Exploring postgraduate study

Master’s degrees are offered in a wide range of subjects and are a popular option for further study. They are Level 7 qualifications, which means they build on an undergraduate degree but are below doctoral-level study (Level 8). 

In the UK, most master’s programmes take 1–2 years to complete and usually include a dissertation or research project. There are different types of master’s-level qualifications, as outlined below: 

• Taught Masters e.g. MA, MSc. Like undergraduate programmes, most courses are structured around modules that include seminars, lectures, and other learning activities. However, you’ll be expected to take greater responsibility for independent study outside of scheduled teaching, while still being guided by the academics leading your course. Find out more.
• Masters by research e.g. MRes, MPhil. Emphasis is on independent research over taught instruction. Your main focus will be completing an independent research project. Find out more.
• Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates - these qualifications are at the same academic level as a Masters, but involve fewer credits and a shorter period of study. In some professions, they are a mandatory requirement. Find out more

 To learn more about the differences between masters courses visit What is a Masters degree? | Prospects.ac.uk. 

Depending on the job role you are interested in going in to, it could be that a diploma, certificate or other type of professional qualification might be needed.  A great way to research this can be through looking at the ‘qualifications’ section on the job profiles on Prospects, speaking with industry professionals or reviewing relevant job adverts.  

Many students come to the Career Zone to explore whether studying for a master’s degree is the right next step for them. Although students choose postgraduate study for a range of reasons, improving employability and strengthening career prospects are common motivations. 

The guidance below will help you consider the potential benefits, limitations and key factors involved, so you can make an informed decision about your next steps. 

Will a Masters improve my employability? 

A master’s degree can enhance your knowledge, develop specialist expertise and demonstrate commitment to a particular field. In some sectors, such as academia, research, psychology and teaching, a postgraduate qualification may be required or strongly valued. In many others, it may offer a competitive advantage but is not strictly essential. 

A master’s alone does not automatically guarantee improved job prospects. Employers typically value a combination of academic achievement, relevant experience and skills. In some cases, gaining work experience, professional qualifications or industry-specific training may be just as beneficial - or more so - than further academic study. 

Before committing, consider: 

Is a master’s required or commonly expected in your chosen field?  

Will it help you develop skills or networks you cannot gain in other ways? 

How does the financial investment compare with alternative routes? 

Take time to research your sector(s) of interest. Reviewing job descriptions can help you identify the qualifications, skills and experience employers are actively seeking. 

It can also be useful to look at the career paths of people currently working in roles that interest you. LinkedIn is a great platform for this, as it allows you to see the qualifications and experience they have gained, which can help you assess whether a master’s degree is commonly required or simply one of several possible routes. 

The funding available to you will depend on several factors, including the type of qualification you’re applying for, your nationality or residency status, and the financial support offered by the institution. 

Before exploring funding options, it’s helpful to estimate how much you’re likely to need as a postgraduate student. If you plan to study in the UK, the following article is worth a read to understand typical living expenses: Average University Living Costs - How Much Does it Costs to be a Student in the UK? . 

Below are some of the main sources of postgraduate funding. It’s important to check the specific eligibility criteria for each option and apply ahead of time: 

• Postgraduate Loan – provided by the UK government, this is the most common way students normally resident in England fund a masters degree. For courses starting in 2025/26, you can apply for up to £12,858 to contribute towards tuition fees, study costs and living expenses. The Masters Loan from Student Finance England is not means-tested, so the amount you receive is not based on your household income or financial background. You can choose how much to borrow, up to the maximum available. Note: this loan can only be used to fund a full standalone taught or research Masters degree (at least 180 credits), not a postgraduate diploma or certificate. Find out more about the postgraduate loan. 
• Scholarships and bursaries – these are typically offered by universities and may be awarded based on academic merit or financial need. Funding packages vary between institutions, so you’ll need to review each university’s website directly. Many universities provide dedicated postgraduate funding pages or searchable funding databases to help you identify relevant opportunities. Find out more about scholarships and bursaries.  

The University of Exeter offers students graduating in Summer 2026 and progressing direct to a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us, a 20% scholarship towards the cost of their first year tuition fees.  

For further information on postgraduate funding including student loans, visit the websites below:  

• Masters loan - UK Government’s official website which provides guidance on eligibility criteria, how and when to apply and details of repayment terms. 
• Masters Funding Options –the FindaMasters website offers various articles outlining funding opportunities here in the UK and internationally.   
• UK Masters Funding Guide for International Students – outlines the range of scholarships, funding schemes and loans available to international students. 
• Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online – a resource for current and prospective postgraduate students seeking funding for PhD, Masters and PGCE study in the UK, with guidance on applying for grants from charities, trusts and foundations. 
• Turn 2 Us - Explore what financial support you can get through welfare benefits and grants based on your circumstances. 

Finding the right course starts with understanding your motivation for further study and the subject(s) you want to explore in more depth. Begin by identifying the areas of study that interest you most.  

Once you have a sense of what you’re looking for, start your search using university websites, postgraduate prospectuses and dedicated course search platforms like FindAMasters.com.  

Many universities provide searchable databases or filters to narrow down courses by subject, location, entry requirements and mode of study.  

Use university websites to review course content, core and optional modules, assessment methods and entry requirements. Look beyond course titles and compare programme structures, teaching approaches, industry links and opportunities for placements or research projects.  

Attending open days, speaking with course tutors, and connecting with current students or alumni can provide valuable insight into the learning experience and outcomes.  

