Why do a postgraduate course?

People choose to do a postgraduate qualification for a whole host of reasons including a complete career change or specialising in a certain area, here we list some of the reasons why postgraduate study might be the right option for you, and why Coventry University with over 100 courses might be the right choice.

two females talking around a table

Why postgraduate study?

There are many reasons to choose to study for a postgraduate qualification:

  • Enhance your career;
  • Develop transferable skills;
  • Gain a competitive edge;
  • Networking;
  • Develop an interest;
  • Change to a new subject area;
  • Pursue an academic career.

Why you should consider studying at Postgraduate level according to careers site jobs.ac.uk.

Find out what a postgraduate degree is and what different qualifications you can gain.

Employers also value postgraduates

Ricoh is an IT business that needs to keep pace with our customers needs, to ensure our people have the right skills in the right areas we need our HR team to be ahead of the game to support the business. Bringing in postgraduate students allows us to challenge our current thinking and processes to ensure they are up to date and robust enough for the day to day and long term strategic needs of our business.

Tony Hay, Future Talent Manager, Human Resources

Ricoh logo

Motoring Research is a modern, dynamic publisher working in a fast-paced, fast-changing industry. It is our policy to recruit postgraduate students because they have a proven track record of delivering for us: they bring fresh thinking, sharp insight and a tenacious willingness to grasp the opportunities we offer and grow with us. Working with postgrads enlivens our business and gives us the vibrancy we need to stand out.

Richard Adcock, Managing Director, Motoring Research

Motoring Research logo

Postgraduate facts

Earnings enjoyed by masters degree holders are £5,500 a year more on average, or £200,000 over a 40 year working life than someone holding a bachelors degree.

Source: Sutton Trust Report, 2013

91% of UK postgraduate students who are in employment in the UK and who completed their course in 2012 were employed in professional or managerial jobs. 

Source: ‘What do Graduates do?’ HECSU 2013

86% of postgraduate students found employment within 6 months following their studies.

Source: ‘What do Graduates Do?’ HECSU 2013

Coventry University’s Graduate Centre has 96.3% student satisfaction for its support to postgraduates.

Source: I-Graduate International Insight survey, Summer 2013

“Postgraduate study is good for students, good for universities, and good for the economy.”

Source: David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, 2013
£75 million investment in removing barriers to postgraduate study (www.gov.uk)


Three postgraduate students at a desk

Why Coventry?

Find out why we're an award-winning, top 40 modern university with loads to offer to postgraduate students. Discover interesting facts about Coventry University.

If you're a current Coventry student we offer a discount on fees if you choose to continue your academic career with us.

Postgraduates at a graduation ceremony


To contact us (UK only), phone us on +44 (0)24 7765 4321, email, or talk to us in person on an Open Day.

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