Graphics & Words by Caitlin Chuah
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What is a postgraduate degree?
Postgraduate degrees are specialist qualifications that allow individuals to become experts in a particular field of study. Although most people begin working after completing their bachelor¡¯s degree, postgraduate study is an alternative option for those who seek additional knowledge, skills and benefits in their career.
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An example of a postgraduate degree is a master¡¯s degree; a 1-2 years program which comes in 2 types: taught or research-based. Another example is a PhD, which is the highest academic qualification available and will usually require you to have a master¡¯s degree or original research project/dissertation to apply.
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Below are the top 4 benefits to obtaining a postgraduate qualification:
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Better job opportunities
Needless to say, a higher academic qualification will open up many more doors in terms of your career. Having a postgraduate degree under your belt will catch the attention of employers and grant you a head-start over other graduates. Postgraduates tend to enter the corporate world at a higher position or make the step up in their career sooner than their peers. Want to know the best part? You get to earn more! According to a 2020 report by the Higher Education Policy Institute, postgraduate holders earn up to 18% more than bachelor¡¯s degree holders just 6 months after graduation.
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Research opportunities
As an undergraduate, you spend your time learning the existing knowledge in your field. As a postgraduate, you can contribute to that knowledge yourself. How? By partaking in research.
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Generally, postgraduate degrees are research-based, which requires you to complete a research project or dissertation of your own. Research allows you to pursue your interests, learn something new, hone your problem-solving skills and challenge yourself in exciting ways. More importantly, research is what propels humanity forward, and by doing so, you are also benefiting our society and world.
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Career Conversion
Postgraduate degrees can act as conversion courses, which allows you to switch up your career and obtain your dream job. For example, if you¡¯re already working and would like to specialize in a particular skill that you find interesting or even switch fields entirely, a master¡¯s degree or PhD could help you do so. In simple terms, you could study one subject at the undergraduate level and specialize in another at the postgraduate level.
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Personal Development
Lastly, whether you simply enjoy university life or would like to develop certain skills for interest¡¯s sake, a postgraduate degree will fulfil your needs. You¡¯ll also hone soft skills such as time-management, critical thinking, communication, writing and more, all of which will benefit you, not only in your career, but in daily life. Additionally, as a postgraduate student, you¡¯ll have much more of an opportunity to network, not just with other students but with the lecturers and faculty staff. These contacts will come in handy when you¡¯re ready to enter the field professionally.
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