Types of course
- PhDs are pure research degrees involving original work in a highly specialised area. Most research subjects are decided in advance by academic departments, so you normally apply to work on a specific topic.
- Take a minimum of 3 years to complete, although it's not uncommon to take longer.
- Although you'll be attached to an academic supervisor, you'll spend a lot of time working on your own.
- Often you'll do a masters before going on to a PhD, although this isn't always the case, particularly in science and engineering.
- Go to Prospects for more information.
- Most last 12 months full time, usually finishing in September. An increasing number are offered part time, lasting two years.
- Typically involve 9 months of formal teaching (lectures, seminars, exams) followed by a 3 month independent research project. A minority of masters courses are entirely research based - these are usually designated M Phil though the letters themselves don't always tell you a great deal.
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The three most common types of taught masters are:
- those offering specialist study of one aspect of your first degree subject.
- conversion courses developing knowledge and skills in a new area.
- vocational course offering exemptions from professional qualifications - Go to Prospects for more information.
Postgrad Diplomas/Certificates
- Most commonly encountered as vocational awards in fields such as law, teaching, librarianship and journalism.
- Sometimes offered as initial stage on a taught masters course.
- Likely to last nine months full time, and up to 2 years part time.
- Go to Prospects for more information.
Other courses
- Courses leading to professional qualification offered directly by professional bodies such as the Institute of Actuaries or the Institute of Personnel Development. These are mostly part time and undertaken alongside your job. Often the employer sets up the arrangement.
- There's a myriad of courses which aren't aimed specifically at postgrads but may attract you nonetheless. They can often improve your knowledge or skills in ways which enhance your career - art, languages or basic computing, for example. It can be quite difficult uncovering what's available. Learndirect is a good starting point. Try also TAPs (Training Access Points), often accessible at local libraries. Our links include some to further Education college and correspondence courses (scroll to the bottom of the page)
- NVQs - based on national performance standards which describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. There are 5 levels in many subjects. City & Guilds awards around half the NVQs in the country. Search for courses.
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