Undertaking postgraduate study is an important decision that should not be made lightly. You should know why you want to do postgraduate study and what the benefits will be for you. What you hope to get out of postgraduate study will dictate whether taught or research study is best for you. A number of possible reasons to undertake postgraduate study might include:

Personal development

Postgraduate study often involves modules which help to develop certain skills and research methods. Some of these skills will be uniquely applicable to a career type whilst others will transferable to a wide range of professions. Postgraduate study therefore offers the opportunity to boost the skills you might need for your chosen profession or alternatively broaden your skills set and open up new employment prospects.

Route into academia

If you intend to teach in Higher Education (University) or conduct research in the public or private sector then postgraduate qualifications are essential. A PhD is normally the first step towards a fellowship or position as a lecturer or researcher.

Professional practise

Your current or future profession might require you to hold certain qualifications at a postgraduate level. Teachers in secondary education for example require a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Personal enjoyment

You may have a passion for a particular topic which you would like to study or research in depth. Postgraduate study allows you learn more about what interests you.

These can all enhance you employment prospects if you can prove to prospective employers that your time in postgraduate study was worthwhile. A postgraduate qualification alone does not guarantee employment. See the University Max Out / Milk It pages.