|
|
Postgraduate Study
in the UK |
|
What sort of courses can I do as a postgraduate student
in the UK? What will the experience be like? How can I get the most out
of my time in Britain? How will this contribute to my personal
development? What support is available? Will further study be valued
when I return home?
Taught courses
Most postgraduates in the UK are studying for Masters qualifications
lasting one or two years. These courses serve a range of needs from
vocational training to a preparation for further research. One
characteristic common to all is the opportunity to work in small groups
and contribute to an exciting mix of ideas and experience.
Teaching and learning on taught courses may be in the form of essays,
project work, industrial or business placements, problem classes,
lectures, tutorials or discussion groups. They may also include a
project or research dissertation which you work on individually or as
part of a group.
It is important that you check the content of courses and are sure that
they are suitable for you. Courses with the same title may be very
different in their aims and methods and different institutions have
different strengths.
Research
British Universities have a long and respected tradition for research.
Many Masters courses contain a research element and some are dedicated
to research with little or no formal teaching. The most advanced form of
postgraduate research is doctoral work which is intensive and needs
strong commitment in terms of time, dedication and finance. Full time
study at this level will take at least three years.
Whatever course you choose research in the UK is characterized by close
contact with academic staff and personal research supervision either
working with one or two academics or part of a research team. If you are
considering doing a doctorate in the UK you must make sure you are very
clear about your reasons and motivations. The work is intense and
demands a high degree of independence of both thought and working
patterns. Choosing your supervisor’s) for doctoral level work is very
important. You will have a close working relationship with these people
for several years so be sure to make sure the people you choose will be
best suited to your needs.
In recent years much more emphasis has been placed upon gaining a broad
range of skills appropriate not just to your specific research project
but to the your subject area generally. Do take advantage of these
opportunities as they will put you in a stronger position when it comes
to seeking employment whether within academia or in other careers.
Personal Development
Whatever your course you will have the opportunity as a postgraduate to
develop your skills both formally and informally. All institutions offer
a range of supplementary courses in addition to the training and
teaching you will receive as part of your study.
What is often not recognized are the skills you will develop informally
through studying in another country at postgraduate level. Postgraduate
study will enable you to develop your personal skills in areas such as
presentation, report writing, organizing work effectively, managing
others and communicating ideas clearly. Also the experience of simply
studying in another country and being part of a different culture is
something that cannot be learned elsewhere.
Working while studying
The UK Government has recently made it easier for international students
to work while studying. The most obvious way of earning extra income
while studying is doing teaching work. With the rapid expansion of
higher education in the UK over the last decade there are many more
opportunities for teaching at all levels from demonstrating and
laboratory work to tutorials, seminars and sometimes lecturing.
There may be limitations on what teaching work you can do as Masters
student and more opportunity exists for those doing doctoral research.
Remember, though, that teaching can be time consuming so be sure to
balance the attractions of teaching work with the needs of your course
or research. You should expect training and support to be provided from
your department or institution to help you teach.
Student Support
It is important to remember that when you are studying your academic
work is only part of your life. All institutions in the UK have an
organization run by students and usually known as the students’ union or
association. They are a focus for student life and provide social and
sporting facilities as well as acting as the voice of students at the
institution. Most institutions have a postgraduate society and a wide
range of other clubs and societies.
The first places you should go for information and support are your
institution and its students’ union. There are also several national
organizations for students in the UK.
The national body for postgraduates in the UK is the National
Postgraduate Committee (NPC) which is an independent organization
offering support, advice and guidance to student unions, institutions
and individuals. The National Union of Students (NUS) is the largest
student organization in the UK but does tend to focus more on the needs
of undergraduates.
Be part of it!
There is unprecedented interest in higher education at the moment and a
real commitment to widening opportunity and expanding the role that
higher education plays in society and the world. Postgraduate study and
research can serve different needs from career training to the
development of original and exciting ideas through research and
collaborative work. This is an exciting time to be part of a learning
revolution that can benefit you as an individual and society as a whole.
The UK has a deserved reputation as one of the best places to do
postgraduate work in the world. If you are clear about your reasons for
study and make the most of the opportunities available you will have a
rewarding and enjoyable experience. Be part of the learning revolution
and come and study in the UK. It’s an experience you will never forget. |
|
|