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What they are

Some higher education qualifications require that you already have a bachelors degree. These are known as 'postgraduate' qualifications.

Generally, they lead to four main types of postgraduate qualification:

Most types of postgraduate qualification will include taught and research elements.

Postgraduate certificates, diplomas and masters degrees are at level 7 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, and doctorates at level 8. The framework shows how different higher education qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

• Qualifications: what the different levels mean

Who can take them

Normally, to study for a postgraduate qualification, you will need to have a bachelors degree with a grade of lower second (2:2) or above. To find out the entrance requirements for a particular postgraduate course, you can search for a course using the link below.

• Bachelors degrees

• Next Step course search

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates

Postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates can be academic or vocational qualifications. They normally take 9 to 12 months to complete full-time. The number of lectures and seminars you attend, and projects and research papers you produce will vary depending on the type of course and the college or university you attend.

Subjects available

There are a huge range of subjects to choose from. These are often linked to a specific profession.

You can study a subject that's new to you, or choose a subject that builds on the knowledge and skills you gained during your bachelors degree.

Grades

Grades are normally awarded as:

Where they can lead

Postgraduate certificates can lead on to postgraduate diplomas.

You can also use a postgraduate certificate or diploma as a route into a specific career or onto further study, such as a masters degree.

Masters degrees

A masters degree is a qualification of academic study. It can be research based, a taught course, or a mixture of both, and will take at least 12 months of full-time study to complete.

The number of lectures, seminars, projects and research papers will vary depending on the type of course and the institution.

You may also have to submit a dissertation at the end of your course.

Subjects available

The types of masters degrees available include:

Grades

Most masters degrees are normally awarded as either:

or:

Where they can lead

Some masters degrees, such as in business administration and law, prepare you for a career in a particular field. Others, like the master of research can prepare you for a doctorate qualification.

Doctorates

A doctorate qualification gives you the opportunity to undertake an original piece of research. It will usually take at least three years of full-time study to complete.

Throughout the course, you will be expected to work independently, with guidance from a supervisor. The supervisor advises you whether your research is on track and about deadlines you have to meet.

During the first one to three years of your doctorate, you will research your chosen topic and plan your dissertation.

In your final year, you will normally write up your dissertation.

Many doctorate courses lead to a qualification such as a Doctor of Philosophy - a PhD or Dphil.

Grades

Doctorates are usually awarded as either a pass or fail; in rare cases with a distinction.

Who offers them

Doctorate qualifications are offered by universities that offer research opportunities.

Find out more

To find out more about getting a postgraduate qualification, contact universities and colleges, or visit their websites. Their prospectuses will list both taught courses and research opportunities.

Some colleges have a postgraduate open day, which is a chance for you to meet prospective tutors or supervisors.

• University prospectuses and open days

Search for courses online

You can search for postgraduate courses online through the Next Step course search.

• Next Step course search

More useful links

• Graduate careers and postgraduate study

• Prospects website - search for a postgraduate course Opens new window

• Qualifications and exams: a guide for adult learners

Useful contacts

• Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA)

• Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation

• Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)

• UK NARIC