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Further study

Expand your knowledge and skills, improve your prospects and get the qualifications you need.

Further study options

Postgraduate study enhances your employability and is essential for some careers.It’s also a great chance to learn more about a subject that interests you. Whatever your motivation, it’s a big commitment — of both time and money. The advice on this page will help you decide what’s right for you.

Types of postgraduate course

Taught masters degree

  • Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc)

  • One to two years full-time, or two to three years part-time

  • Seminars, lectures, tutorials, project work, oral work, some research, a thesis or dissertation, and exams

Postgraduate diploma (PG Dip)

  • Some masters courses offer a diploma option, where you do not have to complete a dissertation or thesis

Masters research degree

  • Master of Research (MRes) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

  • One to two years full-time, or two to four years part-time

  • Private research supervised by an experienced academic

  • Thesis and an oral presentation

Doctorate (PhD)

  • Three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time

  • Start immediately after your first degree, or after a masters course

  • Research a chosen topic under the supervision of an experienced academic

  • Thesis of around 100,000 words and an oral presentation

We offer a wide variety of postgraduate courses and you could be entitled to a 10% fee discount.

Choose a postgraduate course

With so many postgraduate courses to choose from, it’s important to do your research. Before you apply, remember to:

  • clarify your motives and what you want to achieve

  • research different courses and modes of study

  • explore funding options

These websites will help you make the right choice:

  • Prospects: search for postgraduate degrees and professional qualifications, explore funding and study abroad opportunities, and view university profiles

  • targetjobs: explore postgraduate courses and providers, get advice, and learn how to apply with confidence

  • Steps to postgraduate study

  • FindAMasters: research masters courses and other postgraduate study opportunities

  • FindAPhD: view PhD opportunities around the world

  • Vitae: browse tailored career support for the researcher community

If you’re interested in studying overseas, check out our working and studying abroad guide.

Postgraduate funding

Fees and funding options vary widely between subjects and institutions. You can access many sources of funding, from research councils to bank loans and employer sponsorship. View an A-Z guide of funding options on Prospects.ac.uk.

Postgraduate loans

A postgraduate loan will support you with your tuition fees, study costs and living expenses.

Masters

  • For courses starting in 2024/25, UK students living in England can borrow up to £12,471

  • You will repay it in a similar way to your undergraduate student loan

  • Most masters courses are eligible, but there are some exceptions

  • Discover more about masters loans on Prospects.ac.uk

PhD

  • PhD loans are available in 2024/25 for doctoral students living in England or Wales

  • You can borrow any amount up to £28,673 if your course started between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024, or £29,390 if it starts on or after 1 August 2024.

  • Visit Prospects.ac.uk for more information on PhD loans

PhD studentships

Manchester Met postgraduate funding

We offer a range of loyalty discounts, scholarships and awards to alumni. Go to postgraduate study

Apply for a postgraduate course

You can apply for as many courses as you like. There is usually no official closing date, but popular courses fill up quickly. You will usually apply directly, with the exception of the courses below:

  • Social work: UCAS

  • Nursing: UCAS

  • Postgraduate Certificate of Education (Scotland and Wales): UCAS

  • Postgraduate Certificate of Education (England): Gov.uk

  • Legal Practice Course and Graduate Diploma in Law: Central Applications Board

You usually need to write a personal statement when you apply. Get advice for writing a postgraduate personal statement.

Academic CVs and research proposals

For research courses, you usually need to submit an academic CV and research proposal with your application. Course tutors can give you advice and help with your research proposal. Here are some guides to help you: