The Graduate Blog
Further Study Options – Student Advice
Postgraduate Degrees
When it comes to further study, we are often overwhelmed. Students are unsure where to study, how to apply and, question how they will afford it. Below, I have collated a series of tips and tricks for students to help guide them, and perhaps make their journey down the path of further study a little bit easier.
Postgraduate degrees are becoming increasingly popular in Ireland, with many students seeing the advantages of increasing their knowledge base and becoming a more valuable asset to the workforce.
Universities and technological institutes such as UCD, Trinity, DCU, Maynooth, and DIT are offering an array of courses across many disciplines. Please click on the links below for further details:
- https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/taught-programme
- https://www.smurfitschool.ie/programmes/masters/
- https://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/faculty/
- https://www.tudublin.ie/study/postgraduate/
- https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/
Duration:
Most postgraduate programs take one to two years to complete. Many courses also offer part-time options which may allow you to keep working whilst studying.
Accommodation:
If you choose to complete a masters, it would be wise to consider where you are going to live. While the thoughts of moving away from home and having more freedom is exciting, it is important to find out whether it is actually feasible, and if you can actually afford it. If you would prefer to commute and save up, you should estimate the cost of weekly travel and the length of your journey.
If the thought of spending hours on buses and trains is unappealing to you, you will be glad to hear that many Universities have on-campus accommodation for students to avail of. As well as this, there are numerous websites that can help you find accommodation close by to your college of choice or on a transport route. Some of these websites include:
- https://www.daft.ie/property-for-rent/ireland
- https://www.rent.ie/
- https://www.myhome.ie/rentals/ireland/property-to-rent
Funding:
Postgraduate degrees can be expensive, and many people are torn between investing their hard earned cash or taking out a loan. It is also important to note that some of you may be eligible for Susi grants which can support you during your studies. Tax relief can also be claimed by those who are paying the fees of up to 20%. Traditional student loans are also still an option with banks such as Bank of Ireland offering post graduate loans of up to €14,000.
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Postgraduate Degrees abroad:
If you are yearning to move abroad and experience new cultures, completing a postgraduate degree abroad is something that you should look into. There are an array of excellent universities across Europe, Asia and Australia and it may also provide you with the opportunity of learning a new language.
Diplomas:
Postgraduate Diplomas are a great option for many students. They are often shorter than a master’s programme, but they are a Level 9 qualification. Institutes of technology and Universities in Ireland all offer these courses, and they are usually assessed through exams and coursework.
Professional Exams:
If you are considering entering the world of Law or Accounting, there are certain exams that you should be aware of. FE1 exams are a requirement if you are thinking of becoming a solicitor. They consist of eight exams that cost €150 each and the exams are held twice a year in Spring and Autumn.
Chartered Accountant exams can also be completed. These exams are quite flexible and can be completed at your own pace, or you can choose to do them through a sponsored masters through a graduate programme.
Benefits of further study:
The main benefit of further study is that it increases your job prospects and allows you to specialize and focus on an area that you really enjoy. Another bonus is that after completing your undergrad you may be unsure if you want to have a career in this area. A postgraduate degree allows you to change direction and perhaps study a course that belongs to an entirely different discipline.
I hope the above information was of some help to you all. The links provided should shed some more light on specific queries.
It is important to remember that if you are feeling burnt out after studying for your undergraduate programme, you can always return to education a few years down the line. What is most important, is that you choose an area that you love and will be happy to study!
