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Posted Oct. 14, 2018

Why Should You Do A Professional Postgraduate Course?

Professional postgraduate coursesMany postgraduate courses like Accounting, Journalism or Occupational Therapy don't require an undergraduate degree in the same subject, so a professional postgraduate courses are accessible to graduates from many fields.

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This blog looks at why you should consider doing a professional postgraduate course.

You're a little older & wiser

Many students decide on their undergraduate degree subjects while they're still at school. This means that lots of students pick more general degrees like Media Studies or History, which don't necessarily lead straight into an obvious career path. Once you've completed your undergraduate degree you will have a much better idea of what sort of career path you want. You'll also have a much better understanding of what options are out there, of where you want to live and what sort of lifestyle you would like to lead and these are all important parts of making a decision about career choices. 

Improve your opportunities in an existing career 

If you completed your undergraduate degree a couple of years ago and have now found the perfect career for you, then you might find that a professional postgraduate course will give your career the boost it needs. Increasing your specialist knowledge or reconciling the knowledge you have already gained through academic study is a great way to improve your career opportunities. There are a number of professional postgraduate courses that do not necessarily require an undergraduate degree if you have substantial experience, so it might be easier than you think to become qualified. Speak to your current employer as you never know what sort of help and support – especially financial – is available for their employees who wish to do relevant postgraduate study. 

Change of direction

For every student who is studying a professional postgraduate course who has had a clear progression from the first job they took after finishing their undergraduate degree, there is another who wishes to change track. An intensive year or two of postgraduate study can upgrade and update your qualifications and the connections you'll make during your course can lead to that first job after graduation. If you want to change direction, then this might be the option for you, but you should do your research and check out those employment rates for your institution, that most institutions advertise online, for example at Robert Gordon's University. Speak to recent students and other people in the industry that you want to move into, and ensure you're not wasting your time and money with a course that isn't quite right for you. 

Membership of professional organisations

Many courses guarantee entry or are part of the entry process into many professional bodies. For example, if you want to become a Chartered Surveyor or an Occupational Therapist, then doing a course that is recognised by them will allow you to increase your employability after graduation. Membership of these bodies will give you career-long support and help with things like Continuing Professional Development. You'll also meet new people within your industry on your course and at networking events held by professional bodies. Even your fellow students will become valuable contacts for the future.

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