Skip to content

Thinking about postgraduate study?

Is it worth doing a Masters? Why do a PhD or Professional Doctorate? Everybody's academic journey is different, but the benefits of postgraduate study and advanced research are huge — from better professional prospects and a higher salary, to the chance of becoming a recognised leader and specialist in your field.

Fashion student in workspace

Your next step

If you’ve just graduated and are considering your next steps or you've been out of higher education for a while and are looking to advance or change your career, a postgraduate qualification could help you become an expert in your field.

Whatever your motivation, a postgraduate degree speaks volumes – it’s proof of knowledge, experience, and strong self-management skills. A research, Masters or postgraduate qualification could make a difference to your professional life.

On average, postgraduates earn £6,200 per year more than first-degree holders.

2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes study

The postgraduate median salary is £45,000, compared to £38,500 for first-degree holders.

Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2022

78.3% of postgraduate taught graduates are in high skilled employment.

Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2022

Deciding on postgraduate study

Here are five questions to consider when thinking about studying for a postgraduate qualification.

1. Does your career require an industry qualification?

Some professional sectors require a postgraduate degree as standard, including teaching, medicine, finance, psychology, law, and academia. These highly vocational postgraduate courses are designed to qualify, train, and prepare you for a specialist job, providing you with specific expertise for the profession.

Some courses provide an industry accreditation alongside the advanced training and qualification. Some of the most high-paying careers that demand a Masters degree include business management, investment banking, engineering, architecture, and computer science.

My career has evolved fast, and the Executive MBA (Masters of Business Administration) undertaken at NTU has certainly helped. The MBA gave me a clearer understanding of business management as well providing me with important tools to continually assess my professional development needs. Last but not least, I should say that studying for the MBA was an important element in my promotion.

Andrea Chiarelli, Senior Consultant, Research Consulting

2. Would study help your professional prospects?

Study can build your experience, develop your skills, and gives you a valuable competitive edge. You can stand out from the crowd with specialist knowledge and expertise.

Postgraduates are around 12% more likely to be in a professional role and more senior role than those held by first-degree graduates. (Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2022).

3. Could it change my career path?

If you feel that you can't progress in your current employment, or that it isn’t quite as fulfilling as it could be, or you’re looking for something completely different, postgraduate-level study can provide a path to change your career.

Most postgraduate degrees don’t require previous study in the subject. For some subjects you can fast-track with a conversion course, which is an intensive postgraduate degree.

4. Will it increase my earning potential?

Employers recognise the skills that come with studying a Masters or postgraduate degree, and it’s true that postgraduates have the potential to earn more. The median salary for working-age postgraduates in 2022 was £45,000 – £6,500 more than working-age graduates (£38,500). (Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2022).

 

PhD researcher Erin tells us how she uses research from the past to help us understand today.

5. Can I master my passion?

You may have set your sights on a career in academia or research, and a Masters, Masters by Research, or PhD is the perfect opportunity to learn at the very forefront of your subject.

Furthering your in-depth knowledge and expertise in a subject you enjoy is hugely rewarding. But if you're worried about the jump from your most recent level of study, check out our guides to the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate, or pursuing your first research degree.

Why choose NTU for your postgraduate study?

We know there’s lots to consider when thinking about returning to study or continuing your studies at university. Here’s ten great reasons why you should consider NTU.

Type of qualifications

From postgraduate certificates and diplomas, to Masters degrees and doctorates, there’s are a full range of postgraduate qualifications available at NTU. Find out about the different courses we offer.