Postgraduate and Further Study Careers and Opportunities | Postgraduate and Further Study
Step 1: Is postgraduate study the right option for you?
Step 3. Choosing a course
Taking time to research career options and speaking with
Teaching methods can vary and can be full-time, part-time or
employers, academics and Careers Consultants can help you
through blended or distance learning. Researching university
decide whether further study is the most appropriate next
websites, visiting their campus and these search engines can
step for you.
help you explore courses available.
Before applying, it can be useful to consider the following
ucas.cm/postgraduate
questions:
findamasters.com
1. Does your chosen career require a postgraduate qualification? Some professions require further qualifications, professional training or accreditation before you can enter the field.
postgrad.com
2. Will a master’s degree support your career goals? In some sectors, postgraduate study may be valued by employers, while in others relevant work experience may be equally or more important.
You can find further information on the costs associated with
3. Would you like to develop your knowledge further? A master’s degree offers the opportunity to study a subject in greater depth and engage with more advanced academic or professional content.
gov.uk/doctoral-loan
4. Are you considering a change of direction? Some postgraduate courses allow graduates to move into a new subject area or profession that differs from their undergraduate degree. 5. Have you explored alternative routes? Graduate jobs, placements, internships, apprenticeships, professional qualifications and volunteering can all provide valuable experience and may help you achieve your goals without undertaking further academic study. 6. Are you ready for the commitment involved? Consider the time, costs and study demands involved, and whether postgraduate study aligns with your current circumstances and future plans.
Step 2: Where to study There are many UK universities and colleges that offer postgraduate and professional level courses, however there are some that specialise in certain areas. If you would like to study at The University of Winchester, you can find out more information here including the range of courses on offer and further information on courses that offer a University of Winchester alumni discount.
Careers and Opportunities | Postgraduate and Further Study
Postgraduate courses are delivered in a variety of ways.
prospects.ac.uk targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/postgraduate-study
further study here: gov.uk/masters-loan
Step 4: Application process Check on the university or course provider’s website for information on course entry requirements, the application process and deadline. A personal statement will be required. This should include: • Motivation for the course Explain why you want to pursue the specific course. Demonstrate genuine interest and awareness of the subject, and why that University in particular. • Academic background Outline your undergraduate degree, highlighting relevant modules, projects, or dissertations. Show how your studies have led you to this subject • Relevant skills and experience Discuss any work experience, internships, research, or extracurricular activities that are relevant and how you have developed transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, or technical ability. • Career goals Describe your future ambitions and how the postgraduate course will help you achieve them. This shows purpose and direction. • Personal qualities and commitment Reflect on your strengths, such as resilience, independence, or curiosity, and provide examples that demonstrate your readiness for the demands of postgraduate study.
V1 August 2026
Further Support Need help with exploring postgraduate courses/ further study? Why not book a 40-minute careers guidance appointment with a Careers Consultant. You can book an appointment via Career Connect If you need any help with this, please e-mail careers@winchester.ac.uk or pop into SAB 303 Monday-Friday. Follow the events section on Career Connect to see upcoming sessions on Postgraduate Study or follow us on Instagram.
uowcareers
Careers and Opportunities | Postgraduate and Further Study