What Is Postgraduate Study?

Postgraduate study is education that you take after completing a first degree, usually a bachelor's. It covers master's degrees, doctorates and other advanced qualifications. In the United States and Canada the same level is usually called graduate study, and the word "postgraduate" is more common in the UK, Ireland, Australia and many other countries.

Types of postgraduate qualification

• Postgraduate certificates and diplomas, shorter programs, often vocational.
• Taught master's degrees, such as MA, MSc or MBA, focused on coursework and a project or dissertation.
• Research master's degrees, such as MPhil or MRes, centered on a research project.
• Doctorates, such as a PhD or professional doctorate, involving original research and a thesis.
• Professional degrees, such as law, medicine or teaching qualifications, which may be undergraduate or postgraduate depending on the country.

How long and what it involves

A taught master's is usually one year in the UK and one to two years in many other places. A PhD generally takes three to four years in the UK and often four to seven in the US, depending on funding and the field. Study can be full-time or part-time, on campus or online.

Teaching is more specialized, with smaller classes, seminars and independent work. Assessment includes essays, exams, projects and a dissertation. Research students work closely with a supervisor and may also teach.

Entry and costs

Entry normally requires a good bachelor's degree, and sometimes work experience, references, a statement of purpose and tests such as language exams. Costs and funding vary widely. Master's degrees are often self-funded, though scholarships and loans exist, while doctoral students may receive stipends, fellowships or assistantships.

Why people choose it

Reasons include career change, advancement, advanced skills, professional requirements and academic interest. Consider cost, time and expected benefit, and look at graduate outcomes for the program.

Related terms

See undergraduate, stipend, fellowship, assistantship and dissertation defense.