postgraduate education

• Home »
• Advice »
• Postgraduate Study Advice »

What Is A Postgraduate Degree? A Definition and Guide

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

One thing that all postgraduate degrees have in common is that they allow you to continue your studies in a specialised subject, and mostly require an undergraduate degree in order to be considered for entry.

Postgraduate degrees are taken for a number of different reasons, such as to move into academia and research or specialise in a career path. Some people choose to complete a postgraduate degree to change study or career paths entirely. 

There are a lot of different aspects involved in postgraduate education. If you are considering expanding your knowledge with a postgraduate degree, it’s important to understand the details.  This guide covers everything you need to know about postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate degree versus graduate degree

So, what is the difference between a postgraduate degree and a graduate degree? The answer is nothing! The term 'graduate degree' tends to be more widely used in America, whilst 'postgraduate degree' is usually the preferred terminology in the UK. But both terms mean the same thing – and refer to degrees undertaken after completion of an undergraduate or bachelors degree, for example a masters degree or PhD program. 

Masters degree

A masters degree is one of the most common postgraduate courses completed after undergraduate study. This postgraduate qualification can take a number of different forms, but what they all have in common is that they usually require an undergraduate degree to gain entry. These forms of postgraduate degree include:

Masters of Arts (MA)

Masters of Science (MSc)

Masters of Philosophy (MPhil)

Masters of Research (MRes)

Masters of Engineering (MEng)

The majority of masters courses require a thesis or dissertation to graduate in addition to any coursework. In the UK, most masters courses are a year in length, apart from some professional masters courses such as Masters of Architecture (MArch) which are generally between two and three years. Most masters courses in the US are also a year in length and many masters courses in Europe are two years in length. 

MA, MSc and MPhil

Masters degrees are gained either through a taught or research course . In a taught masters, students are awarded a Masters of Arts (MA) , Masters of Science (MSc) or a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) . 

MA and MSc are the two most common types of postgraduate degrees. MA courses focus on arts and humanities subjects, whereas MSc degrees focus on STEM subject areas.

There are variations between countries, for example in Scotland students can study a Masters of Letters (MLitt) in subjects such as Creative Writing , History and Theology. 

Postgraduate degrees can also include a Masters of Research (MRes) , available through research based study, and these are awarded entirely on the basis of your own independent research. The designation of a masters course is important as for some subjects it shows the emphasis of the course as some subjects such as Anthropology can have courses with radically different approaches depending on the designation of the degree. 

MArch and MEng

Some masters courses like an MArch or a Masters of Engineering (MEng) are taken after completing the relevant undergraduate course with a long-term view to qualify as an Architect or Engineer. These masters programs are essential parts of the qualification routes and those who wish to become architects or engineers must complete them to be able to practise in their chosen career.

Other masters courses are about specialising or focussing on a career choice, especially those in the law or medical professionals. There are some masters courses that are for those graduates who already have a first degree but wish to retrain in another subject, such as a Masters in Town Planning or Journalism, for these courses it is assumed that the student has a number of academic skills that are transferable to the new subject.

Apply for one of our x5 bursaries worth £2,000

We've launched our new Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries for 2024. Full-time, part-time, online and blended-learning students eligible. 2024 & 2025 January start dates students welcome. Study postgraduate courses in any subject taught anywhere worldwide.

A PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) is the highest level of postgraduate qualification available that can be studied. This advanced postgraduate degree involves an element of both research and working at an institution.

The majority of students who go on to complete a PhD have already undertaken a masters course in a relevant subject. Often, this will be an MPhil or MRes, but this is not exclusively the case. It is mostly those who wish to go into academic research or teaching who decide to complete PhDs. The whole point of a PhD is further specialisation and it's not an option for changing career path.

Postgraduate diploma 

Postgraduate Diplomas are taught courses that do not require students to complete a dissertation or thesis. This type of postgraduate qualification offers the same level of study as a masters degree, but is completed over a shorter period of time because it doesn’t require a dissertation.

If you undertake a masters course but do not complete the dissertation this is the postgraduate qualification that you will probably find yourself finishing with. Postgraduate Diplomas can be a great way for those who are unsure about whether they need or want to complete a full masters course, whilst still finishing with a postgraduate-level qualification to specialise their knowledge and career skills.

There are some UK professions, such as teaching , that involve a Postgraduate Diploma ( PGCE in Education ) that allows graduates who did not study teaching to quickly qualify in an education profession. 

Postgraduate certificate

Postgraduate Certificates are similar to postgraduate diplomas, in that they do not require the completion of a dissertation or thesis in order to get the final qualification. This postgraduate course allows students to gain specialised knowledge in their chosen area in a shorter amount of time. A Postgraduate Certificate is shorter than a Postgraduate Diploma, making it one of the shortest postgraduate qualifications to attain.

Applying for a postgraduate degree

There are two main ways to apply for a postgraduate degree in the UK. One is via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which is the centralised system for students studying an undergraduate degree at a UK university. The other, and more common way to apply for a postgraduate degree is directly through the university. Once you have found the postgraduate degree that you want to apply for, check with the university’s admissions department and find out how best to proceed with your application.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for postgraduate degrees will vary depending on the level of qualification, the course and the university. In most cases, you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree in order to obtain a postgraduate degree, although some postgraduate qualifications may accept students who have a suitable level of work experience in the subject area.

Higher postgraduate level qualifications, such as a PhD will usually require you to have both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in order to have a place on the course. You should always check the specific course requirements when choosing a postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate degrees: summary

A postgraduate degree is an excellent way to specialise, retrain and develop new skills in your chosen subject and career path. Postgraduate degrees tend to be shorter than undergraduate degrees, letting you efficiently gain further qualifications once acquiring basic academic skills from an undergraduate degree. 

