what is a postgraduate course uk

by Abbie Grant 5 min read

A postgraduate or masters course in the UK follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, generally lasting for just one year compared to two-year Masters programmes found elsewhere in the world. This means students can save time, money and begin their career much quicker with a highly regarded UK postgraduate degree.

'Postgrad' certificates and diplomas allow students to study something new or build on the skills and knowledge already gained during their undergraduate degree. They are usually shorter than a master's and you won't have to do a thesis or dissertation.

Full Answer

How to apply for a postgraduate course?

A postgraduate or masters course in the UK follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, generally lasting for just one year compared to two-year Masters programmes found elsewhere in the world. This means international students can save time, money and begin their career much quicker with a highly regarded UK postgraduate degree.

Why should you study a postgraduate qualification?

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates can be academic or vocational qualifications. They normally take 9 to 12 months to complete full-time. The number of lectures and seminars students goes to and projects and research papers students produce will vary depending on the type of course and the college or university they are at.

What is the best online masters degree?

A postgraduate or masters course in the UK follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, generally lasting for just one year compared to two-year Masters programmes found elsewhere in the world. This means students can save time, money and begin their career much quicker with a highly regarded UK postgraduate degree.

What are graduate courses?

Oct 09, 2014 · Find out about different postgraduate course types and subject areas, then search for a course using our course search tool. How to choose a postgraduate course After getting started with what type of course to study, you might still find a lot of relevant courses to choose from around the country.

What is post graduate course?

A postgraduate course is typically one year's duration full time or it can take two years to complete part-time. A postgraduate diploma, postgraduate degree or Master's degree offers the student an advanced level of education in their chosen area of study.

Is postgraduate same as Masters?

What is a Postgraduate Diploma? A postgraduate diploma is a shorter qualification than a masters degree, although at the same academic level. Whereas a masters degree is made up of 180 credits (taken from exams, assignments, and so on), a postgraduate diploma is 120 credits.

What is difference between postgraduate and undergraduate?

The term 'undergraduate' refers to a Bachelors degree, while 'postgraduate' is used to describe graduate students studying for a second qualification, typically a masters, postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or postgraduate diploma (PGDip).May 20, 2020

Is postgraduate a Bachelors degree?

Generally, a postgraduate degree is a degree which you study for once you have finished a bachelor's degree. Some postgraduate degrees require the completion of particular bachelor's degree, others don't. Currently, approximately 540,000 students are enrolled on postgraduate programmes in the UK.Nov 23, 2020

How long is a postgraduate degree in the UK?

A postgraduate or masters course in the UK follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, generally lasting for just one year compared to two-year Masters programmes found elsewhere in the world. This means international students can save time, money and begin their career much quicker with a highly regarded UK postgraduate degree.

How long does it take to get a PhD?

The most popular research degree is a PhD, which can take 3-4 years to complete, and consists of writing a thesis between 60,000 – 100,000 words which is then presented in an oral examination. Other types of Research degree include the Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Master of Research (MRes).

Is it cheaper to study in the UK or the USA?

Postgraduate schools in the UK are far less expensive than graduate schools in the USA, and studying in the UK can be 30 to 60 percent cheaper than American equivalents.

How long does it take to get a postgraduate degree?

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates can be academic or vocational qualifications. They normally take 9 to 12 months to complete full-time. The number of lectures and seminars students goes to and projects and research papers students produce will vary depending on the type of course and the college or university they are at.

How long does it take to get a PhD?

PhD. A doctorate qualification gives you the opportunity to do an original piece of research. It will usually take at least three years of full-time study to complete. Doctorate qualifications are offered by universities that have research opportunities.

What is an MRES degree?

MRes: Master of Research. Some master’s degrees, such as in business administration and law, prepare students for a career in a particular field. Others, like the master of research can prepare students for a doctorate qualification.

How many years do you have to write a dissertation?

During the first one to three years of your doctorate, you will research your chosen topic and plan your dissertation and in your final year, you will normally write up your dissertation. Doctorates are usually awarded as either a pass or fail; in rare cases with a distinction.

Can a postgraduate certificate lead to a masters degree?

Postgraduate certificates can lead on to postgraduate diplomas. Students can also use a postgraduate certificate or diploma as a route into a specific career or onto further study, such as a master’s degree.

How long is a postgraduate masters degree?

What is a Postgraduate Masters degree? A postgraduate or masters course in the UK follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, generally lasting for just one year compared to two -year Masters programmes found elsewhere in the world.

How long does it take to get a PhD?

The most popular research degree is a PhD, which can take 3-4 years to complete, and consists of writing a thesis between 60,000 – 100,000 words which is then presented in an oral examination. Other types of Research degree include the Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Master of Research (MRes).

How to choose a postgraduate course

After getting started with what type of course to study, you might still find a lot of relevant courses to choose from around the country. Make sure you check the entry requirements when you search for courses, and take a look at our tips for choosing between courses and visiting universities to find out more.

