For some careers (such as certain roles in STEM fields, or a research post in industry or education) further study beyond a first degree may be a requirement. But even in professions where postgraduate qualifications are not essential, doing some advanced study can help to propel your career forward – for example, if you want to take on greater management responsibilities or work at a more senior level in your chosen field – and increase your earning power. Postgraduate qualifications can also support a complete change in direction and help to give you the competitive edge, particularly when combined with workplace experience.
Studying with the OU requires that extra bit of motivation, self-discipline and commitment – and these are highly desirable attributes that we look for in candidates.
We’re increasingly working with professional and regulatory bodies to link our postgraduate qualifications with professional qualifications. Examples include:
I decided that the only way I could get out of the role that I was stuck in was to gain better qualifications. The MBA has helped immensely – it has enabled me to obtain more senior roles, in turn increasing my salary over time.
A postgraduate qualification offers the opportunity to sharpen your focus, building on your first degree to develop the specialist understanding and skills required for specific roles and/or career advancement. The Open University offers an extremely flexible curriculum at postgraduate level, ranging from certificates that you can study in just one year, to research degrees.
The majority of our masters degree programmes are ‘nested’ qualifications, starting with a certificate that you can study in just one year, leading to a diploma, and finally a masters degree. Your specialist knowledge and study skills will develop progressively as you work through the qualification – but each level provides a valuable qualification in its own right, so you can step off at any point or take a break before continuing. The final module at masters level includes a significant independent study project or dissertation, demonstrating your ability to identify, record, assess and present information – skills that are highly valuable to employers in many fields. And if you’re thinking about an academic career, the deeper understanding and research training developed through a masters course is ideal preparation for study at PhD level.
I began to feel awe-inspired as I made more and more connections between what I was studying and what I was doing at work. My report writing, critical thinking and analytical skills improved considerably.
Gaining a research degree demonstrates talent, academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge and can give you a strong advantage in the jobs market. They also open doors to an academic career. We offer the following qualifications:
The benefits of studying didn't end with the submission of the thesis. The OU's good reputation has certainly helped me when applying for jobs. Also, the experience gave me insights into higher education that have proved invaluable. Perhaps most importantly, though, it introduced me to a group of internationally renowned researchers who I still enjoy working with today.
