Thinking About A Postgraduate Degree?

The time you spend at university as a postgraduate, especially at the Master’s level, is much shorter, but the intensity of the programme much greater. I have always been of the opinion that for undergraduate education, many places can fit the bill, but for postgraduate education, it’s important to find the best possible programme in your speciality, and that is where you should spend your education dollars.

Ireland fits the bill for world-ranked universities in many different disciplines. Not only is the variety of subjects available to study plentiful, the government also participates in upholding the quality of higher education by monitoring the level of qualifications offered at universities.

When you consider higher education, I believe the focus should be on extending your creativity, becoming an A+ problem solver and thinking more innovatively. Luckily innovation is a focus at most Irish universities. The commitment to innovation in higher education as a country is evident in the recent changes in institutes of technology and technological universities.

WHAT ABOUT WORK EXPERIENCE?

Universities in the Republic of Ireland offer quality postgraduate education as well as work opportunities in the country.

There is the potential for internships while you’re a student. These help build a stellar CV, as well as giving insight into the world of work beyond university. It’s a win-win: students receive the opportunity to acquire real-life work experience in their area of study, and companies have a source for their work force. As a fulltime student, even as an “international”, you are allowed to work for 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours in the university holidays.

Postgrads are currently entitled to work for two years in Ireland after finishing a Masters or PhD there. Hopefully, this will be pushed to three years soon. After that? With Ireland being the English-speaking capital of the EU, it is the European headquarters for a multitude of international corporations. The exact number is in a constant state of flux, but a recent survey indicates it is over 1 000. How does this benefit a postgraduate student in Ireland? Jobs, jobs, jobs. And after all, that’s the purpose of sending our kids to university – for them to be employed at the other end!

AND THEN THERE’S THE LIFESTYLE…

The Irish are friendly and they love their sport, especially rugby. South African students often comment on how like us the Irish are. The population comprises nearly 20% non-Irish born residents, making the Republic of Ireland one of the most diverse countries in the EU. As an international student, you won’t feel out of place on the Emerald Isle.

Sure, they get a bit of rain but, like our own country, Ireland is incredibly beautiful. It is home to two UNESCO world heritage sites, Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael, with another – Giant’s Causeway – just across the border in Northern Ireland. And SA surfers will be blown away at one of the world’s most famous big-wave spots, Mullaghmore near Sligo.

There is no end to the exploration possibilities on the island – and we haven’t even talked Guinness or Irish whiskey!

Of course, safety is always on the minds of South African parents, and that’s another box that you can tick. Ireland is one of the world’s safest countries.

Funding

Investing in postgraduate students who will become productive members of the economy is the impetus behind many scholarships. As a result, a high percentage of the scholarships at Irish universities are specifically for postgraduate studies. If you are looking for funding, check out our article on scholarships.