Is postgraduate study the right step for you?

You’ve finished your degree, and  the question now arises: what comes after a Bachelor’s degree? Some people feel satisfied and head straight into the job market, while others start to wonder whether a Bachelor’s degree is enough in the long run. That’s where postgraduate study comes in.

What is postgraduate study?

What types of postgraduate degrees are there?

How can you choose the right postgraduate programme?

What are the benefits of postgraduate study?

Is postgraduate study the right choice for you?

In short, postgraduate study is any academic or professional programme that builds on an undergraduate qualification. For some, the path is a Bachelor's degree and then straight into a Master’s programme. Others may decide to first enter the job market before returning to higher education.

You might consider postgraduate study if you:

• are aiming for a career that requires advanced qualifications;
• wish to strengthen your position in today´s competitive job market;
• see yourself pursuing academic or research-based opportunities.

If you’ve been asking yourself what comes after a Bachelor's degree, the good news is that there are plenty of paths to explore:

• Master’s degrees – the most common form of postgraduate study, typically lasting one to two years and designed to deepen expertise or allow for a career shift;
• doctoral degrees (PhD/Doctorate) – ideal for those who wish to work in research, academia or highly specialised professional roles;
• professional certifications and diplomas – shorter programmes that focus on practical, career-oriented skills in areas such as business, IT or healthcare.

Deciding on the next step after your Bachelor’s degree depends on your personal circumstances as much as your professional ambitions. Start by asking whether the programme aligns with your career goals. For example, if you want to enter research or academia, a Master’s or doctoral degree may be necessary. If your aim is simply to gain a competitive edge in the workplace, a targeted diploma or certification could be more practical.

You’ll also need to consider finances. Tuition fees, living costs and the potential need for scholarships or part-time work should factor into your decision. Location is another important point - would you like to stay in your home country, or would you prefer the experience of studying abroad? Finally, think about flexibility. For some, a full-time programme is realistic, but others may need to balance their studies with employment, making part-time or distance learning formats the better option.

There are clear advantages to continuing your education. One of the most obvious is career advancement. Many employers prioritise candidates with advanced qualifications when filling senior or specialised positions. Beyond that, postgraduate programmes give you access to a network of peers, professors and industry professionals who can play a pivotal role in your future career.

The financial benefits are also worth noting. Studies consistently show that those with postgraduate qualifications often command higher salaries than those who stopped after a Bachelor’s degree. While money should not be the only motivation, it is an important factor to consider when weighing up the investment.

So, what is postgraduate study, and is it the right move for you? While it demands commitment in terms of time, finances and energy, the rewards can be substantial. If you’ve been asking yourself what comes after a Bachelor's degree, the next step might well be postgraduate study.