Further study
Typically, about a quarter of our graduates choose to go on to further study when they finish their undergraduate degrees. This may be in Oxford, at another university in the UK or abroad.
Further study will not automatically get you a better job, but it can improve your chances if an employer requires the specialism you have developed. The transferable skills gained from doing postgraduate study, carefully targeted and effectively marketed, could enhance job applications.
Student in the Weston Library. Copyright © OUImages / John Cairns
What motivates students to do postgraduate study?
There are many reasons why someone would choose to undertake further study. They are likely to be a mix of some of the following:
- To satisfy intellectual curiosity, fuel a love of your subject
- To gain expertise in a specific area, or to build evidence of experience of a sector
- To improve your career prospects
- To gain entry to a career for which a higher degree is expected
- To change direction into another discipline
- To enhance your skills generally.
The Careers Service is also able to provide advice and help you explore further study options.
What types of postgraduate study are available?
There are several different types of postgraduate degree courses available, varying by subject, length and type of study.
Masters
Generally taught in modules, a master's course will usually last a year (sometimes two) and can allow you to extend your knowledge of a specific area of interest, or to explore new topics unrelated to your first degree.
Professional qualifications
Some postgraduate courses lead directly to a professional qualification required for entry into a particular career - for example, the PGCE for teaching.
Research degrees
These would include a PhD (known as a DPhil in Oxford) which usually requires three or more years’ full-time research and may follow a research masters' such as an MRes or MPhil.
