News | Thursday, 1st February 2024
Common questions about postgraduate study
The ten most frequently asked questions about doing a masters
Are you thinking about studying a postgraduate degree at Manchester Met, but not sure where to start?
With so much information out there, it can be easy to get confused. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are ten of the most frequently asked questions we get about studying a masters degree.
Postgraduate study FAQs
1. What are the entry requirements for studying a masters?
This varies from course to course. It’s best to start by looking at the courses you are interested in and what their entry requirements are. Most of our taught postgraduate courses ask for a 2.2, although for some you will need a 2.1.
This isn’t to say that without this you will not be accepted onto a postgraduate course. We also consider applications from people who have significant professional experience or extracurricular experience that relates to your subject of interest.
It’s a good idea to contact Course Enquiries before you apply if you are unsure about entry requirements.
2. What will my timetable look like?
This will be different dependent on the course you study. Whether you decide to study full-time or part-time will also change how your timetable looks. Many of our courses also provide the chance to do an optional placement year.
A postgraduate taught degree may involve classes over a few set days. Whereas other courses may have an online delivery.
Postgraduate study is designed to be more flexible so that it can fit around work or busy lifestyles. Classes take place during the daytime, so this is something you consider when deciding what course is right for you.
3. Does my postgraduate degree have to relate to my undergraduate degree?
For most courses, no. Some of our postgraduate programmes will require knowledge of that field, whereas others allow you to explore your passions in a new area. For example, English undergraduate students might look at studying marketing, advertising, or events management.
There are more specialist courses where you will need a relevant degree or prior experience in that field. For example, health courses such as Biomedical Science or law postgraduate courses such as the LLM Legal Practice. This is because they will provide you with further skills to advance your career in that industry.
4. Can I work while studying a postgraduate degree?
There is nothing stopping you from working while studying for a masters degree. This is something you will need to decide based on your personal circumstances and commitments. Some students decide to study full-time while working part-time, whereas other students opt for part-time study so that they can still work full-time.
5. Will studying a masters degree help me get a job?
A postgraduate degree can help you stand out from the crowd. Those with a postgraduate qualification have higher employment rates than those without (Graduate labour market statistics, 2020).
For certain specialist roles, a postgraduate degree is essential. For other professions, it’s highly beneficial. You should always look at the transferable skills that a role you are interested in is looking for. A masters may help you develop the skills that employers are looking for.
Check out some of the other benefits of getting a postgraduate degree.
6. How long does the application process take?
After you have submitted your application to our Admissions team, it can take up to three weeks to review your application. This can sometimes take longer during busier periods.
As part of the process, we might ask you to provide more information, a portfolio or attend an interview. Check out our guide on how to make a successful application.
7. Does my personal tutor need to provide me with a reference?
Not all postgraduate courses require you to provide a reference in your application. You should always check the course entry requirements before applying.
So, who can provide a reference if you do need one? Ideally, this will be an academic reference from within the last three years. We usually suggest that this comes from your dissertation project supervisor.
For more advice on references, please contact our Admissions team.
8. Can I spread the cost of my fees?
You can choose to pay for your fees in one or across three instalments throughout the year (full-time students). If you are studying part-time, you can pay in six instalments across two years.
Find out more about our flexible payment options.
9. Do current Manchester Met students get a discount?
Yes, we offer a 20% loyalty discount to current students and anyone who graduated from 2009. If your chosen course meets the eligibility criteria, this will be automatically deducted from your course fees.
10. Can I talk to someone about postgraduate study?
Yes, absolutely. We run webinars and open day events throughout the year where you can talk to tutors and current postgraduate students about their experience.
Our next Postgraduate Open Day is on Saturday 10 February (10am-2pm) in the Business School. You can speak to tutors and current students to get information on all the courses we offer and find out if postgraduate study is right for you.
Can’t make our in-person events? We will also be hosting a series of online webinars that will answer your questions about studying a masters degree. We will cover everything from how to apply for your postgraduate degree to all the different funding options available to you.
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