many professions and industries that need studying. If you were considering a Masters by Research or a PhD, then this might be the time to research the impact the Covid-19 virus has had on many areas of life.

Academics will be experienced in online teaching

Most academic staff at universities around the world will have been teaching online for almost a year by January 2021. This means that for students starting in January 2021 they will be getting staff who understand the different methods that online teaching needs and how to effectively communicate with students.

Fill your time productively

If there are yet more restrictions on what we can do in the upcoming months, then starting a postgraduate program – especially one to do part time in the evenings might make it a little easier to cope. The possibility of changing restrictions by area might mean that you suddenly find yourself with a lot more time on your hands for postgraduate study, so why not use this time productively?

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2 comments

Anene Lilian Oct. 28, 2020, 11:41 a.m.

I am between the deep blue sea of choosing going for pgde or top up as a hnd graduate.

Charlotte King Nov. 5, 2020, 6:04 p.m.

If you want to become a primary school teacher a PGDE is the best option.

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