Thinking about a postgraduate degree?
Postgraduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
How is a postgraduate degree different to an undergraduate degree?
A postgraduate degree is your second degree; this often follows the completion of your undergraduate (or first) degree. However, you may be accepted onto a postgraduate course without undergraduate qualifications (see below).
When you embark on a postgraduate degree, you’re older, wiser and generally more focused. Your postgraduate study will be an incredibly important time in your life and one that can better set you up for a prosperous career.
Can I do a postgraduate degree if I never completed an undergraduate degree?
Yes, possibly. For some of our postgraduate courses, we will consider your work experience and may offer you a place on this basis. Please refer to the course pages for further information.
How do I apply?
You can apply direct to us through our website. We accept applications all year round and many of our postgraduate courses offer multiple intakes each year. To apply, head to your preferred course page and hit the ‘Apply Now’ button, this will take you through to our direct application form. If you have any questions, you can also email our Admissions team at admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.
When can I apply?
Applications deadlines apply for each intake. The University offers two major intakes per year – in January and September – but some postgraduate courses are also available to start in April. Find out more on our course pages.
How much does it cost? And can I get a student loan?
Your tuition fees cover the cost of studying with us at The University of Buckingham. Fees may vary by course and whether you are a UK or international student. You can find the individual course fees on the course pages. The UK Government offers loans to eligible students, letting you access more than £10,000 for taught and research master’s programmes and more than £26,000 for a PhD. This can be used for tuition fees and/or living expenses. Visit our loans page to find out more.
What can I expect?
Postgraduate study will see you spend your time focused more on the area of expertise in which you wish to specialise. You would have acquired a lot of skills and knowledge in your undergraduate degree (or career). However, a postgraduate degree takes what you’ve learned and challenges you to go further to become an expert in your chosen field.
What if I’ve never studied this postgraduate subject before?
Millennials are likely to have more than a dozen jobs in their working lives: so we are increasingly welcoming postgraduate students to subjects they have never studied before. While some courses, like our Master’s in Health Psychology, require an undergraduate degree in the same field, others, such as our postgraduate business offerings or our London Programmes in history or biography may not. If you want to pursue a completely different career path or study a subject you are passionate about, then start your course search today.
What can I do following an undergraduate degree?
You could choose from two options, work or further study, or a combination of both. You could:
- Undertake a postgraduate taught degree (a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master’s by coursework).
- Pursue a postgraduate research course. When undertaking a research master’s, you will be required to carry out one or more independent research projects in your chosen field.
What are the different postgraduate options?
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas
Postgraduate certificates provide students with specialised knowledge at an advanced level, either developing an existing skillset or fostering a whole new area of knowledge. A postgraduate certificate can be used as a standalone qualification or potentially articulate into a diploma and eventually a master’s degree. The key difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma is the duration. A graduate certificate often takes six months of full-time study, a graduate diploma often takes one year, and a master’s degree can range from one to two years.
Postgraduate taught
These degrees provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of an area of study, diversify your educational background and/or obtain specific vocational training. They are often designed to improve your career prospects and overall employability.
Postgraduate research
These degrees involve an intensive research component. Through the research process, you will not only extend your understanding of the subject area but develop advanced analytical and project management skills and the ability to work independently. All these skills are essential to an academic/research career.
Why should I study for a postgraduate degree at Buckingham?
Postgraduate qualifications have become an expectation in a global workforce and can increase your earning potential on average by £7,000 more per year than someone graduating with just an undergraduate degree (Graduate labour market statistics, 2020). Pursuing a higher degree is therefore one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
- With our two-year degrees, you could complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.
- Study in a supportive environment: enjoy a dedicated personal tutor and small class sizes.
- Build transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, setting yourself up for a new career or a more senior role.
- A postgraduate qualification gives you a competitive edge when applying for local and international opportunities.
- Learn from world-class thought leaders tackling global issues.
- Our strong industry partnerships provide you with valuable exposure and contacts even before you graduate.
Help and support
If you need any help making your application or if you have any further questions, please get in touch, we’re always happy to help.
To get in touch phone +44 (0)1280 820227 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you apply to us directly, you will receive an email notification from us. You will need to return your completed Acceptance Statement by the deadline stated on your offer letter.
Enquiry form
Alternatively you can get in touch using our enquiry form.