Presentation by Catherine Reynolds, Careers Adviser, at University of Sussex, January 2013

1. Applying for Postgraduate
courses
• Postgraduate study
• Where to study
• Choosing the right course
• How to apply
• Sources of finance
• Further resources

2. Postgraduate courses
taught programmes
• MA, MSc, MBA, LLM other vocational courses
• One year full time
• Include seminars, lectures, tutorials, project work, a
thesis/dissertation and exams
• Need BA/BSc or equivalent for entry

3. Postgraduate Research
• Doctorates – PhD/DPhil
• Three to six years full time
• 80,000 - 100,000 word thesis plus oral viva
• Need good first degree or masters for entry
• MPhil – two to three years full time
• 60,000 word thesis plus oral viva

4. Postgraduate study
other qualifications
• Postgraduate diplomas/certificates
• Nine months full time
• Vocational or conversion courses
• Coursework, exams
• Any discipline and usually BA/BSc or equivalent
needed, sometimes relevant work experience

5. Choosing the right course
• Entry criteria – qualifications, experience
• Course content – specialised, broad – similar (or not)
to first degree?
• Suitable qualification for long term aims –
profession, country
• Costs and duration
• Institution reputation
• Teaching and learning – class sizes, contact time
• Geographical location and available accommodation

6. Where to study –
information sources
Websites
• www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/careerchoices/furtherstudy
• www.coursediscoveronline.co.uk/pg
• www.prospects.ac.uk/
• www.postgrad.hobsons.com/
• www.prospects.ac.uk/studying_abroad.htm
In person
• Sussex University PG Open Day every January
• Other Universities

7. When and How to apply
• Apply direct to individual universities – up to 12
months before start
• Application form – many online
• www.prospects.ac.uk/links/ApplyOnline
• Apply before you have degree results
• Personal statement
• Referees – allow time

8. The personal statement
• Adapt to each institution
• Research the course content
• Structure your statement
• Accuracy
• Keep to word limit

9. What to include in the
personal statement
• Why this university?
• Why this course?
• Make links to relevant study, academic interests and /
or experiences?
• How does the course fit with your career aims?

10. Costs of postgraduate study
in the UK (UK and EU students)
Masters courses £4,000 - £12,000
Clinical - £10,000 - £21,000
MBA - £4,000 - £30,000
PhD - £4,000
www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/feesandfunding/2013entry/
fees/feesbycourse

11. Financial support
Awards – Institutional, Research Council, others
www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/feesandfunding/2013entry/
funding/opportunities
www.prospects.ac.uk/funding_postgraduate_study.htm
Note early deadlines from 15 February 2013

12. Further help
Careers and Employability Support
Short interview with a careers adviser
10 – 5pm Mon – Fri plus Wed 5 –7pm
www.sussex.ac.uk/careers