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Posted Aug. 12, 2013

Postgraduate study: things to know before you start

So you have decided to start postgraduate studies? Are you the kind of person who loves the process of studying, and want to keep going? Congratulations! You're a rare gem!

Or, maybe, you're starting university, cause you want to expand your chances in getting more exciting career opportunities, and jobs that pay more.

Whatever the reason, there are few things to know before you dive in.

Funding yourself Studies in the UK will normally start at about £4,000 a year, and can go up to £12,000 and higher if you are an EU/UK student. For overseas students the prices can be more than double. And that's just for the course itself, you still need to fund your living expenses.

If getting a part time job, is in your plan to fund yourself, during your postgraduate studies, it's a good idea to check, beforehand, that it will be a definite possibility.

Check out this link for your funding options.

Picking the right university Even thought there isn't an official list that ranks universities in UK, there are few newspapers that do make unofficial rankings every year. These are some of them: • Sunday Times Good University Guide • The Independent • The Guardian You can also have a look through our list of of UK universities here Making sure you pick the right course When looking to start postgraduate studies, it's important to read the prospectus and look at different courses well. This way you can make sure yout chosen course will provide you with what you need for your future plans (it's not enough for the course to have the right title alone).

Do some research on students that have completed the postgraduate course you are interested in, and see, what they are involved today (make sure it's something you want to be a part of).

Staying motivated Students do quit their postgraduate studies, and the biggest reason for that is loss of motivation. People get motivated by success and praise, but starting postgraduate studies is much more about gaining experience and information, and doesn't have much to do with impressing others. Therefore feeling a bit uninspired isn't uncommon, especially when you see your undergraduate friends making a start at new, exciting careers, and getting their first decent pay-checks (that, by now, you crave like never before).

For example, if it's a PhD you are doing, it's not unusual to reach midway, and feel like you are not making enough progress; and getting a job begins to look like a good decision.

A good idea would be to start a group with like-minded people that you can swap ideas with, students that are going through the same, and who will be able to appreciate your academic efforts.

Starting a blog online, where you post about the subject of your studies, is another great way to get positive responses from others. Go ahead, and create a twitter account, and a linkedIn profile as well. You want your name to be associated with the subject of your study for more job and other project opportunities.

Seeking out online forums may help too - tou can post anything that has to do with postgraduate student's life; maybe see that your situation isn't as bad as you think, and get support from other students (people, who actually understand what you're going through).

Remember, when starting university, you are passionate about the subject you're studying, and know the career path you want to go down, your chances in completing your degree will be much higher.

Being Social Although, in the beginning of your postgraduate course, it's easy to prioritise your studies so much that you forget the outside world exists at all, it's valuable to take time off to have a social life (don't worry, it won't have negative effect on your grades).

Here you can find some tips on how to get top grades without becoming a hermit: http://www.postgrad.com/blog/how-to-get-top-grades-without-becoming-a-postgraduate-hermit/

Your supervisor In the beginning of your postgraduate studies, it's tempting to go see your supervisor every time you get stuck on something, but it's important to remember that they are there to point you to the right direction, and that's it. You're the one to be the expert on your subject (after all it's you who had spent months, thinking about your specific topic).

Instead offer him/her your views on different ways you could go about solving your problem, and get your supervisor to give you an instinctive advise (from experience).

So...

Doing postgraduate study is a fantastic life experience so make the best of it- meet people you share common interests, have fascinating conversations with your professors, and feel your creativity expand. And the most important thing- do it with passion and love, and you will sure enjoy every moment of it!

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4 comments

Suleiman Mohammed Jan. 8, 2020, 7:15 p.m.

Please I want to know the differences between degree and postgraduate diploma qualification

Charlotte King Jan. 9, 2020, 10:13 p.m.

Hi Mohammed – in short a Postgraduate Diploma is a shorter qualification than a masters degree. This article contains more information about Postgraduate Diplomas >
https://www.postgrad.com/advice/postgraduate_diploma/

Aliyu Oct. 28, 2020, 6:59 p.m.

What is different between postgraduate and degree and guidelines on how to study ms

Charlotte King Nov. 5, 2020, 6:06 p.m.

I don't understand your question – can you elaborate? Thanks.

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