Postgraduate study Postgraduate study is a very popular option with Imperial graduates, with over a quarter of all graduates from Imperial (and over a half from some degrees) choosing to undertake a postgraduate course. These can be taught courses or research-focussed degrees, or a mixture of both. A postgraduate qualification can be desirable for entry into some careers and is sometimes essential. It is a good idea to find out whether it is necessary for your career of choice before committing to it, as most careers are open to graduates with a good first degree. Postgraduate study should not just be a way to delay career decisions and postpone work experience or employment. Think carefully about what you would gain from postgraduate study and what your reasons are for choosing this option. You can always do postgraduate study later on if you are not sure it is right for you now. The following are the main types of course: • One or two-year taught courses leading to Master’s degrees (MSc, MPhil, MA) • One or two-year research courses leading to Master’s degrees (MRes, MPhil)
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• Three+ year research degrees leading to PhDs (called a DPhil in Oxford University) • Vocational courses, required for entry into professions such as teaching or law Typically Master’s courses are one year of study in the UK and can be two years in other countries. Similarly, a PhD may take different lengths of time in different countries, for example five-six years in the US as compared to three-four years in the UK. There is relatively little funding available for Master’s study but there is much more funding available for PhDs in the sciences and engineering disciplines. You can find out more about funding postgraduate study from FindAMasters and FindAPhD. Common reasons for postgraduate study Here are some of the common reasons students choose to continue into postgraduate study: • To deepen knowledge in my subject e.g. statistics Master’s following a maths degree • To change direction e.g. chemistry into data science with a Master’s course; graduate entry medicine
