BLOG 4 - Postgraduate Studies

Hello class, this our fourth entry. This time, you will be writing about post graduate studies. Maybe you have not considered such option yet, nonetheless this is a good time explore some further programmes of studies. 

Instructions

Write 210 to 230 words (pay attention to misspellings, grammar errors and vocabulary). 

You will also need to write three (3) comments on your classmate’s posts and one (1) on mine (25 words as a minimum). Try to use all the English that you know and what we have learnt in class. DO NOT USE GOOGLE TRANSLATOR TO DO YOUR ENTRY. You will have 48 hours to do it.

Do not forget to include some photographs. 

Pursuing a postgraduate programme. 

Postgraduate studies are an opportunity to study more in depth and enhance your career. First, however, there are some important issues to consider when choosing an appropriate course and finally deciding when to enrol. Therefore, what to consider first? Why doing further studies?

Before you decide to do postgraduate study, consider your motives and decide what it is you want to achieve. People do further study for many reasons including an interest in the subject, to gain a career advantage, or because it is necessary for entry or advancement in a particular occupation.

Will you enjoy it? Investigate all your options to find the right one for you. Look at the prospectus, try to visit the institution and talk to the tutors to see if the subject matter, teaching styles and research methods will suit you. If you're considering a research post such as a PhD, talk to current doctoral students about their experiences, and make sure you get on with your proposed supervisor before you agree to the post.

Money is sometimes an issue for postgraduate students. Can you afford such adventure? Further studies can be very expensive but funding may be available in the form of government loans, scholarships, bursaries, research council grants or employer sponsorship. Additionally, many universities offer alumni discounts. Eligibility criteria, including details concerning age and previous study, apply to all postgraduate loans. If you are planning on studying a postgraduate course immediately after completing your undergraduate degree you should contact the award body (office) that funded your first program of study.

 

Will it improve your career prospects? Further study can demonstrate enhanced technical and transferable skills and a commitment to your subject, for some careers it may even be a requisite. However, don't assume that a higher qualification will automatically help you get into your chosen career; some graduate employers look more favourably on experience than additional qualifications. Postgraduate qualifications may increase long-term earnings, but they do not usually merit higher starting salaries. It wise to reflect on the following: is it necessary to get into a postgraduate for your chosen (future) occupation?

Another interesting query you need to reflect on is when should I study? Straight after your degree? Maybe…You need a course that requires up-to-date knowledge and skills. There is a clear advantage to signing up immediately after your undergraduate degree. This might ensure you don’t get out of the habit of studying. An immediate postgraduate study could help you in your career by giving you a unique selling point in your job applications, refocusing your skills or providing you with a professional qualification. On a personal note, it will probably involve less turmoil at this stage if you just carry on with your studies rather than uprooting yourself mid-career.