Is Postgraduate Study worth it?: A few things to consider

In this day and age, Bachelor’s degrees are highly sought after by employers when it comes to the hiring process. Work-places and various industries are evolving as the years go by, this means that your knowledge and skills need to be updated frequently.

As the years go on, are Bachelor’s degrees enough? In some fields of work, postgraduate study may be needed in order to progress to senior levels or to even do the job. 

In recent years, there has been an increase in postgraduate study. According to the Higher Education Student Statistics UK 2018/2019, postgraduate taught courses were on the rise largely due to an increase from international students. Postgraduate study can be beneficial when it comes to developing knowledge, skill sets, advancing your career and seeing an increase in salary depending on the field you are working in. It’s important to really consider why you are pursuing postgraduate study, because after all there is an abundance of knowledge and tips on YouTube, and educational platforms such as Skillshare, Coursera, FutureLearn, Teachable to name a few. 

I personally considered postgraduate study after studying for an Undergraduate degree in Dance and Professional Practice. As much I loved creative choreography, I didn’t see myself taking that route. Whilst I loved to dance, I also loved the field of psychology, I originally wanted to train as a Clinical Psychologist but feared I would not get into the doctoral programme. I sought for a way to bring both interests of dance and psychology together, and ended up training for an MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy. Read: Reflections a year as a Qualified Psychotherapist. 

Before you embark on postgraduate study, here are a few things to consider.

Firstly, think about why you are pursuing a postgraduate degree

Always consider why you are choosing to pursue a postgraduate degree. Whilst some fields such as medicine, law or psychotherapy require postgraduate study, many do not. Are you pursuing a postgraduate degree because you are unsure of what to do or do you feel that it will benefit your career. Its important to think about whether this mode of study will bring you closer to your career aspirations, otherwise you could be in for a sticky ride. Also make sure that you pursue a postgraduate degree for YOURSELF and not for others. Do not succumb to the parental pressure, pursing your degree is a decision that you have to do for yourself.

Which University offers your course? How will this postgraduate degree impact your career and future? 

If you’ve decided to embark on postgraduate study, then congratulations. Have you thought about the degree you want to pursue yet? Have you thought about which University offers the course you want to do? These are important factors to consider, including length of the course, travelling to and from the university, and whether you can fit your work schedule around your studying. 

When I was thinking about where to study, there were only four Universities that offered my course. Two of those universities were outside of London. I knew that I could not afford to live on campus again, thus focused on the two universities that were in London and made my decision from there. 

Many people choose to work alongside their postgraduate course, whilst it is possible it can be stressful depending on the work you do. I worked as a Health Care Assistant alongside my training and I must admit that I found it tedious due to the 12 hour shifts. My course was quite full on with lectures, classes and clinical placements, which lasted for three years, as I studied part-time. 

Lastly, think about how this postgraduate course will benefit your career. Consider the field you are working in, are there alternative routes to develop your skills. However you can also study a postgraduate degree for your own personal interests. I am now considering a second masters, an MSc in Cognitive, Clinical and Social Neuroscience, simply because it could potentially support my research skills and underpin my clinical work as a Psychotherapist. 

What are the financial costs involved?: Funding, living, and socialising

This is a crucial aspect of postgraduate study to consider. Funding postgraduate study has now become easier due to the postgraduate loans provided by SLC. The postgraduate loans can help you with your course fees and living costs while you study. You only repay this loan back once you start earning over a certain amount of income. You can also take a career development loan via your  bank, however you do have to immediately pay it back one month after your course ends. In addition, if you decided to drop out of the course or your course provider goes out of business, you will still have to repay the loan.