Change Direction with a Postgraduate Degree: Everything You Need to Know
When you chose your undergraduate degree it’s likely that
you were still in school. You might have based your degree choice on your
favourite subjects at school, or which university you liked the look of.
Chances are things will have changed since then. Your interests, your
priorities, what you want your future to look like. At postgraduate level, you
have the opportunity for a change of scenery!
Changing subjects for postgraduate study is something that
lots of graduates consider, you might want to choose to study something
adjacent to your topic or a new subject altogether. Postgraduate study is the
perfect time to choose something not related to your degree.
There are lots of reasons that someone might consider
changing their degree subject at postgraduate level. Your reasons might be
career-related, perhaps your time at university has opened you up to new career
options. You might be uncertain about your future, or perhaps you’re just sure
that you want to continue learning after you graduate. Or, you might simply
have grown bored of your undergraduate topic. It happens.
No matter what your reasons for changing subjects for
postgraduate study, there are plenty of options. Here are some things to
consider when thinking about changing direction with postgraduate study.
Research
This goes for whether you’re changing subject or not, take
time to think about what it is you want to get out of a postgraduate degree.
Before you even think about applying, do some research.
Consider your institution
Choosing a university for a postgraduate degree is a
slightly different process than your journey to your undergraduate degree. Do
you want to stay at the same university? Do you have your eye on a very
specific university?
Review the course information and subject
specialists
If you’re changing direction with a postgraduate degree, then
it’s a good idea to get to know exactly what’s on offer as part of the course
you’re interested in. Look at the modules on offer and the course information.
Talk to subject specialists and ask them if they think the degree would be
suitable for someone without bachelor's degree-level knowledge.
Check entry requirements
This is key if you’re looking for a postgraduate degree in a
different subject than your bachelor’s degree. Some courses are more suited to
people changing discipline than others, and entry requirements can reflect
this. You might need to show your passion for a subject in other ways through
an interview or introductory course.
Review your options
There are lots of different options for postgraduate study,
especially if you’re considering changing direction. Look at the different
qualifications on offer and consider the reasons why you want to complete a
Masters degree. You might find that a
conversion course such as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) suits you better than
a Masters in International Law, for example. Or, if you're wondering how to change
your career into something like teaching you might consider a PGCE over a
Masters in Education. It all depends on your end goals.
When choosing a university for a postgraduate degree you
might want to consider research-related information more than you did for your
undergraduate. Universities with a specific research specialism or
top-performing departments might give you better access to things like
placements, networks, development opportunities as well as world-class
teaching. This could be especially helpful if you’re in a position where you’re
hoping to change or advance your career.
Look at the different programmes on offer at multiple
institutions and judge the kind of content they cover. The process of choosing
the ‘right’ course which aligns with your interests and career prospects can be
frustrating, but will be profitable in the future.
Impact on
your career
A Masters degree can certainly have an impact on your
career. Don’t feel like you have to study a postgraduate degree to match your
academic credentials, to your hobbies or experience and boost your
employability.
What do employers think about different
subjects at Masters level?
Unless you’re looking for a career where you need to have a
certain group of qualifications including postgraduate and undergraduate, like
Law or Architecture for example, then you can expect most employers to pay
little attention to the journey that’s gone along with your university
experience. Most employers will value passion and knowledge of the field
more.
A Masters degree could help you with career advancement and
may increase your earning potential, especially if you’ve chosen to change
direction. Often in the world of work employers are looking for different
skills and expertise, and what your unique skills can bring to your job. One
way to demonstrate this uniqueness is with your postgraduate study. Consider,
for example, the different value that two computer science graduates might
bring if one studied Sociology at the undergraduate level and the other studied
Engineering. Employers value the application of different skills, unique
approaches to work and employees that are committed to development. A
postgraduate degree can be a great way to affirm this.
What are conversion courses?
Postgraduate conversion courses are academic programs aimed
at individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in a different field and wish
to change career paths by obtaining a Masters degree in a new discipline. These
courses provide an opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills
required to transition into a new field.
The course content focuses on the core concepts, theories,
and practical applications specific to the new field. The curriculum is
designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject and prepare
students for their new careers. Upon successful completion of a postgraduate
conversion course, individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to
pursue a career in their new field. They may be eligible for higher-level
positions and can expect an increase in their earning potential.
What sort of conversion courses are available?
●Law conversion course for individuals with a non-law background
●Teaching conversion course for individuals with a non-education background
●Accounting conversion course for individuals with a non-finance background
●Healthcare management conversion course for individuals with a non-medical background
●Engineering conversion course for individuals with a non-technical background
●Marketing conversion course for individuals with a non-business background
These are just a few examples, postgraduate conversion
courses are available in a wide range of subjects and fields to cater to the
diverse needs of individuals looking to change careers.
Changing direction with a postgraduate degree can be a great
option for individuals who have changed their interests or career goals since
completing their undergraduate degree. Research and careful consideration are
key when choosing a university and a course. Conversion courses can be an
excellent option for those wanting to switch to a new discipline. The impact of
a postgraduate degree on a career can be significant and can help with career
advancement and earning potential. Employers value passion and knowledge in a
field more than the academic journey, and a postgraduate degree can demonstrate
unique skills and commitment to development.
