The transition from undergraduate to postgraduate may seem daunting. You might not know where to start, or how different it will be to your undergraduate course. But we are here to help you on your journey to understand the differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study, with tips on how to prepare and how you can study alongside other commitments.
What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study?
There are three key areas where you will notice differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study:
Specialist Knowledge
At PGT or Level 7 study, you’ll dive deeper into your chosen subject, gaining a thorough understanding of the key theories and practices. You’ll also build expertise in the specific methods, frameworks and techniques that matter most to your field.
Proficiency
At this level, you are expected to demonstrate advanced understanding, critical thinking, and application of knowledge within your discipline. You’ll take on complex projects, independent research, and show advanced problem solving skills. The emphasis is on developing you as a specialist in your field.
Autonomy
While you’ve already developed independence as an undergraduate, postgraduate study takes it to the next level. You’ll have the freedom to explore your field through new opportunities of independent research, a dissertation, and critical reviews. This means you’re in control over your own time, workload and overall learning journey.
The right postgraduate degree for you
Study routes
At Edge Hill University we offer three postgraduate study routes: taught Masters, research degrees and PGCEs. Starting here and understanding your options will help you find which route is best suited to you.
Taught Masters
During your studies you will be supported by a Personal Tutor and can expect to attend a combination of seminars and tutorials along with preparing supervised coursework. Some programmes also require the completion of an assessed dissertation and/or an examination.
Research degrees
Studying a research degree will enable you to immerse yourself in a subject you’re passionate about or to independently explore a gap in your area of research.
PGCE
If you are interested in a career in teaching, our PGCEs are perfect for you. With our jam-packed courses, you’ll create engaging lesson plans, get extensive experience in the classroom and continuously evaluate your approach.
Finding the right course
While studying your undergraduate degree, you may have found an area which you want to delve into on a deeper level. Or you could be the complete opposite and find yourself drawn to an area which isn’t considered a general progression. But the good news is that either option is great when considering your options. Studying a postgraduate degree will allow you to focus on a more specific area of a subject. As long as you have the passion for that area, you can thrive at postgraduate level.
Many of our courses have entry requirements based on your undergraduate result rather than the course itself. We recommend visiting our postgraduate course pages, so you can find the exact entry requirements.
I found the style of teaching and coursework very similar to my undergraduate studies. But it was great being able to delve deeper into topics that were only broadly discussed at undergraduate level. Already knowing the basics of referencing made assignments so much easier too. I found more opportunities to work independently which really suited my style of learning and my tutors were always around to help if I needed it.
Anais Brady
I chose to study a different subject than I had previously studied at undergraduate level, however I didn’t feel that this held me back. The tutors are all supportive and are happy to answer any questions. The lectures and available learning resources always provide detailed information on the specific topic, meaning I have access to all the information I need to succeed in my degree.
Lauren Taylor
Not sure what’s right for you?
You don’t have to figure things out alone. Speak to your Personal Tutor. Your tutor is a great starting point to help explore your options, answer your questions, and help guide you on the right path.
The Careers Team is also available to chat about your goals and how postgraduate study could help you get there. Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step. Book an appointment or drop by the Careers Corner in Catalyst (11am – 3pm on weekdays).
If you want to find out more about Edge Hill’s postgraduate courses, you can book a 30-minute one-to-one information session with our postgraduate experts to find the best course or study route for you.
Fitting postgraduate study around your life
Your timetable will vary depending on your course, but they generally have fewer contact hours than your undergraduate degree.
You can also opt to complete your postgraduate degree part-time. This is a great option if you want more flexibility around other commitments. This means you can kickstart your career, earn extra money and be working on a Masters, all at the same time.
And don’t forget, here at Edge Hill we have lots of opportunities to work on campus. Head to the Careers Portal to explore your options.
Finding accommodation
Searching through lists of private rental properties in Ormskirk and not knowing what to expect, is now a thing of the past. Your EHSU have introduced studentpad.
Studentpad is a property portal that is free for the EHU student community. The properties listed are all local to campus and have satisfied the relevant requirements to advertise their properties, such as uploading their current gas safety certificate. Studentpad has been designed to take the stress out of your property search and to enable you to make an informed choice.
Browse properties. Liaise with landlords. And get support along the way. All in one place.
How can you prepare for postgraduate study?
By now you are probably very familiar with the UniSkills team. But did you know they’re still there to support you through your postgraduate degree too? They have an online toolbox: Transitioning to Postgraduate Study. Available 24/7, you can complete the modules at your own pace and feel confident starting your postgraduate course.
Find out more
If you want to find out more, you can:
Apply now for 2025
You can apply for a postgraduate course before you’ve completed your undergraduate degree. Any offers you receive will be subject to you achieving the required undergraduate degree classification. Once you have your results, you’ll need to provide a copy of your degree certificate before starting the course.
You can apply for a taught Masters or research degree online through the Edge Hill website. We recommend referring to your individual course page to access the relevant application form and entry requirements. As an Edge Hill graduate, you may also be eligible for a 20% discount on tuition fees.
For PGCEs, you will need to apply through GOV.UK. Department for Education bursaries up to £29,000 are also available for selected Secondary PGCE programmes.
July 18, 2024