Further postgraduate study gives students the opportunity to learn and gain a deep understanding of their chosen subject and is well worth the time and money . Having a postgraduate qualification can also help improve your future career prospects, since you have demonstrated both a deeper understanding of a subject area, and a determination to complete further academic studies.

Our bursary winner & funding opportunity

Alice Tucker is a 21-year-old student studying an MA in Human Rights at the University of Manchester. She experienced a whole range of emotions when she discovered she was being awarded one of our bursaries, saying, “I was shocked but extremely grateful. Masters degrees are very difficult to fund and I was working two part-time jobs during the final year of my undergraduate degree to save up for this. Even with those savings, I am constantly thinking about how I will make my money last. Having this bursary will definitely remove that pressure for me so that I can focus on studying for my degree.”

Related articles

What Is The Difference Between Graduate & Postgraduate Programs?

What is a Masters Degree?

What is a PhD?

Postgraduate Diploma

What is an MBA?

Master of Arts: What is an MA?

Master of Science: What is an MSc?

Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries

Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news

Sign up now!

Take 2 minutes to sign up to PGS student services and reap the benefits…

• The chance to apply for one of our 5 PGS Bursaries worth £2,000 each
• Fantastic scholarship updates

Getty Images

College alumni who excelled throughout their undergraduate experience often possess a love of learning that can make them a good fit for a graduate program, higher education experts say.

Graduate school students need to meet a higher academic standard than undergraduates, experts say. To thrive in a graduate program, they also need purpose, focus and passion.

"Grad school is a lot more focused and specialized than college," Michelle Vakman, director of admissions at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies in New York, wrote in an email. "Students don't often change majors, and classes are targeted toward a specific field or area of study."

Grad programs appeal to students who are fascinated by a specific academic subject and committed to working in a field where a graduate degree is valuable, experts explain.

"The main difference between undergrad and grad school is that the student has an opportunity to focus on the subjects he (or) she enjoys the most," Helen Godfrey, a senior career development specialist at the University of Houston's Bauer College of Business who has a master's degree in counseling, wrote in an email. "The coursework is more intense but the student will find that he (or) she really enjoys the topics so it can be an invigorating challenge."

Graduate students are expected to not only absorb information and gain knowledge, but also to conduct their own research, make unique discoveries and produce compelling scholarship, says Tamara Underiner, an associate dean for professional development and engagement at the Arizona State University Graduate College.

"In college you acquire knowledge," Underiner wrote in an email. "As you progress through the levels of higher education, you master and then become the producer of knowledge. It's this growing sense of agency, accompanied by experience, that allows wisdom to grow."

Should You Go to Grad School? How to Decide

Although this type of advanced education can be fulfilling and valuable, it is not appropriate for everyone.

"If a student is not sure what they want to do, graduate school is probably not a wise idea, because it does not provide opportunities for career exploration like the bachelor’s degree does," Jillene Seiver, a senior lecturer in psychology and an associate chair in the school of psychology at Eastern Washington University , wrote in an email.

What a Fellowship Is and Why It Matters

Ilana Kowarski Nov. 18, 2022

People who found the academic workload of bachelor's degree courses to be extremely challenging may not be prepared to handle the rigors of grad school. But college alumni who excelled throughout their undergraduate experience often possess a love of learning that can make them a good fit for a graduate program, higher education experts say.

However, even individuals who thrived in college ought to reflect on whether a graduate credential will help them in their career before applying to graduate school, according to experts.

What's key for success in grad school is a sense of purpose, says Jody Britten, a co-founder at SheLeadsEdu, an organization that provides career advice and training to women working in the education sector.

Grad school students are most successful "when they know what they are very passionate about ... . If they're going to grad school because they feel like they need to go to grad school or they don't know what they're going to do or they just want a pay raise, that's when it doesn't pay off," says Britten, who has a Ph.D. in education. "That's when we don't see them completing their degree."

What Are the Different Types of Graduate Programs?

There are numerous graduate credentials, including some that can be obtained quickly and others that require substantial time.

Universities sometimes offer short, nondegree postbaccalaureate certificates and diplomas that can be completed within a few months. In contrast, master's programs last for at least one academic year while doctoral programs generally require multiple years of study.

A master's education builds on the knowledge gained via a bachelor's. A master's degree typically precedes a doctoral degree, since the latter is ordinarily the most advanced credential available within an academic discipline.

There are two types of doctorates. Applied doctorates focus on using existing knowledge to solve real-world problems and prepare future industry leaders. Research doctorates address open questions within a particular academic discipline and train future scholars.

"Graduate school can mean many things," Pierre Huguet, CEO of the H&C Education admissions consulting firm, wrote in an email. "There's a big difference between starting an M.S. or M.A. program, going to law or business school and embarking on the five- to seven-year journey that is a Ph.D."

Here are a few examples of graduate degrees and how long full-time programs typically last:

• Master of Science, or M.S., degree: one to two years
• Master of Arts, or M.A., degree: one to two years
• Master of Business Administration, or MBA, degree: two years
• Master of Fine Arts, or MFA, degree: two to three years
• Juris Doctor, or J.D., degree: three years
• Doctor of Medicine, or M.D., degree: four years
• Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D. degree: six years

The word "terminal" is sometimes used to describe degrees, but the meaning of the term depends on the context. Generally speaking, terminal refers to a degree that indicates mastery of a particular subject, which is typically the most advanced academic qualification available in a field. Although experts sometimes disagree about which degrees fall into this category, there is consensus around the idea that doctorates qualify. Sometimes, though, when a degree is described as "terminal," it is simply because that degree is or could conceivably become the final step in a student's educational journey.

