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Study abroad : Applying to University

How to prepare for postgraduate study?

If you’re considering studying for a postgraduate degree it’s important to prepare for this change. We provide practical steps you can take to be ready for the challenges of being a graduate student.

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Making the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study can be seamless. But, in order to make this move effectively you need to research, plan, and prepare. There are important factors to think about, from your chosen course to the institution you’ll attend. It’s never a decision to be rushed. We’re here to help you with advice and guidance on how to prepare for postgraduate study and what you need to consider.

 

Why study for a postgraduate degree?

A starting point for any prospective postgraduate student is understanding why you want to pursue graduate studies. Motivations and reasons for this choice may differ but can include:

 

 

Make sure you’re clear about your goals and objective, and try to align your degree with this. Understand what type of postgraduate degree you are interested in, for example, a taught master’s degree or a research-only qualification. Research the graduate outcomes for your prospective degree and what career development this can enable. 

 

In addition, try and speak directly to the university you are interested in studying at about the course. You could speak to an admissions office, a prospective supervisor, a current student or an alumnus. Virtual open days or university fairs are an excellent way to do this. You can also consult an education counsellor for advice and guidance. 

 

Research your university 

Studying for a postgraduate degree is not a small step. You’ll want to select a university that meets the important criteria for any institution offering postgraduate degrees. Some of the things you must look out for are:

 

  • Subject and field expertise. Some universities are renowned and highly rated for certain specialisations. 
  • Explore the research quality and output of a university. This indicates the productivity and ability of both faculty and the strength of the postgraduate programmes.
  • Check student-to-staff ratios for classes and supervision. More personalised attention and assistance can lead to better outcomes. 
  • Verify what partnerships the university has with industry, research organisations, institutes and other universities. This can impact the types of courses on offer, educational quality and career outcomes. 
  • Understand the career outcomes for graduates from the institution. This is both for all postgraduate qualifications and specific degrees. You can use rankings such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings to check this information. 
  • Know the fee structure and how much your qualification will cost, including living costs. 

 

Once you have researched the academic and educational strengths of an institution, don’t forget about some other essential factors. Find out more about the university’s location, the city where you will live and the types of accommodation available. These may prove critical elements when making your final decision. 

 

 

Research your chosen specialisation or subject 

Although this may seem obvious, you must understand your chosen specialisation. This is even the case if you have studied an undergraduate degree in the same subject. Postgraduate study represents a step up and more in-depth knowledge. You will need to be ready academically for the challenge. Some of the steps you can take to do so are:

 

  • Read information, research and papers around your intended subject of study. This can help with your application and discussions with supervisors and course coordinators. 
  • Watch online webinars, and talks in the subject area. You can also attend seminars or public lectures to improve your knowledge.
  • Familiarize yourself with the course structure, modules and requirements. Knowing what themes, topics and information you’ll be covering is critical. You can often find detailed information in a university prospectus
  • Start thinking about potential research areas or topics for your dissertation or degree project. You may have to submit a proposal to be accepted. 
  • If you feel unfamiliar with the subject or are changing academic direction into a new area, a pre-masters or postgraduate pathway programme could help. 

 

Remember that you don’t have to be an expert, but you must speak confidently and discuss the topic competently. This should also come across in your application with your personal statement and from your academic references. 

 

 

Get organised for your application

Equipped with the knowledge your research has given you, you’ll know if your chosen degree matches your interests, abilities and goals. The next step to take is submitting your application. Before you do, you should have a checklist of everything you need. Check with your university exactly what’s needed, but generally, you’ll require:

 

  • Academic transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Two references
  • A research proposal
  • Certified degree certificates
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Copy of your passport or identification

 

For some postgraduate qualifications, you may need to attend an interview or take an entrance test. Always check with your university if this is part of the process so there are no surprises. When preparing your application, you must never forget the application deadline. This is essential. The earlier you apply, the better your chances, and universities usually do not consider late applications. Start the process early. For some destinations, this can be up to a year in advance. Understand whether the university has multiple intake dates and if an application fee is required. 

 

Once you have submitted your application for a postgraduate degree, you can begin to research and prepare for other aspects of your study journey. This will include understanding study visa requirements, travel costs and accommodation. You’ll likely also want to understand what studying abroad offers you. 

 

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