Issues to consider with study

When considering what to study, stop and ask yourself: ‘How will I benefit from taking this course or study programme?’

Interest in the subject

You may want to pursue an interest in a particular subject to a higher level.

Studying a subject and then applying to an unconnected area of work is likely to need some explanation during the recruitment process – think about how you would deal with this type of question at an interview.

Develop new skills

You may decide to take a further course to convert from one subject area to another. However, many employers recruit graduates from any degree discipline and provide the relevant training, so it may not be vital to do a course first.

To find out more about postgraduate courses see the Prospects website on work related courses.

Professional status

You may want to gain the prerequisite for entry into a profession (e.g. PGCE for Teaching, the Postgraduate Diploma or Masters in Social Work).

Visit the Courses & qualifications website for more information.

For help in researching your options on professional status, see the Prospects occupational profiles.

Financing your study

Although it can be difficult to obtain funding for further study, there are potential sources of funding. Investigate the following sources.

Career Development Loans can be used as a deferred repayment bank loan to help you pay for vocational learning or education.
Higher Education and Research Opportunities (HERO) has information on funding possibilities.
The Prospects website has information on funding further study and public funding bodies.
The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) offers advice on funding for those studying in the UK.

Premia has a resource base for those students with disabilities who may be considering further study.

The Prospects website has information on why you should do postgraduate study.

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