How can you find out about different courses or research possibilities?
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Ireland: the Gradireland website allows you to search all the postgraduate taught courses in Ireland and provides links to each university wbesite
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UK: for postgraduate programmes in the UK the Prospects Web is a good place to start and has links to the universities offering courses
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abroad: If you are considering studying abroad, allow extra time to make arrangements - for some countries applications should be made a year in advance. Check with the embassy of the relevant country. The Prospects website has information on study in different countries. Note that language skills may be required as well as visas and/or resident permits
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Research Opportunities: to find out about research opportunities you need to contact universities directly or check their websites and keep an eye on the national newspapers
Check-list for selecting postgraduate courses
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What is the focus of the course? Does it match your areas of interest?
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Is the course available full-time, part-time or by distance learning?
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What are the fees and possible funding options?
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What jobs have graduates from this course actually gone on to do? Remember that university Careers Services collect information on the first jobs of postgraduates after one year.
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Is the course in the right location? Can you commute or will you have to move area? Does that affect any dependents? Do you need to think about any constraints?
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Are there any constraints such as health or disability that you need to consider? Are there any constraints?
Things to know about application procedures
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Start Now! Allow plenty of time to find out what study and research opportunities exist. What are the academic requirements? What does the application process involve? Is there any financial support available?
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There is no central applications system (like CAO or UCAS) for postgraduate study. Check the application procedure for your course by contacting the institution in question. Check out Prospects web and GradIreland. It is possible to apply online for postgrad courses in the UK on the Prospects website.
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Each institution has its own procedure but generally requires a completed application form, documentary evidence of academic achievements and references
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Some vocational courses have clearing houses - check closing dates, as some are as early as December for courses beginning the following September
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For some vocational courses such as teaching or social work, you may be expected to have gained some relevant work experience before making your application. Getting some exposure to the job shows that you are interested enough to find out more.
