Undergraduate to postgraduate study
If you're in the final year of your undergraduate course or have recently graduated, postgraduate study may be your next step.
What's the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study?
A postgraduate degree is different from an undergraduate degree, in how you apply, how it's funded, how you study and often how long you study for. Postgraduate refers to a degree that typically comes after undergraduate degrees, such as a masters degree after your bachelors. It is also possible to study a postgraduate course without an undergraduate degree if you have relevant professional experience.
For postgraduate, you don't apply through UCAS but directly through the university website, both for postgraduate taught courses, such as a masters, and postgraduate research, such as PhDs and doctorates, qualifications all offered at NTU. Your postgraduate course doesn’t necessarily have to be in the same area as your undergraduate degree, either. We have a range of conversion courses open to applicants from any subject. Find out more about the opportunities available below.
Types of postgraduate courses
There are many types of postgraduate qualifications, not just Masters degrees! Find out what courses you can study at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and decide which one is right for you.
Conversion courses
Find out how to change direction and explore a new subject with a postgraduate degree.
Other postgraduate courses
Explore qualifications other than Masters and PhDs, including PGCert, PGDip, PGCEs, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.
PhD and Professional Doctorates
We offer opportunities to study for PhDs and Professional Doctorates. Come and be a part of our world-leading research.
Why postgraduate study?
Postgraduate courses are worth pursuing for many reasons. For example, you may want to:
- develop further skills or subject knowledge
- enhance career progression
- become a researcher or work in academia
- do something new or change career path.
Finance
Finances and student loans work differently at postgraduate level. Tuition fees and the way that you pay them are not the same as your undergraduate degree. For a masters loan, you can apply for one loan that can be used towards either your fees, maintenance and living costs or both, rather than two separate loans like with undergraduate. Find out more about the costs and how we can help you to fund your postgraduate course, including Masters scholarships and our alumni discount for NTU graduates.
If it's postgraduate research you're interested in, you can find out more about research funding here.
Fees and funding
Learn more about postgraduate fees and how to fund your studies.
Read our funding informationMasters scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships to help cover the cost of your fees.
Browse our scholarshipsAlumni discount
NTU students and alumni can claim 20% off their fees for postgraduate study.
Are you eligible?Stepping up from undergraduate to postgraduate
Postgraduate study is often described as more independent, this does not mean you won't receive academic support, but that study at postgraduate is usually more self-managed. Masters degrees typically run for one year, as opposed to longer bachelors degrees, but this would depend on the type of qualification and whether you study full-time or part-time. Research degrees differ to postgraduate taught degrees and vary in lengths of study.
You may find the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate-level study quite intense. Here are a few tips on managing the change:
- Understand that the workload and contact hours may be different. Large-group teaching is less common, and there is often more self-directed study.
- Be prepared for a longer academic year. Many postgraduates complete dissertations over the summer.
- Start with an open mind, ready to learn new things in new ways.
- Be engaged. Make the effort to attend your sessions, including any optional ones if possible.
- Build a network with other postgraduates. Join the NTSU and any extra-curricular events that will help you to feel a part of the postgraduate community.
- Ask for support when you need it. We have a range of teams that can help you with the transition to postgraduate study, including the library, health and wellbeing and employability teams as well as your academic tutors.
Have a question about postgraduate study?
Chat to current students or staff or get in touch via the Ask NTU Form.