Everything you need to know about Postgraduate Study

‘Postgrad’ can mean a number of things :

• Postgraduate Diplomas,
• Masters - taught and/or research
• PhD programmes.

Postgraduate Diploma

These may help you to become more ‘vocational’ - closer to fields of work, professions e.g. Higher Diploma in Education for teaching

• The subject area may be different to that studied in your first degree.
• Sometimes it is possible to ‘convert’ into a masters e.g. from IT undergrad to business masters.
• A good quality first degree required for many courses

Masters

• May be ‘research based’ or ‘taught’.
• It takes less time and is less demanding than a PhD.
• Generally involves course work plus thesis, the average time to complete is 1-2 years.
• A good quality first degree required

Doctorate - PhD

• An original contribution to knowledge.
• It takes several years to write a thesis by research.
• A very good quality first degree i.e. first class or upper second class honours, is needed.

Why do it?

Three reasons for pursuing postgraduate study may be:

• "I really enjoy my subject and want to be even better at it"
• "I have found out my job prospects will improve"
• "I do not know what I want to do next - more time studying will give me the answer".

Exploring Your Options...

Explore postgraduate programmes through:

• Directories of courses : Hardcopies in Library and Careers Office
• Individual university/college websites will give you more detailed info.
• Websites: www.supoortingcareers.ie
• Academic contacts - you may need a recommendation from them .
• Recent Graduates - see what previous years’ graduates have done. It’s helpful to ask your predecessors for their opinion.

Applying for Postgraduate Courses

• In most cases application is made directly to University or Institute
• Check application date on prospectus/website
• Note academic and other criteria specified:
• 2:1
• ‘good honours degree’
• ‘appropriate primary degree’
• Other criteria: professional experience
• Evidence of interest
• Personal Statement/letter of recommendation (especially UK)
• Interview

Special Requirements

• Personal Statement: making your case regarding your motivation and personal suitability for a course
• For research progs. an outline proposal of research topic envisaged is often asked for
• Be prepared to answer Q’s like:

Why research?

• Longer-term goals
• Research experience to date
• What you have already learned from your research work.

Funding - Ireland

• Postgraduate Diploma & Masters with course work, you may have to pay in full. A few ‘new skills’ (eg. IT) programmes may offer fee remission.
• PhD: universities may have funds (studentships, scholarships) to attract the best. Some governments advertise these also, including Irish agencies.
• Note: 1/3 postgraduate students are funded by parents initially
• Local Authority Grants: Students, who received an Irish local authority grant for their undergraduate studies, may normally extend this to cover one full-time postgraduate course in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. This applies to both Masters and Doctorate degrees as well as postgraduate diplomas.
• Irish State Agencies offering Awards:The Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS):
  Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships are awarded in support of research in areas, within the Humanities and Social Sciences, including Law and Business Studies.

What to do now if you’re thinking postgrad........

1. Identify type of Postgrad prog which might interest you
2. Research range of options available using directories, prospectus, websites
3. Consult an academic mentor, especially if considering research
4. Find out about funding options you can apply for
5. Check closing dates for applications
6. Contact University/college for information/application material
7. If unsure of anything try to talk with an academic member of staff in college you are applying for or talk to your Careers Advisor.