Choosing A Postgraduate University

Before deciding where you want to study your postgraduate course there are several factors that you should consider.

Course

When looking at university prospectuses it is important to look at the specific details of each course in detail. Look beyond the course title and the course summary as the module options and content can vary significantly. Specific content of courses can vary from university to university, even with courses of the same name. Some courses may have a more specific focus on certain areas that are of more interest to you.
Consider what it is that you want to learn and what you want to achieve from the course when making this decision.

Degree Style

Consider the way in which you learn most effectively. Are you best when working from your own initiative or better in a structured learning environment?

There are many postgraduate degree types. Taught courses act in very much the same way you undergraduate degree worked, whilst research-based courses require you to produce original research under your own initiative.

On top of these there are specialist course types such as MBAs, PGCE's and law courses. Consider what is the best type of course to achieve you learning and career goals before making a decision on where to study.

Work Experience

Some courses offer work placements, which all vary in structure and length. You may consider work experience and invaluable tool.
They will provide important experience that will be of benefit when looking for a job after graduation. Work Placements can also provide a break from studying so that you're refreshed and ready to complete the final semester(s) of your course when you come back.

University location

You may require a university close to home and family, or within a short travelling distance and also need to consider what kind of area and campus you want to live in. Do you want a vibrant large city or a small rural campus?

Facilities

Consider what facilities you want from your university not just in terms of the studying facilities such as libraries, research rooms etc but also in terms of your social life. Does the campus have a gym, what kind of bars, cafes and shops does it have? The range of social, sports and cultural activities provided by the University need to match your requirements especially if you are living away from home. Although you are at University to study, the most effective students know how to balance their social life well, to ensure that they enjoy their time as well.

Also consider more practical aspects such as car-parking.

University league tables

University league tables are a useful tool as they show how universities are doing in comparison to other institutions academically. However, they do offer a simplistic overview of the quality of a university and do not give information at course and department level.

A high ranking does mean that generally facilities and grades are above the average compared to other universities and it is a good starting point to gauge the overall reputation and standing of a certain institution. Use this as a good place to start your research into a specific university before considering the other above factors.

Open Days

Most universities will have specific open days just for their postgraduate courses. These are perfect events to get a good look at a campus, its facilities and discuss the specifics of the course. Attending open days is a must before making a decision on which university to attend to study for a postgraduate degree.