If you are considering making the move into a postgraduate degree, it’s important to get prepared. Though there are a lot of steps to take, making an effective plan and sticking with it is essential to getting onto the course you want.
Below we give advice on defining your desired outcomes, researching universities and course options, and what materials you will need to prepare for a successful application.
Understand Your Goals
If you plan to enter a postgraduate course, then it is important to understand your reasons for entering. It might sound obvious, but you would be surprised at how many prospective postgraduate students do little to no evaluation of what their intended outcomes are.
You might choose to pursue a postgraduate degree for any number of reasons, including:
- Fulfilling an interest in a field, area, or topic.
- Progressing their career.
- Acquiring new skills and knowledge.
All these reasons are perfectly valid, but make sure you are clear on your goals and align your course choice with these. You might also consider whether a taught Master’s or a research-focused programme would be more suitable for your goals.
Research the university
Once you have the above criteria defined it will be easier to narrow your list of potential universities. So, what next?
First, check the rankings of your selected universities. You can view rankings on the Times Higher Education site or the QS World University rankings. These will give you an indication of how good the university is and the likelihood of the university having all your requirements, including great facilities, excellent staff, etc.
When carrying out this sort of evaluation make sure to do plenty of research into typical graduate outcomes. Where possible you should talk to course graduates and learn more about what careers can develop from this course. You should have a look at the quality of research and study facilities. Make sure that your chosen university has everything you require.
Speak to the admissions office, potential supervisors, members of the university’s alumni community, and even current students. If you can, visit the university open days where you can sample classes or speak one-to-one with the academics you will be working with.
Even the most serious-minded students need opportunities to let off steam. With that in mind, find out what’s on offer in terms of university societies and clubs, if the university has a sports centre, or even a rock-climbing wall. These seemingly unrelated aspects to university can play a vital key role in your academic development.
Research the university location
When considering where to study for a postgraduate degree, it is quite likely that you will be moving to a new city or even a new country. Before you commit to such a huge life step you will want to research the university and its location as much as possible.
Consider things such as the cost of living, the best areas to live, the availability of public transport (especially if you don’t have a car), and if there are opportunities for part-time work while you study.
Once again, it is highly advisable to speak to someone who has already completed their postgraduate studies. They can provide first-hand information on any potential pitfalls to avoid.
Research Your Chosen Subject
This sounds obvious but you would be surprised at how many postgraduate students arrive on their first day assuming the course information will be spoon fed to them. It will not.
Even if you have studied your chosen specialisation at undergraduate level, postgraduate studies require an even greater depth of knowledge and time commitment to independent research. This is not to say you must become an expert, but you need to be knowledgeable and confident in dedicating even more of your time to your subject of choice.
So, what can you do?
- Watch online webinars and talks.
- Familiarise yourself with the course structure.
- Read research papers around your area of study. This will help with your discussions with supervisors and course coordinators, and with the interview process.
- Consider potential research topics for your dissertation before you even apply for the course. This will help to crystalise whether your interest in the subject is lasting.
Organise Your Application
After all the above steps, you will have a firmer idea if your chosen course matches your goals, interests, and career objectives. The next step is to organise and submit your application.
Check with your intended university and create a checklist of everything that is required. More than likely you will need some or all the following:
- A personal statement.
- Academic transcripts.
- References (you will need at least two, with at least one typically from an academic).
- A research proposal.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificates.
- A copy of passport.
- Visa documentation proving your eligibility to study in your chosen location.
Some postgraduate courses may require an entrance interview or test, while some also require an administration fee for processing your application. Check all submission deadlines and ensure to start the process early so you have plenty of time if something is forgotten.
Finally, some universities may require an interview. This is often done with two or more faculty members. Before the interview, learn as much as you can about the program and if you know who your interviewers are, consider learning about their specialties and interests. This will give you a stronger overview and help you come up with questions to ask at the end of the interview.
Revise your own CV and personal statements so that you can discuss them confidently. Practice your answers aloud, even if your only audience is your cat. Make sure your answers align with both your academic goals and the course program itself.
As I mentioned, you should prepare at least two questions for the interviewers that you ask at the end. Asking questions of your own shows both that you’ve done your research into the program and that you’re eager to learn. And it will leave a positive impression with the interviewers.
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