Why study a postgraduate degree

Discover why postgraduate study can elevate your career and expand your horizons

Are you considering postgraduate study? Starting a master's degree can be a transformative decision for your career and personal development. This guide explores five key reasons why postgraduate study could be the perfect next step for you.

Deepen your expertise

A postgraduate degree lets you delve into a specific part of your field, going beyond what you learned in your undergraduate studies. This helps you build expert knowledge and skills in a specialised area, setting you apart from other graduates. After you graduate, you could be highly sought after by companies looking for people with advanced knowledge. Your expertise should allow you to address complex challenges and drive innovation.

Enhance your career prospects

Research shows that people with a postgraduate degree tend to earn more than those with just an undergraduate degree. It can also help open doors to senior roles and leadership positions. Employers value the advanced skills and knowledge that come through further study. Doing a postgraduate course also demonstrates that you have the commitment and skills required for demanding, professional roles.

Many courses at Coventry University allow you to gain practical experience and boost your CV with additional professional practice on campus. This could be through a nine-week internship, or a longer professional placement. These opportunities are a great way to gain valuable industry insights and skills you can showcase to future employers.

Expand your professional network

Postgraduate study can expand your professional network, helping your career in the long term. You'll connect with students, academics and industry professionals and hopefully establish valuable relationships. You'll likely attend conferences, seminars or workshops. These can create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, career opportunities, and even lasting friendships.

“I had the opportunity to attend a couple of career fairs and career workshops, which were great events to network and interact with the legal industry. I had great feedback from various teams in an informal setting.”

Edward Ileomoh, International Commercial Law LLM

Develop transferable skills

Postgraduate study isn't just about building specialised knowledge. It's also an excellent way to develop transferable skills you can use in the workplace. Project management, time management and prioritisation are all skills you can gain during your studies.

Postgraduate study should help you analyse complex information, think critically, spot bias, and make well-informed conclusions. You should learn to refine your research skills and learn to explain complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

“My studies have enhanced my critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and professional competencies, positioning me well for roles in both clinical and research environments.”

Michelle Asiedu, Biomedical Science MSc

Pursue personal and intellectual growth

A postgraduate degree offers a stimulating and challenging environment. It should help you to broaden your intellectual horizons and deepen your self-understanding. You may take part in in-depth academic discussions, explore new ideas, or help push knowledge forward in your field. Postgraduate study can also boost your confidence, resilience, and adaptability—skills that are valuable in any career.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Find your perfect postgraduate course with our course finder.