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Posted Jan. 5, 2026

How to choose a postgraduate course

How to choose your postgraduate courseChoosing where to undertake postgraduate study can feel overwhelming. With such a wide variety of programmes and institutions on offer, many students worry that it is impossible to pick the “perfect” option.

Having worked in the higher education sector for around a decade, I can confidently say that there is no single perfect place for any one person to study. You can make the most of almost any environment or opportunity with a mix of perseverance, curiosity and open-mindedness.

That said, there are factors that can make a significant difference to your experience as a student, and to where your degree takes you personally and professionally after graduation.

Why are you undertaking a postgraduate degree?

This may seem like an obvious question, but it is worth taking the time to reflect on what you want to gain from the programme. Are you looking to qualify in a specific area and therefore need an accredited course? Are you hoping to deepen your subject knowledge in preparation for research, or to progress or pivot within your current industry?

All postgraduate degrees help develop valuable transferable skills such as communication, analytical and critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, while allowing you to study a subject you are genuinely interested in. While education has immense inherent value, for many postgraduate students a degree is also a way to enhance their career prospects or access new opportunities. Being clear on your motivation will help you narrow down choices more effectively.

How do you want to be taught and what skills do you want to develop?

Once you know what you hope to gain, it is time to consider teaching and assessment methods of a programme.

Postgraduate taught degrees are typically structured around core modules, with optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to specific interests and goals. Postgraduate research degrees offer much more independence, as you undertake your own research under supervision. It is also worth looking into funded studentships, which allow students to work on an existing research project while receiving a salary.

Cast a wide net when researching programmes. Degrees with the same title can have very different module content, teaching styles and learning outcomes. Read the full university or course prospectus carefully and explore module descriptions in detail.

Assessment methods are particularly important. Some programmes favour exams, while others prioritise coursework, presentations or research projects. Think about which methods will best help you develop the skills you want to gain. For some students, applying knowledge in a practical project may be far more valuable than sitting a traditional exam.

Who do you want to learn from?

Academics usually balance teaching with research and engagement with public and private sector organisations. This means their expertise, interests and external connections can shape both the programme content and your learning experience.

Look at who designed and teaches the programme, and what their research focuses on. Universities provide staff profiles outlining research interests and achievements, and broader indicators such as REF or QS rankings can also offer insight into research quality.

It is also important to consider who you will be learning alongside. Postgraduate cohorts often include students from a wide range of educational, professional and cultural backgrounds. This diversity can be one of the most enriching aspects of postgraduate study, so explore information about typical cohorts, as well as student societies and extracurricular opportunities.

How to choose your postgraduat course

What resources do you want access to?

Postgraduate study is an opportunity to broaden your horizons, even if you already have a clear career goal. Being in an environment rich in resources and networks can open doors you may not have anticipated. Key areas to consider include:

Library and study resources: What digital and physical resources are available? Do students have access to specialist collections, archives or external libraries? What sort of equipment or study spaces will you have access to – biomedical labs, VR and recording studios, exhibition spaces, engineering labs and machinery, waxworking studios… Will you have the space and materials needed for your study and research?

Careers services: What support is offered, such as one-to-one guidance, mock interviews, assessment centre preparation and networking events? Which employers visit the university, and are there opportunities for internships or research placements? What do students of this programme and the university do following graduation?

Location: The campus and the city it is located in are themselves a resource. Is the university located somewhere with plenty of student work, internships or industry connections? Are there cultural, social and professional opportunities for you to make use of, build your network and experience? You want to have a good range of opportunities to make use of.

Events and networks: Look at departmental and university-wide events, such as guest lectures, workshops and industry partnerships. These can significantly enhance learning beyond the classroom and help you build valuable connections. You can look for these on department or events web pages.

I hope these pointers are useful and remember that if you have any questions, universities are happy to answer them – do call or email us and attend UCL events. Good luck with your application!

Vida Koster UCLAuthor’s bio: Vida Köster is a Senior Liaison and Recruitment Officer at UCL.
Vida has spent five years at UCL, mostly as a Postgraduate Admissions Officer and a Senior Admissions Officer for the Applicant Enquiries Centre. She is now a Senior Liaison and Recruitment Officer and travels around the UK, United States, and Europe to deliver events and engage with prospective students. She has worked in higher education in the UK for a decade with a focus on student admissions, recruitment, and widening participation.
You can email her on vida.koster@ucl.ac.uk for any UCL-related questions.

Photo credits:
1. Photographer: Mary Hinkley. Copyright: © UCL Digital Media.
2. Photographer: Elaine Perks. Copyright: Elaine Perks 2015.

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1 comment

Kalpna Jan. 7, 2026, 11:31 a.m.

Thanks for the helpful advice on choosing a postgraduate course! I also found this UK study guide really useful when exploring options https://www.studyinuk.com/it helped me compare courses and universities easily alongside the tips from your article

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