Making the move to postgraduate study from your undergraduate degree is an exciting challenge. Whatever your motivations - whether you choose to jump straight in after completing your undergraduate degree, or decide to come back to it years later - it can be an extremely rewarding venture both personally and professionally.
In this blog post, current Master’s student Francesca shares her journey – exploring the transition from her BA to MA, the differences she’s found so far, and things to consider before making the move.
As my three years of study started to draw to a close, the ‘What's Next?’ question loomed for both myself and my peers.
For some, the end of our undergraduate degrees meant delving straight into a graduate scheme, others saw it as the perfect time to travel and experience new things - while for many, it involved taking a pause and gaining some work experience before plunging into the world of employment.
As for me? I decided I wasn't quite done with academia just yet.
I am now studying my History MA at Newcastle University, after graduating with a BA in History and Politics, also at Newcastle. I chose to do a Master’s degree because I wanted to delve deeper into the subject I’m passionate about and build on the research interests that I developed in my undergraduate degree.
Since starting my postgrad degree, I’ve found that this level of study is unlocking new and invaluable skills that were not as readily available to me in my undergraduate years. The Master’s has given me another year to build up my experience for life beyond academia.
There is an ease that comes with continuing straight from undergraduate into postgraduate study - carrying the academic rhythm forward, and maintaining the momentum built during the undergraduate years.
While the workload inevitably took a step up, the transition was remarkably manageable, and the continuity allowed me to stay in the swing of academic life. Given that many postgraduate courses typically span from September to September, the workload is distributed throughout the year, preventing it from becoming overwhelming.
Some postgrad students opt for a breather between degrees. For those of us who haven’t, this welcomes a fresh set of faces of different ages, experiences, and backgrounds. My course includes students from other universities and countries - this diversity enhances classroom discussions with varied perspectives. I'm enjoying getting to know peers from other walks of life during this next chapter of study.
"The emphasis is on becoming an independent researcher, not going it alone."
Postgraduate study places a greater emphasis on independent research and critical analysis, compared to undergraduate degrees. However, this certainly does not imply that you are neglected by teaching staff.
The smaller postgraduate teaching groups mean you have more frequent access to incredible academics who can provide invaluable one-on-one support. My professors have offered insightful feedback and pushed me to strengthen the critical thinking skills that are vital for success at postgraduate level. The emphasis is on becoming an independent researcher, not going it alone.
The teaching staff are aware of the fact that some postgrad students may have been removed from academia for some years before returning. The small-group style helps reintegrate them smoothly - it's nearly impossible to get lost amongst a cohort of around 20 peers.
A useful feature of my postgraduate course is the use of formative assessments. Unlike summative assessments that contribute to the final grade, formative assessments serve as valuable learning tools. They provide an opportunity for students to receive constructive feedback without the pressure of it impacting their overall performance. This approach is especially beneficial for those reacquainting themselves with academic writing and research methodologies.
Postgraduate student sitting on a bench outside on campus
What sets postgraduate study apart is the sense of community among scholars.
The smaller class sizes foster closer interactions with professors, creating an environment where dialogue and debate thrive. The exchange of ideas with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds is definitely enriching my learning experience, offering new perspectives and insights that expand my intellectual horizons. This is a welcome change from my undergraduate studies with approximately 200 students studying History and another 200 studying Politics, meaning I rarely had classes with the same people.
My MA degree also provides an invaluable opportunity to establish personal connections with the teaching staff. These relationships go beyond the traditional student-teacher dynamic, creating a collaborative environment which enhances the quality of your work. These bonds not only contribute to a more enriching academic journey but have the potential to also help create stronger references for future career roles.
"The exchange of ideas with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds is definitely enriching my learning experience"
The academic environment has extended beyond the classroom. Conferences, seminars, and workshops provide opportunities to engage with leading figures in the field, presenting my own research, and connecting with professionals who share a passion for the subject matter.
Postgraduate study isn't just the natural next step; it's a conscious choice to dive deeper into your passion.
Whether it's a burning curiosity, a desire for expertise, or a love for the subject, understanding your ‘why?’ is crucial. Here are a few things worth considering while you decide if postgraduate study is for you:
If you’re interested in postgraduate study at Newcastle, we have over 300 courses to choose from – allowing you to discover and study on a degree programme that meets your interests.