Grad School and the Job Market

A graduate degree is mandatory or highly beneficial for certain careers .

"If you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, for example, you will need to continue your education past college," says Huguet. "Additionally, certain post-graduate programs, such as MBAs , often provide students with important networking opportunities that can be as important professionally as the education students receive at business school. If you want to go into academia or conduct advanced research, you will most likely need a Ph.D."

However, grad school isn't necessarily ideal for "natural entrepreneurs," Huguet says. "I know many students who founded successful businesses while in college, and chose to work for themselves full-time after graduating. For these kinds of individuals, I believe graduate degrees ... are a waste of time and money."

Prospective grad students should think carefully about their career goals before applying to grad schools, Huguet recommends. "Begin by asking yourself what kind of career you’d like to pursue, and then do some research to see what kinds of degrees are necessary for your dream job. In some cases, advanced degrees are not necessary, but can lead to higher salaries and better positions."

Prospective doctoral students should also assess the job market within their potential field of study.

"A Ph.D. in biology may lead to more options down the road than a Ph.D. in German Literature, for example," Huguet says. "If your goal is to teach German at the college level, go for the Ph.D., but understand that your degree may not be particularly useful outside of academia."

How Does Graduate School Compare to College?

A common misconception about graduate school is that it is similar to college. But higher education experts say that graduate courses tend to involve more self-directed learning than undergraduate courses.

"Too often, college students or people who only have had a college experience somehow think that graduate school is going to be more of the same, and it's not," says Thomas Plante, a professor of psychology at Santa Clara University in California and an adjunct faculty member at the California-based Stanford University. "It's going to look very different. So students might be tired of sitting in small plastic seats in large lecture halls and listening to professors drone on and then taking tests and things like that, and they don't realize that often graduate school is not that way at all."

Plante says graduate courses tend to involve small classes as opposed to large lectures, and grad students typically engage in academic research outside of the classroom.

Luz Claudio, a professor in the environmental medicine and public health department of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, says graduate school typically requires significant motivation and personal accountability, since students frequently work independently.

"There's generally no 'homework,' quizzes and few exams in most graduate programs," Claudio wrote in an email. "So students need to learn to be motivated to study because they want to learn instead of being motivated by the threat of exams or grades."

Many graduate programs require students to create and submit a faculty-approved dissertation, portfolio or thesis in order to qualify for a degree.

"In the graduate school setting, the teacher becomes more like a mentor and the student is more like an apprentice," Claudio says.

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

10 Steps to Tackle a Low GRE Score

Tags: graduate schools , education , students

You May Also Like

Tips while awaiting med school decision.

Zach Grimmett March 19, 2024

2024 Best Grad Schools Rankings Coming

Robert Morse and Eric Brooks March 19, 2024

Tips for Aspiring Lawyers in High School

Gabriel Kuris March 18, 2024

4 Surprising MBA Application Mistakes

Andrew Warner March 18, 2024

Types of Doctors Premeds Can Become

Jarek Rutz March 14, 2024

Applying to Law School as a Minority

Sammy Allen March 14, 2024

Law School Websites: What to Look for

Gabriel Kuris March 12, 2024

Are You Too Old for Medical School?

Kathleen Franco, M.D., M.S. March 12, 2024

How to Get a Great MBA Recommendation

Cole Claybourn March 8, 2024

MBA Waitlist Strategy: What to Do Next

Andrew Warner March 6, 2024

• Skip to main content
• All Articles
• Study abroad info Articles
• Study abroad info Applying to university

• Choosing where to study
• Choosing a subject
• Financing your studies
• Getting your visa
• Before you leave
• Housing & accommodation
• Once you arrive
• Post-study life

What is postgraduate education?

What is postgraduate education? What qualifications can you study at postgraduate level? Learn this and more in our guide to postgraduate study....

Postgraduate education is any higher education undertaken after a bachelor’s degree. Usually this will be a requirement to get onto a postgraduate course. This is a step up from what an undergrad would have studied and is an opportunity to focus on a particular area.

In an increasingly competitive graduate climate, a postgraduate qualification can distinguish you from other candidates who are chasing the same job positions.

In the US, postgraduate education is referred to as ‘graduate education’ and would be undertaken by a grad student at a grad school. Alternatively, students will move on to medical school, law school or business school to study these specific areas.

What’s the difference between taught and research courses?

A taught course is similar to your undergraduate degree in that it is taught by a professor and you are assessed on this subject. Research courses are far more independent and emphasise students going away to work on their own on an original piece. In both cases you may be required to attend particular classes; the difference being that on a research course, attendance of these classes and any assignments relating to them won’t be used to determine your final grade (instead your final piece of research will determine this).

Types of postgraduate qualification

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas

Certificates and diplomas at postgraduate level are usually more vocational in nature and are tailored to a specific professional area. They are also shorter and less intensive than a postgraduate degree. Students can expect to study for a postgraduate certificate for 15 weeks and a postgraduate diploma for 6-12 months (both if studied full-time).

For more information on postgraduate certificates, you can consult  The Big Choice .

Master’s degree

A master’s degree is the most common postgraduate qualification and is usually referred to as a graduate degree in America. It can be either research-based, a taught course or a combination of the two. Traditionally Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) courses are taught courses, while master’s courses by research will include Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (an MSc can also be a research course). A master’s in business is referred to as an ‘MBA’.

A master’s degree will usually last 1 to 2 years full-time. If a taught course, it will be similar in nature to an undergraduate course i.e. taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials. A master’s will be assessed by thesis at the end of the course (though this will be much shorter than a thesis written at PhD level).

