Whether you are considering a taught masters or a PhD research project, choosing where to study is as important as choosing what to study.
Some of things you need to consider include:
- Research your specialist topic and institutions that offer that topic
- Find out about the supervisor’s national / international reputation and whether the lecturers are or have been practitioners in that area
- Research where previous graduates have gone onto (departments / careers services should be able to give you some information)
- Are there work placements available? It may be worth contacting a few employers to find out their view of certain vocational courses
- Think about which mode of study would suit you best
Based on the above you might consider the following options:
- Staying at your current university. Most universities hold postgraduate open days. If you are considering staying at Birmingham for postgraduate study, it’s a good idea to talk to your academic contacts and current postgraduate students for advice and information. In addition to Postgraduate Open Days there are informal general or college specific events to help you learn more about the options, see events such as Café Masters and Café PhD - find out more about postgraduate study at Birmingham.
- Moving elsewhere in the UK - this might be near your parental home or at an institution that offers more affordable rates for your particular course. Make sure you attend the postgraduate open days/events of the universities in that area - find out more about postgraduate study across the UK.
Top tips for studying abroad
- Make sure you start planning as early as possible. It is recommended that you start your research and planning up to 18 months before the course commences.
- Find out what additional tests you have to sit. Some of the typical tests include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).
- Meet early closing dates for courses as well as deadlines for applications to any funding bodies.
- Find out more about courses and funding opportunities in the USA by attending the seminar days offered by the Fulbright Commission.
Further information on studying abroad can be found on the Graduate Prospects website.