There are several positive reasons for undertaking further study

First, it may improve you job prospects. The course director should be able to provide information about the destinations of previous students. In some cases the qualification will be essential as a route to a chosen profession, eg a PsychD as the required qualification for a career in clinical psychology.

Second, you may enjoy a particular subject so much that you decide to study it simply for enjoyment. This section will hopefully help you to think through your reasons for undertaking further study, will show you where to look for opportunities and will provide some information on funding.

Third, you could use further study as a breathing space while you decide what you want to do.

There are also good reasons for thinking twice about further study

First, it may be expensive. A one year Masters would typically cost a home student £3,000 and an international student £8,000. Maintenance costs would need to be added to that figure. You may also want to consider that you would also potentially lose the earnings you would have received were you to gain employment instead of remaining a student.

Further study can be quite different from undergraduate study, particularly if you are doing research. It is wise to try to anticipate whether you would be happy with a new environment, particularly if one of your reasons for continuing is to perpetuate something you enjoy.

Please view the Journey to Work: Postgraduate Study video where recent graduates, recruiters and career advisers are discussing pro's and contra's of going into postgraduate studies.