Doctorate (PhD)

A PhD or Doctorate is a research degree studied after completion of a master’s degree. A PhD lasts for 3 to 4 years full-time and is based around a much more extensive original piece of research by the student. Unlike previous study where there is more of a distinction between student and professor, PhD students work alongside their supervisor on their research which ties into what that institution’s department is already focused on. PhD students can also work as teaching assistants, teaching undergraduate classes and marking undergrad work.

Read our full guide to PhDs here .

How are postgraduate courses taught & assessed?

As mentioned above, postgraduate courses are structured differently from undergraduate courses. Yes, there are some similarities between undergraduate courses and taught postgraduate courses; however, there is a heavier emphasis on students conducting themselves as serious academics, working on their own original research. This idea is helped by the fact that they can work as teaching assistants, attend conferences as speakers and are more likely to socialise with their supervisors.

Taught postgraduate courses will be assessed through exams and oral presentations in addition to the thesis. However, the final grade for PhD students will mainly revolve around a considerably longer thesis only.

Eligibility criteria

In almost all cases you’ll need at least a 2:1 bachelor’s degree in a related subject (from an accredited higher education institution) in order to study a postgraduate course. You can  take a pre-masters  course if you are missing some of the required skills and knowledge. There may even be conversion courses to help you switch study paths; if you have an undergraduate degree you have proved that you have the key qualities to study at postgraduate level, so a conversion course fills in the requisite knowledge to study a new subject at postgraduate level.

If English isn’t your native language, you will also have to meet the English requirements for the course you are applying to.

Want to learn more about the  IELTS  and  TOEFL tests ?

Please note that it’s not uncommon for postgraduate courses to require slightly higher English language entry requirements than a similar course at undergraduate level at the same university.

Some international students may need to take additional standardised tests depending on the subject they wish to study or where they want to study.

You may also have to go through an interview and demonstrate that you have the funds to finance your studies abroad when applying and secure the correct student visa.

Postgraduate application process

Compared to undergraduate applications, the deadlines for postgraduate applications can be considerably less strict in many countries; this is because fewer students apply to postgraduate study. Some deadlines are just a few months before the commencement of the course. However, sometimes the admissions processing times for postgraduate applications can take longer than they would at undergraduate level, so you may have to wait longer to find out if your offer has been accepted. You should always confirm these important deadlines with the institution themselves (this might be  a question you ask a university ).

It is always a good idea to submit your application as soon as possible so the course you’re applying to doesn’t run out of spaces and your application is in well before the deadline.

Read our full guide to  Applying to postgraduate study .

Search for a course

IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which should you take?

  All international students who want to study in an English-speaking country must show they have the required level of English. There are a few English language exams that are accepted by universities all over the world. We’re going to focus on two of these: IELTS and TOEFL.   Before we continue, let’s look at what these names mean. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign

Top 20 FAQs about the IELTS exam

What is the IELTS exam? The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language exam which is recognised worldwide by more than 11,000 universities, employers and immigration government bodies. The IELTS test explained   What are the benefits of the IELTS test? As mentioned above, the IELTS exam is recognised all over the world and is used for university education and immigration purposes. It’s

Applying to university: Essential documents you need

You’ll learn as an international student, that nothing can be done unless you can successfully prove who you are. In countries where immigration policy and security are of utmost importance, this can be easier said than done, with long procedures involving lots of paperwork and waiting.   Originals vs. Copies However, you can make things a lot easier for yourself if you keep to hand a file containing the following important documentation. This

What are the benefits of the IELTS test?

As a prospective international student, you’ll know the importance of demonstrating your English language proficiency as part of the university application process. You’ll also know that several English language tests can be included as part of the entry requirements. With all of these options available, you may wonder what sets them apart, and what makes IELTS so popular. We're here to answer these questions and more, explaining the benefits of an IELTS test.

Get in touch

• Future Students
• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff

Together, we are Improving lives through learning

You are here, stanford graduate school of education is dedicated to solving education's greatest challenges. through rigorous research, model training programs and partnerships with educators worldwide, we're pursuing equitable, accessible and effective learning for all..

We offer undergraduate, MA, PhD and professional learning programs

Learn how to apply

Develop expertise and produce relevant research that improves understanding, policies and practice.

Advance your knowledge and skills to become a leading agent for positive change in classrooms and beyond.

Undergraduate

Engage in a vibrant learning community centered on scholarship that improves lives.

Professional

Grow your career with high-quality programs online and on-campus.

Our multidisciplinary faculty are leaders in research and teaching

Faculty Profiles

See all News and Media

Our Community

Our faculty, students, alumni and staff focus on improving lives through learning, teaching, discovery and innovation.

Learn more about who we are

Diego Garcia, MA '18 Learning Design and Technology

Helping students improve their networking skills

Emily J. Levine, Associate Professor

Studying history to innovate the future

COVID-19 information and resources

Stanford Graduate School of Education

482 Galvez Mall Stanford, CA 94305-3096 Tel: (650) 723-2109

Improving lives through learning

• Contact Admissions
• GSE Leadership
• Site Feedback
• Web Accessibility
• Career Resources
• Faculty Open Positions
• Explore Courses
• Academic Calendar
• Office of the Registrar
• Cubberley Library
• StanfordWho
• StanfordYou

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .

Degrees and Programs

Residential Master's in Education

Immersive campus experience for aspiring and established educators, leaders, and innovators, with five distinct programs to choose from.

Online Master's in Education

Part-time, career-embedded program, delivered online, for experienced educators looking to advance their leadership in higher education or pre-K–12.

Doctor of Education Leadership

Preparing transformative leaders to have the capacity to guide complex organizations, navigate political environments, and create systemic change in the field of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Training cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines, generate knowledge, and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

What type of postgraduate courses can you take?

