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Q1. Do I really want to do a postgraduate
qualification?
A1. This may seem an obvious and important question
to ask yourself. You’d be surprised how many students
undertake a postgraduate qualification because they are
not sure what else to do! This is not necessarily a
problem, but do try to research the available courses
carefully and choose the one best suited to you likely
career aims. You’re far more likely to enjoy the
course if it is something that you really want to do.
Q2. Do I really need a postgraduate qualification?
A2. It is important to research your career options
to see if a postgraduate qualification is necessary.
Some employers view postgraduate qualifications as
highly desirable, whereas others prefer employees with
more practical skills that can be gained from different
sorts of postgraduate experience.
Q3. Can I afford a postgraduate qualification?
A3. Funding postgraduate study can be a problem for
thousands of students who are motivated to continue
their studies. There is no comprehensive funding plan
for postgraduate study in this country, and most Masters
students fund their course fees and living costs
themselves. The average course fee for full-time study
on a Masters degree in Sport and Exercise Science is
likely to be in the range of £3,000 - £3,500 (as of
September 2003). Fees increase dramatically for overseas
students. An exception to this is the Postgraduate
Certificate of Education (PGCE) for which grants are
available and which leads to school-based, teaching
qualification. Funding for PhD study is more likely to
involve grant-aided support or a bursary, but will
involve at least 3 years of study and can be a long
haul! Individuals looking for financial support to
undertake courses of further study are advised to
utilise the publications on the following funding
link, click for more
Q4. Will I earn more money if I have a
postgraduate degree?
A4. It is difficult to generalise, however, postgraduate
degrees are becoming more valuable in the job market. It
has also been shown that in most areas of employment
those with postgraduate qualifications end up earning on
average 20 - 30% more than their undergraduate
counterparts. So a longer-term view may suggest that the
initial financial and intellectual investment is worth
it in the long run.
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