Postgraduate study

A master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate qualification. When you graduate you'll be awarded a master’s-level award such as a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MSc).

A master’s degree gives you the chance to explore a subject at an advanced level, with a view to gaining new skills and advancing your career. It’s shorter than an undergraduate degree but offers more specialist, in-depth content. Most students who undertake a master’s degree will have graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

A master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate qualification. Other types include Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert) and Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip), which are shorter qualifications. They are equivalent to one-third and two-thirds of a master’s degree respectively.

There are also other postgraduate qualifications that are more advanced than master’s degrees. These are known as doctorate-level qualifications, the most popular of which is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

A postgraduate degree is an advanced qualification it can help you to gain new skills, advance your career or pursue a specific area of interest.

You'll usually need to be a graduate before you can apply for a postgraduate course. So you'll have already completed an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc).

A master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate degree, typically taking one year to complete full-time or two to three years part-time. On successful completion, you will be awarded a master’s-level qualification, such as the Master of Arts (MA) or the Master of Science (MSc).

There are two main types of postgraduate degrees at master’s level – postgraduate taught (PGT) courses and postgraduate research (PGR) courses. The first is similar in format to what you’ll of experienced at undergraduate level. With your studies consisting of a programme of taught sessions as well as a mixture of assignments, independent study and exams. The second involves working on a single in-depth research project and for those considering a career in academia/research.

What does ‘postgraduate’ mean?

A graduate is someone who has successfully completed an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc). A degree at a more advanced level than a bachelor’s (such as a master’s degree or doctorate) is known as a postgraduate qualification.

An undergraduate student someone who is currently studying an undergraduate degree. After completing it they become a graduate of the University.

A postgraduate qualification offers a more advanced, in-depth level of study. Individuals normally need to have completed an undergraduate qualification and achieved graduate status before they are accepted to embark on a postgraduate qualification.

A postgraduate student is someone who is currently studying a postgraduate qualification.

To apply for one of our postgraduate taught programmes, you will need to complete our postgraduate online application form.

Before you get started, you will need a few details to hand to complete your application. This includes your personal details, any transcript information from your undergraduate study and referee information. You may also be required to write a personal statement to show evidence of a prior interest in the subject or profession.

If you are experiencing any issues with completing the online application form, please contact our Admissions team:

pgapplications@uclan.ac.uk
+44(0)1772 892444

A master’s degree can be a great way of continuing your professional development. You can gain new skills and knowledge which will enable you to advance your career. With many of our courses, you can opt to study full-time, part-time or online through distance learning. Which means you can fit your studies around your work and family commitments.

It’s a significant investment in your future. But research has shown that individuals with a postgraduate degree tend to earn more than individuals with only an undergraduate degree over their working lifetime.

Many of our courses are accredited and approved by leading professional bodies. This enables you to gain industry recognition as well as a degree. Your qualification could count towards registration with a professional organisation. And even let you gain extra qualifications alongside your degree. Helping to boost your career prospects and earning potential.

You may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the Government to help with the costs of study. You’ll only need to start repaying the loan when your income is over a certain amount. If you’re a UK student who gained your undergraduate degree with us, you may be eligible for our Alumni Loyalty Discount which entitles you to 20% off your tuition fees.

Read these helpful articles for further information:

• Should I do a master’s?
• Why study postgraduate?

If you’re a UK student you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the Government to help you with course fees and living costs. You can get extra support if you have a disability. For more information visit the Government’s Gov.uk website.

If you’re a UK student who gained your undergraduate degree with us, you may be eligible for our Alumni Loyalty Discount which entitles you to 20% off your tuition fees.

You may also be entitled to extra support if you’re experiencing financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances. Or if you have financially dependent children or caring responsibilities. Take a look at our bursaries and scholarships webpage.

Visit our fees and finance pages for our latest tuition fees and payment options.

Visit our fees and finance page for full details.

The cost of a postgraduate taught (PGT) master’s degree varies by course and study mode, so it is always worth checking the fees on the course you want to study.

There may be extra costs involved (if you undertake a placement, for instance, or for the purchase of course-related equipment). You'll be told about any additional costs before you start the course.

If you’re a part-time UK student you can opt to pay for the individual modules you study, it's worth checking on the course page how much each module costs.

If you’re a UK student who gained your undergraduate degree with us, you may be eligible for our Alumni Loyalty Discount, which entitles you to 20% off your tuition fees.

If you’re planning to study a postgraduate research course take a look at our ‘How much will your postgraduate research cost?’ page.

For postgraduate taught (PGT) courses we accept applications from UK students all year round. Visit our how to apply for a postgraduate course page for more information.

If you’re an international student you may need to apply by a specific deadline. The deadline for January 2023 entry is 1 December 2022. The deadline for September 2023 entry is 1 July 2023. Visit our how to apply to university in the UK page for more information.

If you’re applying for a postgraduate research (PGR) course take a look at our How to apply for postgraduate research page. Application deadlines vary depending on whether you wish to start in January, March or September.

When are offers for postgraduate courses made?

Your application will be reviewed by University academic colleagues to assess your suitability for the course. We’ll take into account your skills, knowledge and work experience to date. As well as your current career aspirations and motivations for undertaking the course. We'll do this using the personal statement you submit alongside your application. For some courses, you may be invited to an interview or asked to submit a portfolio of your work to help us reach a decision. We’ll be in touch soon to inform you of our decision.

In the meantime, you'll receive emails from us containing useful information about the postgraduate student experience, accommodation and how to enrol.