Things you should consider before applying for your PG
January 29, 2019,
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This article is more than 3 years old
University is like a whirlwind – you blink and all of a sudden you’re half way through your third and final year.
In third year, you can get so caught up frantically writing 10,000 words, that you don’t think forward to the future. Well, now is your time to think… What job do you want to get after you graduate? What are your goals? Do you want to carry on studying?
For many people, the latter seems like the easiest option. You feel comfortable here in Lincoln. Right now you don’t want to consider what will happen after you’ve stepped onto that stage in the Cathedral to collect your well earned degree. Trust me though, you do need to think about it.
In this blog I’m going to tell you everything I think you need to know before applying to do a master’s, in the hope that it’ll help you make an educated choice about your future.
Is doing a postgraduate degree expensive?
Yes, much like an undergraduate degree, you have to pay course fees and these are expensive. However, if you do your master’s at the same university that you did your undergraduate degree at, you could be entitled to an alumni discount. This means if you stay here in Lincoln, it could be cheaper for you. Different courses have different fees so make sure you check the university website to find out how much the course you want to do will cost.
Will Student Finance help me?
They will, but it is significantly different to the funding you will receive whilst doing an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate funding IS NOT based on your parents’ income. Every student is entitled to a maximum loan of just over £10,000. At first glance this seems like a lot of money, however this money has to be used to cover your course fees and living costs. Before applying to do a master’s, you need to figure out your finances – be prepared to get job over the summer to earn some extra money!
Should I get a job whilst doing a Postgraduate degree?
You know your own financial needs more than I do, so if you think you need a job to meet rent costs, that is your call. Although, you should be aware that you probably won’t have the time to get a full-time job.
Is doing a master’s worth it to get where I need to be?
The answer to this one is difficult because it really depends on what you want to do in the future. Personally, I would like to go into social media marketing. Whilst studying Journalism at undergraduate level has given me an extensive knowledge of social media itself, a postgraduate degree in Marketing will give me the fundamental skills that I need to work in the field. If you’re unsure, speak to a member of the careers department about your options. Alternatively, you could use LinkedIn to find someone who currently works in the position that you’re interested in. Have a look on their profile and see how they got there. Did they do a master’s? Have they got a lot of work experience? Maybe send them a message, they might give you some advice, or maybe even present you with a job opportunity.
Whilst doing a postgraduate degree is certainly right for me, it may not be right for everyone. Have a think about it. Speak with your family members, your friends, your career advisers. Don’t make any rash decisions.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the very best of luck in the future. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve absolutely anything!
This article is featured on Learning at Lincoln.
Please note: This content was created prior to Coronavirus, and some things might be different due to current laws and restrictions. Please refer to the University of Lincoln for the latest information.
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