Generally reasons fall into the following categories: 

• To boost employability

• To deepen or broaden your knowledge/love of the subject

• A step towards a PhD

• Not sure what else to do

Some roles require a postgraduate qualification.

For those that don't, not all employers place more value on a postgraduate qualification.

TIP: It depends on the career, and the employer, so it is important to do your research and make an informed decision

Not always…. if you have an interest in particular research institutions, or areas of research, you should ask what the requirements are.

• In some subjects, students progress to doctoral research either straight from their first degree or from a masters (for example, in physical and biological sciences)

• In other subjects, many students will gain a masters qualification before doctoral research (for example, in the humanities)

• Masters Courses taught at postgraduate level can be either taught or research-based and are worth 180 credits

• The most common taught options are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) but you may come across others, for example, MLitt, MEng including specialist and career-related ones such Master of Laws (LLM) or Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

• A research Masters (MRes) is a one-year full-time research degree, which focuses more on independent study. Courses exist to train researchers for a profession or PhD study.

Learn more about different types of Masters degrees

• Every taught postgraduate course will have its own entry requirements set out in the course information

• Can I do a Masters with a 2:2 or a third?

• A first degree in the subject you wish to study is not always a requirement however a minimum degree classification may be stated

• Check whether evidence of relevant work experience is required

• It will be more demanding and more intensive than an undergraduate course as you will be introduced to a range of new ideas, and sometimes new ways of working.

  
  

• Be prepared for an intensive start especially if you have been away from study for a while.

TIPS:

• Recruitment teams are usually happy to put you in touch with with a current student so you can find out what is involved.

• A MOOC is a great way to explore subject material that is new to you - many universities offer them and you can enrol for free. The following are platforms that offer them:

  • Strathclyde MOOCS

  • Futurelearn

  • Coursera

The cost of postgraduate study in the UK varies between subjects, courses and institutions and, of course, living expenses also vary across the country. For students who normally live in Scotland:

• The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) will provide loan funding of up to £7,000 to cover tuition fees for full-time and part-time courses (conditions apply regarding duration of study if part-time)

• A living-cost loan up to £6,900 is available for eligible, full-time postgraduate students

Funding information for the rest of the UK, and for studying internationally, can be found on the FindAMasters website

TIP: As a Strathclyde graduate you receive a 15% discount for postgraduate study

• How and where you can, or want, to study will depend on your circumstances

• A range of options may be available to you for example full or part-time study, on-campus or via distance learning

• January or September start dates are increasingly on offer

• If you worked part-time during your undergraduate degree be aware that it may not be possible to work as many hours when studying at postgraduate level

A quick way to see what's available in your subject area is to use a postgraduate course-finder website. For example:

• Prospects

• FindAMasters

TIP: Be aware that some details might be missing or out-of-date - always link to the university course pages and follow up with the admissions team if you have questions.

Postgraduate fairs are a good place to find general information about a university and meet their staff in person

• Check the Careers Service events calendar regularly  

TIPS:

• Talk to course leaders and ask to speak to current students - to do this, contact the recruitment team on the course page and look out for open days and recruitment events

• Ask the right questions to help you make informed decisions. Some examples can be found on the FindAMasters blog

Applications are usually sent direct to the institution. There is no UK-wide application system as there is for undergraduate courses. However, there are some exceptions:

• UCAS Postgraduate scheme handles applications for some institutions

• A number of professional or vocational courses run 'common application schemes' (for example, in law, teaching, social work and clinical psychology)

More information about how to apply for a Masters degree.

Deadlines

Vary between course providers so check when this is for each one you apply to.

Accepting offers

• UK students can apply for as many courses as they like in most subjects and accept all the offers they wish (although they may need to give a deposit). Once they have offers, they can decide which offer to accept nearer the starting date.

• International students can apply to as many courses and institutions as they like, but can only accept one offer. They will need to apply for a visa to study at that university or college

• Does it add value as an alternative to completing an integrated Masters at undergraduate level? (what is an integrated masters?)

• Some professional qualifications are specific to the UK, so for international careers it’s important to make sure the qualification is relevant

• TIP: Speaking directly with an employer or a professional association should clarify whether a course is well-suited to a particular career path

• TIP: If an employer is prepared to fund your study, it is a good indication that the qualification will be useful

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are taught postgraduate qualifications at the same level as Masters degrees, but they take less time to complete.

• PGCert is the shortest postgraduate course you can do. Worth 60 credits postgraduate certificates take one semester to complete.

  
  

• A PGDip, worth 120 credits, usually takes two semesters

Learn more about Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas

It is important to spend time on your personal statement and tailor it to each course you apply for.

Admissions Tutors will be looking for evidence that you are genuinely interested in the course, have the academic ability and potential to do well on it and have an idea of where you would like it to lead you.

Useful resources:

• How to write a personal statement for postgraduate study. This resource includes example statements for different subjects.

• Crafting Your Postgraduate Personal Statement

Further support:

• If you require guidance and support on writing your statement you may wish to book a guidance appointment.

• Appointments and how to book them

You will require 2 academic references when applying for a Masters degree.

Ask someone who is able to comment on your academic performance and suitability for the course you're applying for. Your dissertation supervisor is likely to be a good choice, for example.

Who can I ask for a reference?

Not every course will include an interview as part of the application process.

If you are invited for an interview read the candidate information carefully to ensure you know what to expect.

Useful resources:

• Examples of postgraduate interview questions

• Masters interview questions and tips

• Strathclyde PGDE FAQs - the interview process

  
  

If you are a disabled applicant ensure you are aware of the support available throughout the process and if you accept an offer to study.

Disabled Applicants|University of Strathclyde is an example of what to look for.

Taking your studies abroad will open you up to a whole range of new experiences, allowing you to see the world while furthering your career prospects. These resources will support you to find out everything you'll need to know about student visas, course fees, study exchanges and more.

• Prospects: Study abroad

• Find a Masters guides to Masters degrees abroad