If you’re considering a course linked to a specific sector, professional bodies can be a valuable resource. Many maintain lists of accredited postgraduate programmes, offer guidance on which qualifications are most respected in the field, and sometimes provide scholarships, funding or networking opportunities. If you have a particular sector in mind, you can find the relevant professional body listed on the corresponding Employment Sector page. 

You can also use platforms like LinkedIn to explore the career paths of people in roles you’re interested in and identify relevant courses. Many universities also offer alumni tools – here’s an example of Exeter’s - that let you search by course to see current students and graduates of the course, to see where they now work. 

For advice on applying for a Master’s course, visit our Applying for postgraduate study page.

The most common type of research degree in the UK is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), but there are a variety of types of a doctorate. Research degrees (e.g. PhD, DPhil, EdD) involve exploring an original research question, carrying out an independent in-depth piece of research on a particular topic advancing knowledge in your chosen field.  

Doctorates such as Doctor of Engineering (EngD) involve the opportunity to work with an industry partner on ground-breaking research.  

If you are considering Doctoral level study, contact the academic whom you wish to supervise your research or at least the 'academic director of research' in the department/institution that you wish to study at. Disciplines will vary in their requirements and there may also be differences if you are applying for an advertised studentship or making a research proposal yourself.   

The Vitae website has an online suite of over 150 researcher career stories providing an insight about life as a researcher and the different career paths which researchers take. The stories cover a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds.  

• PhD study | Prospects.ac.uk - gives a good overview of understanding what Doctoral level study is about. 
• FindAPhD.com is a guide to current postgraduate research and PhD studentships. It lists details of research programmes from universities throughout the UK, Europe and further afield.
• Vitae is the UK organisation championing the personal, professional and career development of doctoral researchers and research staff in higher education institutions and research institutes. The section of their website on Researcher Careers will be of interest to those considering a PhD as part of a clear career plan. You can read case studies; explore career options; find out more about what researchers do; and look at example CVs.  

University of Exeter Resources:  

• See an example of the types of research degrees available at Exeter. 
• How to apply | Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees | University of Exeter  
• How to write a postgraduate research policy 
• Funding | Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees | University of Exeter 
• Podcast - Considering a PHD: Is it right for you? - Career Zone Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  

The following articles explore the employability benefits of studying for a doctoral-level qualification:

• PhD Employability, Salary & Earnings | Jobs & Salary After PhD in the UK - explains how completing a PhD can affect your career prospects, employability and salary. It explores the types of income PhD students may receive during their studies, typical employment outcomes after graduation, and how a doctorate can develop transferable skills valued in both academic and non-academic careers.
• PhD Careers: What to Do After a PhD? - links to articles exploring academic and non-academic career options.
• Your PhD, what next? | Prospects.ac.uk - explores the types of jobs available and what other PhD graduates go on to do.

You will need to consider how you will fund your further study: student loan, bursaries, competitive scholarships (from research councils and other research organisations, universities, or trusts), personal income etc. The funding you choose will depend on the type of course you decide to undertake and the funding options available to you.  For further information on postgraduate funding including student loans, there are a range of sources below:   

• FindaPhD - detailed guides to different kinds of PhD funding.
• Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online - is a web resource for current and prospective postgraduate students (any subject, any nationality) who are looking to fund PhD, Masters, and PGCE study in the UK through grants from charities, trusts, and foundations.
• Funding | Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees | University of Exeter - These pages will help you estimate how much studying for a postgraduate degree will cost, explain how to search for scholarships, studentships, bursaries and other awards you might be eligible for, and introduce a number of alternative ideas that can help you fund your postgraduate studies.
• Postgraduate Studentships | Find a PhD | Postgraduate Funding   - search for Masters & Research study & funding 
• Doctoral Loan - can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.
• For information on PhD Studentships
• Turn 2 Us - Explore what financial support you can get through welfare benefits and grants based on your circumstances. 

Applying for funding and scholarships takes time and you need be prepared; talk to your tutors sooner rather than later if further study is of interest to you. More information can be found on the University Funding webpages, particularly the University of Exeter funding database; a one-stop-shop for all Exeter funding awards.  

Given the large number of Universities in the UK (over 160) it can be tricky to know where to choose to study. Various factors may impact your decision such as the teaching and research activities, size of the student population, the courses offered and location of the institution. There are a number of search engines available which can help you to search for courses:  

• FindaPhD - Search PhD programmes, Research Projects and Studentships in the UK and Europe 
• PhD study | Prospects.ac.uk - discover more about choosing your PhD supervisor, writing a research proposal, passing your viva exam, and get some ideas for what to do next.

You may wish to try to narrow down your options by:  

• Speaking with relevant academics about their experiences and recommendations. 
• Review the destinations of previous students from the course you are interested in. 
• Speak with people working in the sector you are interested in for their view. 

You can view various University rankings on the following sites however do bear in mind that this looks at the University as a whole, so may not accurately reflect an individual department. 

• Times Higher Education: World University Rankings 
• Top Universities 

You may also wish to review other assessment methods of Universities such as the: 

•  Teaching Excellence Framework 
•  Research Excellence Framework

Resources to help you research studying abroad:  

• PhD Study Abroad - Guides to International Doctoral Opportunities | FindAPhD.com 
• GoinGlobal - has country and city career guides which provide information about living and working in those places. 
• Study abroad | Prospects.ac.uk - has information about studying in different countries. 

You can view various global University rankings on the following sites however do bear in mind that this looks at the University as a whole, so may not accurately reflect an individual department. 

• Times Higher Education World University Rankings
• QS Top Universities

For advice on PhD applications both in the UK and internationally visit the FindaPhD website. The following articles may also be helpful: 

Applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | FindAPhD.com

How to Apply for a STEM PhD: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics