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Your Postgraduate Study Options

Postgraduate study is a fantastic opportunity to build your CV, develop new knowledge and skills, whilst continuing with your current employment and personal commitments.

But we understand that postgraduate study can seem overwhelming with so many options and qualifications available. We’ve broken it down for you, so you can make the right decision that best suits your career goals and lifestyle.

Let’s start from the beginning…

What is postgraduate study?

A postgraduate degree is a Level 7 qualification that follows an undergraduate degree. Qualifications include masters degrees, postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates and PhDs.

What is a module?

Modules are the building blocks of a course. Each module offers specific skills and knowledge, and many are accredited by leading industry bodies.

Every module carries credit points, which reflect your level of achievement and help determine course costs. These points add up towards your qualification:

  • Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
  • Diploma (120 credits)
  • Masters (180 credits).

What is a postgraduate certificate (PGCert)?

A postgraduate certificate is the shortest taught postgraduate award. You will need to complete 60 credits usually through taught modules, with no dissertation or final project.

What is a postgraduate diploma (PGDip)?

A postgraduate diploma is the second level of a masters education. You will need to complete 120 credits. Typically, you will study the same taught content as a masters, but without the dissertation or final project.

What is a masters?

A Masters is the completion of a full Level 7 award, including a dissertation or final project. You will need to complete 180 credits.

What is a PhD?

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest academic degree award a student can achieve. In most instances students will require a masters degree to apply for a PhD, and will usually have to submit a research proposal alongside their application.

Find out more about the Doctoral College at Ulster University here, which includes information on funded PhDs and self-funded PhDs.

What is a short course?

A short course usually requires a few hours of study per week, and will either introduce you to a new skill, build on existing knowledge or support with Continued Professional Development (CPD).

Many of our courses are recognised by professional bodies and meet industry needs for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). You can also build your qualifications over time to work towards a postgraduate certificate.

Short courses have various starting points throughout the year. Find out more about short courses.

What is a conversion course?

Conversion courses are postgraduate degree programmes designed for people who want to switch careers or move into a different field than the one they may have studied during their undergraduate degree.

You don’t need prior experience in the new subject to apply, making them ideal for anyone looking to fast-track a career change.

Find out more about our conversion courses.

Are there any other postgraduate study options I should consider?

Fully funded ‘Skill up’ courses

The Department for the Economy has funded a selection of short courses and postgraduate certificates as part of the ‘Skill up’ initiative.

These fully funded courses provide reskilling and upskilling opportunities to people across the north which will improve their skills and enhance Northern Ireland’s continuously growing and diversifying economy.

Fully funded masters courses

The Department for the Economy has also funded the course fees for a select number of masters programmes delivered at our Derry~Londonderry campus. Information on these fully funded masters programmes and eligibility criteria can be found here.

How do I choose the right postgraduate course?

Choosing the right postgraduate programme for you will depend on many personal factors, including your career goals, academic ambitions and personal commitments and resources.

All our courses are available to explore online. On each online course page, you’ll find:

  • Programme overview
  • Entry requirements
  • Location
  • Delivery method (e.g. online, on-campus)
  • Fees and finance information
  • Learning outcomes.

On each course page there is a contact form if you would like to be put in touch with the programme director, if you have specific questions relating to the programme content.

Use our course finder and filter options to find the right programme for you. If you need inspiration, you can search by subject area.

Need help deciding?

Contact us to discuss your future goals and ambitions, and we can help you find the right programme for you.