Search for postgraduate courses

Before you can apply for a course through UCAS Postgraduate, you'll need to register with UCAS Postgraduate. Once you've registered, you can save searches and shortlist courses.

What is a postgraduate diploma in education?

Postgraduate Diplomas are taught courses that do not have a dissertation or thesis. If you undertake a masters course but do not compete the dissertation this is the qualification you will probably find yourself finishing with. Postgraduate Diplomas can be a great way for those unsure about whether they need or want to complete a full masters course to specialise their careers.

Why do we need a postgraduate degree?

A postgraduate degree is an excellent way to specialise, retrain and develop new skills in an efficient manner once you've learnt the academic basics with an undergraduate degree. Further postgraduate study gives students the opportunity to learn and gain a deep understanding of their chosen subject and is well worth the time and money.

What is a masters degree?

A masters degree can take a number of different forms but what they all have in common is that they usually require an undergraduate degree to gain entry. The majority of masters courses require a thesis or dissertation to graduate in addition to any coursework. In the UK most masters courses are a year in length, apart from some professional masters courses such as Masters of Architecture (MArch) which are generally between two and three years. Most masters courses in the US are also a year in length and many masters courses in Europe are two years in length.#N#Masters degrees are gained either through a taught or research course. In a taught masters students are awarded a Masters of Arts (MA), Masters of Science (MSc) or a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). There are variations between countries, for example in Scotland students can study towards a Masters of Letters (MLitt) in subjects such as Creative Writing, History and Theology. Masters are also available through research (MRes) and these are awarded entirely on the basis of your own independent study. The designation of a masters course is important as for some subjects it shows the emphasis of the course as some subjects such as Anthropology can have courses with radically different approaches depending on the designation of the degree.#N#Some Masters courses like an MArch or an Masters of Engineering (MEng) are taken after completing the relevant undergraduate course with a long-term view to qualify as an Architect or Engineer. These masters programs are essential parts of the qualification routes and those who wish to become Architects or Engineers must complete them to be able to practise in their chosen career. Other masters courses are about specialising or focussing a career choice, especially those in the Law or Medical professionals. There are some masters courses that are for those graduates who already have a first degree but wish to retrain in another subject, such as a Masters in Town Planning or Journalism, for these courses it is assumed that the student has a number of academic skills that are transferable to the new subject.

What is a masters in town planning?

There are some masters courses that are for those graduates who already have a first degree but wish to retrain in another subject, such as a Masters in Town Planning or Journalism, for these courses it is assumed that the student has a number of academic skills that are transferable to the new subject.

What is a PhD?

PhD. A PhD is a significant undertaking and often involves an element of both working and researching at an institution. The majority of students who go on to complete a PhD have already undertaken a masters course in a relevant subject. Often this will be an MPhil or MRes but this is not exclusively the case.

How old is Alice Tucker?

Alice Tucker is a 21-year-old student studying an MA in Human Rights at the University of Manchester. She experienced a whole range of emotions when she discovered she was being awarded one of our bursaries, saying, “I was shocked but extremely grateful.

How many credits are required for a masters degree?

Taught Master’s degrees usually last a whole year and make up to 180 credits. These can be quite intensive courses, so knowing what grade you think is achievable for you will provide you a better sense on how manage your time. Another thing to consider with the postgraduate UK grading scheme is your dissertation has a greater impact ...

What is a pass in a dissertation?

A Pass in awarded with an overall mark between 50% – 59%. There isn’t a minimum with your dissertation in order to achieve a Pass. Although a Pass may not be the grade you originally want, there is no shame at all. Being awarded a Pass still proves a solid comprehension of your course and it’s the relevant literature, theory and methodology. Employers will still be impressed just passing a taught Masters course.

What is a fail grade?

A fail is given if you score an overall mark of under 50%. You are on the boundary of a passing grade you can ask to review some of your assignments on whether there is room mark your grade up.

What is the minimum mark for a merit?

A Merit is accomplished with an overall mark between 60% – 69% and a minimum of 60% in your dissertation. Whilst not as good as Distinction, you have clearly shown a significant amount understanding of your course.

How much will I pay?

The cost of your postgraduate program depends on two main factors, what country you come from and what sort of course you are doing.

What am I paying for?

Charges levelled on you by your university usually cover most of your costs, including tuition and use of university resources.

What isn't included in the course fees?

You maybe be expected to pay additional fees if you study a resource intensive course (especially in sciences). Laboratory fees are not uncommon and can come in anywhere from £100 to £1,000 per year. Also course fees often do not include other necessary items such as textbooks, equipment for fieldwork and other items that add up in price.

How will I pay for my course fees?

Many undergraduate students in the UK are used to have their fees directly paid by the Student Loans Company, meaning they never actually have to organise paying their tuition fees themselves.

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