The best introduction is the Postgraduate Study section of the Prospects website which provides advice and information on exploring the options, weighing up  the possible advantages that a postgraduate qualification would give you, finding sources of funding, making applications and studying abroad, together with links to further contacts and resources.  It also includes a database where you can search for courses.  Free booklets on postgraduate study and research published by Graduate Prospects are available from Careers on Level 3 of the Library

See also the Student Support Office web pages for information on funding and study issues.

This section includes pages on:

• Opportunities, vacancies and clearing houses.
• Grants and awards. There is competition for these and you should pursue options at the same time as you are looking for research/course places.
• Overseas study is a realistic option but there are relatively few grants and awards available and you should make preliminary enquiries 18 months before you hope to start.

Why choose postgraduate study?

Some common reasons are:

• Aiming for a career in academic research and teaching
• A strong interest in your subject and pursuing an intellectual challenge
• Wanting a conversion course to change career direction – e.g. the Graduate Diploma in Law for non-Law graduates
• Looking for an extra qualification to give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Postgraduate study is a very positive option for many reasons, but it can be an expensive and demanding undertaking, so think carefully about how it will benefit your long-term goals. If you’re considering it with a specific career aim in mind, do some research on routes into your chosen career to find out what skills and qualifications employers are looking for, and check whether postgraduate qualifications are recommended. Here are a couple of suggestions to help you get started:

• Use information in ‘Types of jobs’ under ‘Jobs and work experience’ on the Graduate Prospects website. This offers detailed profiles on a wide range of career options.
• Having identified particular institutions/departments that you’re interested in, contact them direct and ask if they can give you information on typical career destinations of their previous postgraduate students.

For certain professional career areas, e.g. Law, Teaching and Psychology, postgraduate qualifications accredited by appropriate professional bodies are essential. Wherever relevant, undergraduate courses at Swansea University are accredited by such professional bodies, and this supports the transition to professional postgraduate study and career development. Here’s an example: Our Psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society, which provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC); the GBC is required to gain entrance to Society-accredited postgraduate courses and training programmes that enable students to become Chartered Members of the Society.

Professional bodies’ websites usually have student members’ groups – useful for networking and finding out about further professional study and training, e.g. the BPS Student Members Group. A good source of information on professional bodies generally is http://www.totalprofessions.com.

Applications and interviews - your timetable for action

It’s never too early to start planning – at least 18 months in advance - exploring options and funding sources, attending postgraduate fairs and open days, gaining relevant work experience where necessary and contacting potential research supervisors; remember that for applications to funding bodies you will need to liaise with potential supervisors to write your submission. There is no centralised admissions system as with UCAS for undergraduate courses, although there are special clearing houses for certain courses – see more detailed information on the Graduate Prospects website which includes guidelines on the timescales you need to work to for planning and making applications.

Take time to research the options carefully because the personal statement in your application will need to show evidence that you have the ability to undertake the course, that you have looked at the course in depth and are clear about its relevance to what you aim to achieve.

You need to prepare for the interview as thoroughly as you would for a job interview. Interviewers will be interested in your transferable skills such as communication and team-working as well as your academic ability, so be prepared to give examples of how you have gained your skills.

Getting further advice

While you’re researching the possibilities, take opportunities to talk to your tutors about their experience of postgraduate study, teaching and research.  And if you would like to come and discuss your options with a Careers Adviser, please visit our page on making appointments where you can book online.  Advisers can help with writing applications and personal statements, interview preparation, mock-interview sessions, and lots more.