Postgraduate education

Postgraduate programmes of study are those leading to higher degrees, diplomas and certificates, and usually require a first degree as an entry qualification. Higher degrees include doctorates, masters degrees and higher bachelors degrees.

Postgraduate studies vary in length. Taught courses which lead to certificates, diplomas or masters degrees usually take one year full-time or two years part-time.

Research degrees take from two to three years full-time and much longer if completed on a part-time basis. Details of taught courses and research degrees are published annually by the Careers Research and Advisory Centre.

For admission as a postgraduate student, universities and colleges normally require a good first degree in a subject related to the proposed course of study or research, but other experience and qualifications will be considered on merit.

Most applications are made to the individual universities, although there are clearing houses. Postgraduate teacher training courses in England and Wales use the Graduate Teacher Training Registry.

Grants for postgraduate study, except for teacher training, are dependent on the institution - and also often on the class of first degree, especially for research degrees.

There is an increasing number of scholarships available from research charities, endowments, and particular industries. Competition for these is intense.