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Graduate UK: World-class Masters degrees and PhD programs for international students
A graduate degree is awarded after the successful completion of either a taught course or a period of research or a combination of both. Taught courses are available at Masters, diploma and certificate level and may also be included in some doctoral level programmes. It is often possible to study in a variety of different and flexible ways, including studying in your home country by distance learning.
Taught courses
Taught Masters degrees can be categorised into one of three types:
· courses that give you a deeper knowledge in a specialised area of your chosen subject
· courses that deal with your chosen subject in a different context (for example, an interdisciplinary Masters programme such as women’s studies, which often has elements of history, literature, sociology, film etc
· courses specifically designed to help you transfer across disciplines (e.g. if you have a background in science or mathematics, you could move into computer science via a ‘conversion’ Masters).
Taught Masters courses normally consist of lectures, seminars and classes with students submitting a dissertation as the final part of their study program.
Depending on the program of study, the dissertation could be based on a practical project, such as designing software, or addressing a real problem in an organisation, or it could be a piece of research. Assessment may include formal written examinations, as well as essays, reports, individual or group projects and presentations.
To gain access to a postgraduate programme, you will usually need a first degree in a relevant subject that is assessed as equivalent to that from a British institution. In some cases you may be required to register initially for a postgraduate diploma as the first stage of a full Masters programme.
Research degrees
Whether at Masters or Doctoral level, research programmes involve individual supervision by a member of academic staff who has great expertise in your chosen subject area. This emphasis on personal guidance and independent study is a key feature of research degrees in the UK and it will give you high-level skills suited to careers in business, applied research and higher education.
A Research Masters programmculminates in a thesis or dissertation of 30,000 or more words. The thesis must present original findings. Programmes include the MPhil and the MA/MSc by research, and will normally take one to two years.
The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a research programme normally extending over three or four years, usually culminating in a thesis of 70,000 or more words. The thesis must present original findings that are, in principle, publishable. In some subjects such as art, the thesis may be replaced by an original major work. The UK PhD offers the following opportunities to international students:
· you will produce an original piece of research, which will mean an important boost to your career
· you will gain new competencies including enhanced analytical and critical thinking and presentational and communication skills
· you will receive a sound training in research methodology and practice
· you will become part of the prestigious global community of UK postgraduate alumni
Many PhD programs include some taught courses in the first year, to help you deepen your subject knowledge and develop new technical skills vital for successful research. In science and technology, research students are often members of a research team led by professors or research directors. New types of doctoral programs have also been developed, a particular example of which is the New Route PhD and details of this can be found at www.newroutephd.ac.uk.
To find out more about all postgraduate courses available in the UK check on www.educationuk.org or www.prospects.ac.uk or visit your local British Council office.
- Links:
www.newroutephd.ac.uk
www.educationuk.org
www.prospects.ac.uk
