Living Postgraduate Life
ApplicationS 101:
Risks & Rules
You’ve done your research, looked up the university and even went to the postgraduate open day to check the place out. Your mind is now made up! But we’re only getting started, so don’t lose your way during the application process and keep up with us as we assist you along the way.
THE
RIsks
First, let’s get into the modes! Postgraduate qualifications can be undertaken in a variety of different modes: • Do you want to attend classes or do your own research? • Are you pursuing your studies while working? • Will you be studying in person or online? Consider all the options and choose the mode of study that is best for you.
TAUGHT VS RESEARCH Taught courses
Research courses
Method of study: • Lectures and seminars • Face-to-face and/or online interactions with lecturers and tutors. Assessed through:
Method of study: • Minimal classes/independent study on area of focus • Thesis research. Assessed through: • Scholarly articles published in academic journals
• Examinations • Coursework (assignments, reports, projects, presentations, etc).
• Presentation of thesis (viva voce).
Taught courses are a better option for those who are less inclined towards conducting research and producing a thesis as a result of their postgraduate study. However, some courses do require the submission of a final-year paper or a short dissertation – it’s important to compare assessment methods to find what is suitable for you.
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You can expect many hours of studying independently on your area of focus with regular check-ins with your supervisor. Not all research-based programmes require students to produce scholarly articles for publication in academic journals as part of their degree, but most do. Viva voce is a ceremony whereby you’d present and defend your thesis before a Board at the end of your studies. Although it is usually more common in more advanced postgraduate degrees such as doctorates.
