Deciding to study a postgraduate course is a very different decision from choosing an undergraduate degree. There is no single UCAS-style system, funding works differently, and the range of qualifications on offer, from taught master’s degrees to research PhDs, can feel unfamiliar even to students who navigated undergraduate applications with ease.
This guide explains the main types of postgraduate courses available, how applications work, and how to fund your studies.
Types of Postgraduate Qualifications
Postgraduate study covers a wide range of qualification levels, and understanding the differences helps you choose the right route.
| Qualification | Typical Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) | 3 to 6 months | A short, focused qualification in a specific area |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) | 9 months to 1 year | Deeper study than a certificate, often a step towards a full master’s |
| Taught Master’s (MA, MSc, MBA) | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time | Structured study combining taught modules with a final project or dissertation |
| Research Master’s (MRes, MPhil) | 1 to 2 years | Independent, self-directed research with less taught content |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 3 to 4 years full-time | Original research, typically leading to an academic or specialist career |
Some UK undergraduate degrees, particularly in engineering and sciences, include an integrated master’s as part of the original course, so it is worth checking whether your existing qualification already covers this level.
How Postgraduate Applications Work
Unlike undergraduate study, there is no single centralised application system for most postgraduate courses. Instead:
- Apply directly to each university through their own application portal, rather than a shared UCAS-style system.
- Check entry requirements carefully. Most taught master’s courses expect a 2:1 or above at undergraduate level, though some accept a 2:2 alongside relevant experience.
- Prepare a personal statement or research proposal. Taught courses usually ask for a statement of purpose, while research degrees typically require a detailed research proposal.
- Secure references. Academic references are standard, and some courses also accept professional references depending on your background.
- Apply well ahead of funding deadlines, since scholarship and funding applications often close months before the course start date, even if course applications themselves stay open longer.
Funding a Postgraduate Course
Postgraduate funding works differently from undergraduate student finance, and the options depend on your qualification level.
- Postgraduate Master’s Loan: UK students starting a master’s course can access a government loan of up to approximately £13,206, covering both tuition fees and living costs, paid directly to you rather than your university.
- Postgraduate Doctoral Loan: PhD students can access a loan of up to approximately £31,122 to help with fees and living costs across the course.
- Research Council funding: UK Research and Innovation oversees funding aimed mainly at PhD students, though some master’s places tied to a future PhD are also funded this way.
- University scholarships and studentships: Many universities offer their own funding, including full studentships that cover fees plus a living stipend, particularly for research degrees.
- Employer sponsorship: If your course is directly relevant to your current role, it is always worth asking whether your employer will contribute towards fees.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run slightly different postgraduate loan systems, so check the specific figures and eligibility rules for where you normally live.
Taught Master’s vs Research Master’s: Which Is Right for You?
- Choose a taught master’s if you want structured modules, regular contact time, and a qualification that builds directly towards a specific career or professional requirement.
- Choose a research master’s if you already have a clear, specific research question, prefer independent study, and are potentially considering a PhD afterwards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to the course before checking funding deadlines, which often close much earlier
- Writing a generic personal statement that could apply to any university, rather than tailoring it to the specific course and department
- Assuming a postgraduate course requires the same subject as your undergraduate degree, when many taught master’s courses accept graduates from related or even unrelated fields
- Underestimating how self-directed postgraduate study is compared to undergraduate courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply for postgraduate courses through UCAS?
No. Most postgraduate courses require a direct application to the university itself, though a small number of specific courses, such as some teacher training programmes, do use centralised systems.
How much can I borrow for a master’s degree?
Eligible UK students starting a master’s course can currently access a Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to approximately £13,206 to help with fees and living costs.
Do I need a 2:1 to study a master’s degree?
Many courses ask for a 2:1 or above, though some accept a 2:2 alongside relevant work experience or a strong personal statement, so it is worth checking individual course requirements directly.
Can I do a master’s in a different subject from my degree?
Yes. Many taught master’s courses, particularly in business, data and social sciences, accept graduates from a range of undergraduate backgrounds rather than requiring an exact subject match.
Postgraduate study opens doors that an undergraduate degree alone sometimes cannot, but it rewards careful planning around funding deadlines and course choice. If you are still finishing your undergraduate degree and want to understand your first-degree options fully, our guide to choosing a university course is the right place to start.