Prospective postgraduate students have a diverse array of options, ranging from taught to research programmes, phds to master’s.

You should ask yourself what type of postgraduate programme you wish to follow. Photograph: iStock

If you are considering doing a postgraduate degree , there is a lot more to consider than the course subject. You will have to differentiate between what type of courses are on offer and, more particularly, to ensure your course has credibility in the labour market. And this can be a big challenge.

But before you decide what you want to study , you should ask yourself what type of programme you wish to follow: research or taught.

Taught programmes

Taught postgraduate courses can be a continuation of your undergraduate studies or in an entirely new area. The length of a course usually determines its qualification. A higher certificate is generally a 30-credit programme over six modules. A graduate diploma is generally 60 credits and the master’s degree requires 90 credits. Taught master’s often include a research component, possibly during summer and, in some cases, in an industry setting.

Research programmes

Research master’s, including MLitts, generally take 15 months to four years, depending on whether it’s full-time or part-time. If you choose a research-based course, explore the courses in your research area and the quality of the support and supervision offered. You can contact potential employers in your research area for views on the programme’s strengths. Finding out the labour market’s opinion of the quality of support and supervision at this stage will pay dividends when engaging with potential employers near completion of your programme.

How the Dublin language school visa scam works: €1,150 paid to a Revolut account for fake letters

Irish ‘ghost student’ visa scam raises alarm in Dublin language schools

‘I became a role model’: Mother completes the third-level journey only 1.4% of her community makes

Plan to oblige teachers to assess disabled children’s needs will ‘overwhelm’ schools

Some master’s programmes will facilitate an immediate transfer on to a PhD.

A doctorate takes a minimum of three years. The topic is determined by your area of interest and those of your supervisor. Some PhDs are designed for the lone scholar under the direction of a single expert supervisor. There are also structured PhDs where groups of students come together for transferable skills. Talk to the programme director to get help deciding which structure best

Quality, credibility and information sources

Ensuring quality and recognition are essential considerations when choosing a postgraduate programme. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an agency of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is responsible for the 10 level National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and for assuring quality of programmes in Ireland.

QQI works closely with education and training providers such as universities, technological universities and institutes of technology that offer validated programmes and make their own awards in line with established quality assurance guidelines. The validation of a programme assures its quality and value and ensures its recognition in the NFQ. Postgraduate programmes will lead to qualifications at level 9 on the NFQ. QQI works with private or independent higher education colleges whose programmes are validated by QQI, with students achieving QQI awards.

All these awards are referenced on the NFQ for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and are listed by the higher education institutions on their websites.

QQI manages the Irish Register of Qualifications, a new information source irq.ie which lists 8,000 qualifications, more than 300 providers and 11,500 programmes they offer which lead to qualifications recognised across all levels of the NFQ. This register is a definitive source of all quality-assured courses and is gathered from all providers and QQI.

Additionally, the qualifax.ie website has information about 3,314 postgraduate opportunities in Ireland, including those not validated by QQI such as courses in Northern Ireland that fall outside QQI’s remit.

Qualifax lists almost 2,000 postgraduate programmes at level 9 master’s and level 10 PhD in 47 institutions in Ireland. These range from accounting in UCD to zoology in NUI Galway. The Qualifax website is a vital information source for all postgraduate courses in Ireland. Updated annually, you can search for programmes under a range of criteria, location, cost and key search words relevant to your area of interest. Qualifax also lists programmes at private colleges and courses leading to qualifications awarded by external awarding bodies such as universities in the UK.

Aside from programmes included in the Irish Register of Qualifications and Qualifax, reputable postgraduate degrees are offered online by top- ranking universities worldwide.

Unfortunately, there are also some worthless postgrad offerings online from colleges with little or no academic credibility. So, for those considering programmes not validated by QQI or a similar awarding body, buyer beware.

ENIC-NARIC centres

If you are considering studying or working outside <NO1>of<NO>Ireland, you can get advice about recognition of your qualification in another country.

The European Network of Information Centres and National Academic Recognition Information Services (Enic-Naric Centres) in the relevant country is invaluable if you are considering studying abroad. Naric Ireland provides free advice on foreign qualifications and there are centres across Europe providing similar advice at enic-naric.net .

At EU level QQI’s course information from the Irish Register of Qualifications is linked to the European Commission website Europass.

Information about courses in all EU member states can be accessed from the upgraded Europass platform in all EU languages including Irish. The Europass platform offers an excellent free career planning tool with a personal e-portfolio and digital resources for storing your credentials online safely. See europass.ie.

UK and EU options

For courses in NI and the UK, ucas.com has a comprehensive postgrad section. There are also a growing number of postgraduate programmes taught through English in European universities. See eunicas.ie .

Online, highly reputable postgrads are offered by bodies such as the Open University and prestigious universities.

What are students looking for?

Students could be said to fall into one of the following categories: progression students, who wish to become more expert in their bachelor subject; conversion students, who have a degree in one area but want to add skills and knowledge from another; and professional students, who want the qualification that goes with a particular graduate course. This third group generally have a career path mapped out, so the choice may be more about where to study and when. The first two groups often start to think of postgraduate options around this time of year when they are in their final year of study.

Job-ready courses

The high-quality Stem graduates emerging from universities and ITs have opportunities, but competition has increased so many go on to graduate level to enhance their skill set.

Many colleges offer internships as part of taught master’s, particularly in Stem subjects. Science graduates with a background in life sciences or chemistry, and thinking about setting up on their own, may consider a hybrid conversion degree such as an MSc in biotechnology and business, including completing a business plan with a biotechnology company.

