Many students consider further study after graduation. Learn about the benefits, course options, application process and funding opportunities that are available.
Interested in one of our postgraduate courses? Find a course via our course search.
Why do a postgraduate course?
There are many reasons to pursue postgraduate study, including:
- gaining specialist training – some professions, such as teaching, law, healthcare and social work, may require a postgraduate qualification
- changing careers – postgraduate study can help you transition into a new field
- deepening your knowledge – if you love your subject, further study allows you to explore it in greater depth
- enhancing research skills – postgraduate study can support academic or professional research development
Alumni discount
We offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees to former Westminster students. For more details, see our Alumni discount page.
Is postgraduate study right for you?
Postgraduate study requires hard work, time and dedication, so consider your reasons carefully. Employers value skills and experience as well as qualifications.
Before applying:
- Speak to employers in your field to understand how a postgraduate qualification can help you progress
- Research what careers past students from the course have pursued
- Review the course content, teaching methods and assessments
- Consider how study will fit with your work or personal commitments
If you're unsure whether postgraduate study is right for you, you can book a one-to-one careers appointment.
Choosing a course or qualification
Postgraduate study offers a range of qualifications, including postgraduate certificates or diplomas, master's (taught or research), an MPhil or a PhD.
Advice on qualifications and courses can be found on websites such as:
Teaching placements
If you're considering a career in teaching, you can gain classroom experience by taking part in our Explore Teaching programme.
When and how to apply
Most postgraduate courses in the UK require you to apply directly to each university. Visit their websites for details on the application process.
For vocational subjects, specific application procedures may apply:
- PGCE Primary and Secondary Teaching – visit the Get Into Teaching website
- Law – learn about becoming a solicitor
- Law – learn about becoming a barrister
- Social work – learn about becoming a social worker
- Medicine and nursing – apply via UCAS
If you're considering a PhD, take a look at the Prospects advice on applying for a PhD.
Preparing your postgraduate study application
Most applications require a personal statement to demonstrate your motivation, skills and suitability for the course.
Tips for writing a personal statement
- Tailor your statement to each course and university – avoid using the same statement for multiple applications
- Clearly explain your motivation, including why you've chosen this subject and institution. Relate it to your academic background, work experience or career goals
- Highlight relevant skills and knowledge gained through studies, work or extracurricular activities
- Show how the course fits into your career aspirations, even if they are still broad
- Include details about your academic record, grades and any work experience
- Structure your statement clearly with a strong introduction, main body and conclusion
- Proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes, and ask someone to review it
- Follow instructions on supporting documents, such as references and transcripts, and submit them as soon as possible
Funding
Before applying, consider how you'll finance your studies. You can find useful details on funding options on the following websites:
Alumni discount
We offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees to former Westminster students. For more details, see our Alumni discount page.
Contact us
If you're unsure if postgraduate study is right for you or want to explore your options, you can book a one-to-one advice appointment.
You can also email us at [email protected]Email us about postgraduate study.