Many postgraduate students choose a higher degree primarily because they enjoy studying their subject and subsequently go on to work in an area related to their study. An OST (Office of Science and Technology) survey found that around three quarters of BBSRC and NERC funded postgraduates went on to a first job related to their study subject.
Postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and for work in some public bodies or private companies. It is estimated around 40% of postgraduate students continue in research, those with PhDs usually as post-doctoral researchers. Academic research tends to be contract based and there are few permanent posts.
In other careers, a PhD or MSc may be useful in helping your application stand out from the competition. Postgraduate students develop a wide range of transferable skills that are desirable in many jobs and include; problem-solving, self-motivation, independence, working to deadlines, producing reports and communication skills. The OST survey found that postgraduates in the life sciences also went on to careers in management, teaching, IT, media, administrative, sales and health.
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