As a hub of biotechnology, Ireland is a good place for science graduates and an increasing number of international students are enrolling here.

Biotechnology master’s and doctorate programmes with internships are offered by DCU, UCC, NUI Galway and TUD.

• See our new project Common Ground , Evolving Islands: Ireland & Britain
• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Our In The News podcast is now published daily – Find the latest episode here

Brian Mooney

Brian Mooney is a guidance counsellor and education columnist. He contributes education articles to The Irish Times

IN THIS SECTION

Government is failing technological universities. can they be saved, actor emmet bergin, best known for role in rté series glenroe, dies, dublin publican puts up €20,000 gate at city laneway after drug use, assaults and dumping, who trolled amber review: relentless dig beneath johnny depp vs amber heard libel case makes a staggering revelation, refurbished former stables in heart of ranelagh for €545,000, the dropout review: rise and fall of silicon valley darling elizabeth holmes told with riveting verve, latest stories, israel-hamas war: blinken heads to middle east for sixth time in gaza diplomacy push, trump’s image and vanity suffer blow as civil fraud case puts him in a $464m bond, kingspan faces potential fines while revenue secures €750m in settlements, garda spends €250,000 on drones ahead of legislation permiting use in policing, limerick hurler kyle hayes to be sentenced for violent disorder.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

• © 2023

Key Competences and New Literacies

From Slogans to School Reality

• Maria Dobryakova   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9475-5476 0 ,
• Isak Froumin   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9228-3770 1 ,
• Kirill Barannikov   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5182-9458 2 ,
• Gemma Moss 3 ,
• Igor Remorenko   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8775-4248 4 ,
• Jarkko Hautamäki 5

Institute of Education, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia

You can also search for this editor in PubMed   Google Scholar

Head of the Observatory of Higher Education Innovations, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany

Moscow city university, moscow, russia, university college london, london, uk, university of helsinki, helsinki, finland.

• Includes case studies from 8 countries on the competence-turn in the curriculum
• Describes pedagogical approaches to foster 21st century skills
• Outlines the components of environmental literacy

Part of the book series: UNIPA Springer Series (USS)

2023 Accesses

5 Altmetric

• Table of contents

About this book

Editors and affiliations, about the editors, bibliographic information.

• Publish with us

Buying options

• Available as EPUB and PDF
• Read on any device
• Instant download
• Own it forever
• Durable hardcover edition
• Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
• Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check for access.

Table of contents (15 chapters)

Front matter, introduction.

• Maria Dobryakova, Isak Froumin

The World Is Changing, and Education Is Changing with It

A framework of key competences and new literacies.

• Maria Dobryakova, Isak Froumin, Gemma Moss, Norbert Seel, Kirill Barannikov, Igor Remorenko

Canada (Ontario): A Unifying Theme for Canadian Education Is Equity

• Michele Peterson-Badali, Elisabeth Rees-Johnstone, Evelyn Wilson, Bev Freedman, Denese Belchetz, Karen Grose et al.

China: Fostering Students with All-round Attainments in Moral, Intellectual, Physical and Aesthetic Grounding

• Huanhuan Xia, You You

England: Knowledge, Competences and Curriculum Reform—Why the English Case Stands Out

• Gemma Moss, Ann Hodgson, Susan Cousin

Republic of Korea: Cultivating Key Competences

• Junehee Yoo, Euichang Choi, Dongil Kim, Kyunghee So, Chan-Jong Kim, Il Lee et al.

Finland: Improving Pupils’ Opportunities for Experiencing the Joy of Learning, for Deep Learning, and for Good Learning Achievement

• Jarkko Hautamäki, Raisa Ahtiainen, Natalia Gustavson, Risto Hotulainen, Sirkku Kupiainen, Marja Tamm et al.

Poland: The Learning Environment that Brought About a Change

• Maciej Jakubowski, Jerzy Wiśniewski

Twenty-First Century Skills and Learning: A Case Study of Developments and Practices in the United States

• Michael Russell, Henry Braun, Binbin Zhu

Russian Federation: At a Conceptual Crossroads

• Kirill Barannikov, Maria Dobryakova, Isak Froumin, Igor Remorenko

Pedagogical and School Practices to Foster Key Competences and Domain-General Literacy

• Maria Dobryakova, Norbert Seel

A Modern Aspect of Instrumental Literacy: Coding

• Suhas Parandekar, Eugeny Patarakin, Gulcan Yayla

How to Integrate New Literacy in the Curriculum—Example of Environmental Literacy

Maria Dobryakova

How Countries Reform Their Curricula to Support the Development of Key Competences

• Kirill Barannikov, Igor Remorenko, Isak Froumin

This edited book is a unique comprehensive discussion of 21 st  century skills in education in a comparative perspective. It presents investigation on how eight very different countries (China, Canada, England, Finland, Poland, South Korea, the USA and Russia) have attempted to integrate key competences and new literacies into their curricula and balance them with the acquisition of disciplinary knowledge. Bringing together psychological, sociological, pedagogical approaches, the book also explores theoretical underpinnings of 21 st  century skills and offers a scalable solution to align multiple competency and literacy frameworks.

The book provides a conceptual framework for curriculum reform and transformation of school practice designed to ensure that every school graduate thrives in our technologically and culturally changing world. By providing eight empirical portraits of competence-driven curriculum reform, this book is greatresource to educational researchers and policy makers.

