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POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
With the employment market becoming increasingly competitive, many students are turning to postgraduate studies to gain an edge over the competition. Read on to find out if postgraduate studies are for you. By C S CHING.
You may be wondering if postgraduate studies are the best option after graduation. However, before you embark on yet another journey to obtain a higher qualification (Masters or Ph.D), you should keep this in mind: not everyone needs a postgraduate degree. Even if you feel you do, there are many things to consider – especially when it comes to signing up for the right course.
The Ph.D is the most well-known research postgraduate programme. However, there are shorter Masters courses that can be converted to Ph.Ds at a later stage.
DEFINING POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
Simply put, postgraduate work involves studying for a degree or some other professional qualification for which a Bachelor’s degree is a pre-requisite.
While the organisation and structure of postgraduate studies differ from country to country, they are mainly divided into two areas – research work or taught courses. Research-based postgraduate courses typically take longer than a year, while a doctorate can take a minimum of three years to complete.
What you choose as a research topic depends on your field of interest as well as that of your supervisor. Postgraduate research involves investigating and finding solutions to problems, leading to the generation of knowledge, which can then be applied to improving work processes in the relevant fields.
On the other hand, taught postgraduate studies usually lead to a Certificate, Diploma or Masters. The course typically lasts three years and can facilitate transfer to a Ph.D. Taught postgraduate courses are usually a continuation of your area of study or a conversion to a new study. This path is becoming more popular and available.
The organisation and structure of postgraduate studies differ from country to country, they are mainly divided into two areas – research work or taught courses.
THE MASTER’S DEGREE
A Masters programme covers many subjects, depending on your area of interest. A Masters of Arts (MA) includes the arts, business and social sciences, as well as some science subjects. A Masters in Business Administration covers all aspects of the corporate world, while a Masters of Science (MSC) will cover one aspect of science. Masters courses in project management are also becoming very popular, especially with those who already have some experience in management.
A Masters programme is likely to last 12 months or more if you do it full-time. However, if you plan to do it part-time, it can take up to two years or more. While it may involve some level of individual work, completing a Masters programme will also require you to work as a team with your course mates. It will also involve assignments, reading up on the latest in your area of career, presentations and more.
A Diploma or Certificate (especially in teaching, journalism and science communication) will provide you with the professional qualification needed for a particular career, and be a stepping stone to a taught Master’s degree.
If you are planning to embark on a career in accountancy, a professional qualification will be
necessary. This can be taken in conjunction with a Masters or Diploma, and can be pursued while you are still working. In fact, many accountancy firms encourage their employees to sign up for professional qualifications.
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE STUDY
Research-based postgraduate courses usually involve studying a specific subject in-depth for two to three years. At the end of the study period, students are required to present their research findings in the form of a thesis or a dissertation. Most research studies involve working closely with one or more experienced researchers, who will supervise your work.
Most research degrees are pursued at universities and higher education institutions. However, you can also opt to study in partnership with a university, government laboratory, hospital laboratory, research institution and others.
Finally, under the taught postgraduate studies programme, you can also opt for specialist courses. These courses will give you an added advantage in the job market, as well as provide a platform for a change of career direction.
With so much information out there, it is no wonder that many fresh graduates are confused about their options and whether these are even useful options. The question remains: where do you begin?
CHOOSING POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
There are many reasons why students pursue postgraduate studies. If attaining a deeper understanding of your field of interest is your reason, then this is a good option to consider. Not only will you be specialising in something you enjoy, it will also help in your long-term career path as you will be equipped with skills an undergraduate does not have.
Postgraduate studies will also help enhance your employment prospects. It is no secret that most companies favour a postgraduate student to a Bachelor degree holder. However, before you embark on a postgraduate programme, you should research what employers in your industry are looking for. In some cases, work experience can actually carry more weight than a Masters or a Ph.D.
For most people, embarking on postgraduate study gives them more time to think about their career options before throwing themselves head-on into the working world. But this should not be used as an excuse to avoid starting your career. Many people do both – have a job as well as study part-time.
A Masters in Business Administration covers all aspects of the corporate world, while a Masters of Science (MSC) will cover one aspect of science.
WHERE TO GO
There are many institutions offering quality postgraduate studies. The only question is whether you want to do it locally or abroad. There are various reasons why some students continue their studies overseas. Being able to pursue your postgraduate studies in a world-renowned institution will definitely add value to your resume. Also, the experience of living abroad will greatly enrich your life.
Some students choose a foreign institution because of the nature of the postgraduate study they want to pursue, as there are some specialities that are not available locally. However, know that Malaysia is fast becoming home to many quality postgraduate programmes. Many courses are available here today; you just have to do your homework, talk to people and visit the various institutions to get a better idea.
MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION
Here are some things you need to do to make a sound decision:
1. Find out the closing date for applications. This way, you will not be caught in a mad rush.
2. Talk to your academic counsellor and find out as much as possible to enable you to make a sound decision.
3. Postgraduate studies come with a cost, so you have to wok out your finances. Find out about grants or scholarships you can apply for.
4. Remember that grades do make a difference when applying for postgraduate studies.
5. Talk to postgraduate students in your own department to get an insider’s take on the programme. This way, you will know the nitty-gritty of it from a student’s perspective.
6. Applying for postgraduate study is a serious matter, so you really need to think about it.
Consider the number of years you will be spending to complete it and ask yourself if you are willing and able to spend the time. If you feel you will be better off working first and then pursuing a postgraduate programme, by all means do that.
MORE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
1) Why you are considering a graduate degree?
You need to have a clear understanding of what you want to do with your career – and decide if the postgraduate degree will help you reach your goal. While certain careers will require an advanced degree (doctors and lawyers), some may offer you plenty of job opportunities even with just an undergraduate degree.
2) When to consider a graduate degree?
Is it better to attend graduate school right after you complete your Bachelor’s degree or should you wait a few years while you gain some work experience? There are pros and cons with both, so consider your options first before making this commitment.
3) What is the best graduate degree for you?
Do you plan to extend your graduate degree to a doctoral? Will this be useful or can you just settle with a Master’s degree? Master’s degrees can be both professional or academic, so you need to decide which is best for you.
4) What is the best graduate school for you?
Picking a graduate school is much more important than your choice of an undergraduate school. You need to do a lot of research to make sure you get as much information as possible.
5) Can you afford graduate school?
Graduate school is not going to be cheap, so you need to look at the cost of the various programmes that interest you. Talk to a financial adviser at the school to see how best you can pay for this. If you are working, you can also talk to your employer to see if the company provides study aid.
Malaysia is fast becoming home to many quality postgraduate programmes.
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