The thrill of an academic challenge, better employment prospects and the opportunity to increase knowledge are just some of the reasons why thousands of students each year choose to progress to postgraduate study.
Postgraduate students need to take full responsibility for their own academic progress, and so are expected to manage the application process themselves. Here are ten ways to get the most out of your postgraduate application.
1. Make sure you’re sure
Ask yourself why you want to study for a postgraduate degree. If it’s because you’re at a loose end or struggling to find employment, then tread carefully. While a postgraduate degree can offer excellent prospects, it involves hard work and won’t necessarily guarantee you a highly paid job. On the other hand, in many cases a postgraduate degree will help you further your ambitions, so it can be a very rewarding route to success.
2. Timing is key
Give yourself plenty of time to get your application together, and reduce the risk of all the places on the course being filled up by submitting your application in good time. It goes without saying, but be mindful of deadlines, as these vary from institution to institution. You should also find out exactly how and to whom you will have to submit your application.
3. Research the course
It’s important that you’re passionate about what you’re studying, so make sure you understand exactly what the course entails. “You need to be 100% sure that the postgraduate programme you choose is right for you,” says UCLan postgraduate student Sharif Adam, who is studying for the Legal Practice Course. “Utilise as many relevant forums, blogs and websites as possible, before making a final decision. Remember, Google can be your best friend.”
4. Research the industry
Alarming numbers of postgraduate students choose courses which have no relevance to the career they’re pursuing. Identify people in the industry you’re hoping to enter and find out what courses they chose to study or would recommend.
5. Research employers
“Ask your target employers if there is a particular course of study they believe is industry-relevant, as it will enhance your employability prospects,” advises postgraduate student James Temple, who studies an MSc in Health Psychology at UCLan. You could also get in touch with a specialist recruiter and see what they think of the course.
6. Find out about funding
Work out how you will cover the cost of your tuition fees. Look into what bursaries, grants, loans and scholarships might be of help, and don’t forget to factor in the cost of living. There’s no point putting together a lengthy application, only to discover you can’t afford to take up your place.
7. Make a strong case
Keep your personal statement concise, relevant and brief. Don’t waste the reader’s time by including information that has little or no relevance to the course and your application. Show them how you are the best candidate for the course in a clear, direct method and make sure to get across your enthusiasm for the subject, what you hope to get out of the course, and why you’ll make a good student.
8. Back it up
Provide evidence to back up your statements. It won’t be enough just to state that you think you’re suitable for the course, you’ll need to make it clear why. Use your undergraduate course as an example – what did you gain from that? Don’t forget to include all necessary supporting documents, which will typically include a degree certificate, references from an academic source or an employer, a strong personal statement and a research proposal, if appropriate.
9. Check, and check again
Have someone proofread your application, preferably an academic or someone with postgraduate experience, as they will be able to tell you if you’ve forgotten to include any key points.
10. Speak to others
Jed Saint, studying an MA in Music Industry Management and Promotion at UCLan, found it valuable to attend postgraduate fairs and events before submitting his application. “They are an invaluable source of information, as you have the opportunity to speak to universities and current students about the postgraduate programmes available”.
James Temple agrees. “No one is better equipped to advise you on how to apply for a course of postgraduate study than those who have already been there and done it,” he says.
Find out more about postgraduate study and research at UCLan.