• Learning Objectives
• New Literacies
• Canadian Education
• Education in China
• Education in the UK
• Cultivating Key Competences
• Education in Republic of Korea
• Education in Finland
• Education in Poland
• Twenty-First Century Skills and Learning
• Education in USA
• Education in Russia
• Key competencies
• 21st Century Curriculum
• Curriculum Reform
• Transversal Competences
• Functional Literacy
• Digital literacy
• Competence-based Education
• Critical Thinking

Isak Froumin

Kirill Barannikov, Igor Remorenko

Jarkko Hautamäki

Maria Dobryakova  graduated from the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences and Manchester University (M.A. in Sociology) and defended her Ph.D. in social stratification at the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Since 2006 and until 2022 she worked at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, where she headed and coordinated a number of large-scale projects in education, social sciences, as well as publications and translation projects. Prior to that, she had worked at the Independent Institute for Social Policy (as head of publications) and the Ford Foundation (Higher Education and Scholarship program). 

Isak Froumin  headed the Institute of education at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow (Russia)—the first graduate school of education in Russia—from 2009 to 2021. After beginning his career as a principal of Kransnoyarsk University Laboratory School  (Russia), he worked as the Lead Education Specialist at the World Bank, and the advisor to the Minister of Education and Science of Russian Federation. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Education.

Kirill A. Barannikov  is the vice-rector for strategy, Moscow City University. He is working in MCU since 2015 and has led a number of projects over Moscow schools and the university development. Among the most striking projects are the online platform for teachers to create curricula (www.prok.edu.ru), the electronic platform for assessing the quality of the educational environment (www.ecers.ru, www.sacers.ru), internet service for supporting and developing initiatives  (www.zamisli.pro). Over the past ten years, he headed the center for distance education of children with disabilities of the Pedagogical Academy of Postgraduate Education, the center of curricula design and standards of the Academy of Social Management. He coordinated over 40 research projects of the Department of Education of the City of Moscow, the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The main areas of interest are competency models in school education, issues of standardization and curricula design in an international context, change management in schools and universities. 

Jarkko Hautamäki  graduated from University of Helsinki (majors in experimental psychology and social psychology) and defended his Ph.D. Dissertation (Measurement and Distribution of Piagetian Stages of Thinking) in University Joensuu. He became a full professor in Special Education in Helsinki University, served also the dean and founded and directed Helsinki University Center for Educational Assessment. He is the honorary professor of Faculty of Psychology at Moscow State University, member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters and member of The Russian Academy of Educational Sciences. His research interests include human development and schooling for thinking, interventions and special education and applying the science of development into schooling. He lives in Helsinki, Finland. 

Gemma Moss  is the professor of Literacy at UCL Institute of Education. She has been the president of the British Educational Research Association (2015–17), was a member of the European Education Research Association Council (2016–18), was director of the Centre for Critical Education Studies at the Institute of Education (2007–11) and was director of the International Literacy Centre at the Institute of Education, UCL (2017-22).  Her main research interests are in literacy as a social practice; literacy policy; knowledge transfer and knowledge exchange; evidence-informed practice and curriculum design; pedagogy and new technologies; primary assessment; and gender and literacy attainment.  Her research includes running multi-site ethnographic case studies, combining quantitative and qualitative methods in innovative ways and using rapid evidence assessment systematic review processes to bring knowledge to bear on contentious questions in education, where funders require rapid answers.  

Igor M. Remorenko  has been holding the post of the rector of the Moscow City University since 2013. He has a Ph.D. and full-doctor degree in Education. From 2009 to 2011, he held the post of the director of the Department of the State Policy and Legal Regulations in Education, Department of the State Policy in Education, Department of the Strategic Development of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation; supervised the top-priority national project “Education” and programs to support the innovative development of the higher education institutes. From 2011 to 2013, he is the deputy minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. He is the author of a number of the scientific publications, two monographs. He participates in the researches in the field of educational policy, development of managerial approaches in education and multiple international and national projects in the sphere of education.

Book Title : Key Competences and New Literacies

Book Subtitle : From Slogans to School Reality

Editors : Maria Dobryakova, Isak Froumin, Kirill Barannikov, Gemma Moss, Igor Remorenko, Jarkko Hautamäki

Series Title : UNIPA Springer Series

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23281-7

Publisher : Springer Cham

eBook Packages : Education , Education (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023

Hardcover ISBN : 978-3-031-23280-0 Published: 23 August 2023

Softcover ISBN : 978-3-031-23283-1 Due: 23 September 2023

eBook ISBN : 978-3-031-23281-7 Published: 22 August 2023

Series ISSN : 2366-7516

Series E-ISSN : 2366-7524

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : VI, 426

Number of Illustrations : 18 b/w illustrations, 27 illustrations in colour

Topics : Curriculum Studies , Study and Learning Skills , International and Comparative Education , Educational Policy and Politics

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

IIT Jodhpur invites applications for PG admissions. Details here

Iit jodhpur offers diverse postgraduate programmes, including mtech in robotics and mobility systems, intelligent communication systems, artificial intelligence, cyber physical systems, sensors and iot..

Listen to Story

• Selection will be based on GATE and JAM scores
• Last date to apply is April 20 for all MTech programmes
• Candidates can apply on the website -- www.iitj.ac.in

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur is inviting applications for its MTech and PhD programmes for the 2024 academic session. The call for applications has been released for various MTech specialisations across departments and schools of the institute.

The selection criteria for shortlisting candidates are based on the scores achieved in competitive exams such as GATE and JAM.

Notably, there has been a significant increase in the opening and closing GATE scores of selected candidates across all categories and programs last year as compared to previous years, reflecting the Institute's commitment to academic excellence.

The last date to apply is April 20th, 2024 for all MTech programmes. The information about the various programmes has been provided on the institute's website -https://www.iitj.ac.in/

IIT Jodhpur offers diverse postgraduate programmes, including MTech in Robotics and Mobility Systems, Intelligent Communication Systems, Materials Engineering, Bioscience and Bioengineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber-Physical Systems, Sensors and the Internet of Things, among others.

Highlighting the courses for which applications have been invited, Dr Soumava Mukherjee, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Jodhpur, said, "The vision and mission of IIT Jodhpur focus on nurturing excellence of thought with a multidisciplinary approach to respond to societal challenges and aspirations. In the past couple of years, we have developed some of the finest curriculum for post-graduate studies, which will equip our students with cutting-edge research exposure and provide a sound academic background for the future development of the country."

Dr Soumava Mukherjee added, "At IIT Jodhpur, the student will get immense flexibility to choose his/her academic curriculum among a variety of courses across the disciplines ranging from engineering, science, management as well as to the liberal arts. We believe our curriculum will make our students not only technically sound, in addition, they will also be able to foster humanitarian values, passion for learning, creativity and develop social responsibility."

Further, Professor Shree Prakash Tiwari, Chairman, Admission Committee (UG & PG), IIT Jodhpur, said, "Like the previous year, the institute is participating in the centralised admission procedure through Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) for offering admission to the candidates. The first round of offer will be released in the 2nd week of May and there will be a total of 10 rounds of offer."

IIT Jodhpur boasts faculties of international repute and an exceptional research infrastructure, besides a vibrant student community. The institute's dedicated faculty and astute student researchers have made significant contributions to the global scientific community through publications in renowned journals and conferences.

Collaborations with global and local industries have led to the development and commercialisation of innovative technologies, creating a thriving ecosystem of research and practical application at the institution.

Prospective applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. The applicant must have a bachelor's degree in engineering or science (4-year programme) or a master's degree in science, MCA, Pharmacy, Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Sciences or in a related field.

2. Attain a minimum of 60 percent marks for the GEN/OBC (55 percent for SC/ST/PD) category in aggregate or as specified by the university/institute, or a minimum CGPA of 6.0 for GEN/OBC (5.5 for SC/ST/PD) category on a scale of 10. The candidates from the CFTI having more than 8 CPA/ CPA/ CPA may be given preference.

3. Full-time regular eligible for assistantship/fellowship: The applicant must either have a valid GATE score or be exempted from GATE as per the MHRD circular or have qualified for an equivalent National Examination and/or have qualified in the written test and/or interview conducted by IIT Jodhpur.

4. Part-time/part-time (online)/external/employer sponsored applicants must have a minimum of two years of work experience (after qualifying for a degree) in industry/R&D laboratories/Academic Institutions at the time of registration and qualify for the written test and/or interview conducted by IIT Jodhpur.

Additionally, there are programmes in Medical Technologies (Master's and Master's-PhD), Dual Degree (MTech-PhD) in various specialisations, MSc in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Digital Humanities, and Computational Social Science, MSc-MTech in Data and Computational Sciences, Physics and Materials Engineering, MS by research in domains like Brain Science, AI-based Precision Healthcare, and Master of Design (MDes) focusing on the intersection of design, technology, and innovation.

IIT Jodhpur has also collaborated with international universities like the University of Buffalo, USA, and the University of Albany, USA, offering joint degree programs and exchange opportunities for PhD students. These collaborations enrich research experiences and global perspectives. Additionally, IIT Jodhpur provides single occupancy air-conditioned rooms in hostels for all students, ensuring a comfortable and conducive living environment on campus.

• Pro Kabaddi
• Movie Reviews

CUET PG 2024 Admit Card for March 23 Exam Released at pgcuet.samarth.ac.in

Curated By : Suramya Sunilraj

Last Updated: March 20, 2024, 12:13 IST

New Delhi, India

The official announcement states that the NTA CUET PG 2024 admit card will not be delivered via post (Representational/ PTI Photo)

The CUET PG is being administered from March 11 to March 28 to admit students to postgraduate programmes at a number of central and state universities

The Common University Entrance Test- Postgraduate (CUET PG) 2024 admit card for the exams on March 23 has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The admit card for the CUET PG test on March 23 can be downloaded by visiting the official website, pgcuet.samarth.ac.in.

By logging in with their application number and date of birth, students can access the official website and download the CUET PG 2024 hall ticket The exam name, exam centre information, candidate name and roll number, and instructions are all included on the admit card. Students need to be aware that the CUET PG admit card 2024 must be brought to the testing location together with a valid form of govt identification.

The CUET PG is being administered from March 11 to March 28 to admit students to postgraduate programmes at a number of central and state universities.

“Admit Card for the candidates whose examinations are scheduled on later dates beyond 23rd March 2024 will also be updated and released subsequently,” the official notification states.

CUET PG 2024 Admit Card: How to Download

Step 1: Go to pgcuet.samarth.ac.in, the main webpage.

Step 2: Search for the “CUET PG 2024 March 23 admit card” link on the homepage and click on it.

Step 3: Fill in the CUET PG 2024 registration number and password.

Step 4: The admit card for CUET PG 2024 will show up on the screen.

Step 5: Print the CUET PG 2024 admit card after downloading it for future use.

The official announcement states that the NTA CUET PG 2024 admit card will not be delivered via post. However, the issuing of the admit card does not guarantee eligibility, as further examination will take place during future stages of the admission process. As a result, for future reference, candidates should keep a copy of their CUET PG 2024 admission card in good condition.

In its official announcement, the NTA added that candidates will only receive provisional admit cards if all eligibility requirements are met. The letter also stated that the candidate should not damage the Admit Card or modify any details mentioned on it.

Candidates may contact the NTA help desk at 011-40759000 or send an email to [email protected] for assistance if they have any problems downloading their CUET PG 2024 admit card or find any errors in the information offered on the card.

• college admissions

Latest News

Trending videos, latest blogs, photogallery.