Benefits of postgraduate study

A student looking around campus

Ask any group of postgraduate students about their reasons for taking a Masters degree and the chances are you’ll get a number of responses. Among the most common are:





Improving my employability

There’s little doubt that postgraduate study can help you to enhance your CV, develop your knowledge and skills, and stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. A Masters degree demonstrates that you have dedication, commitment and a passion for your subject.

Some courses offer industry experience, giving you the chance to network with experts and employers and make valuable connections. Here at Anglia Ruskin, you’ll also have the chance to take optional entrepreneurship and language modules.

I am leaving ARU equipped with everything I need to make it in my profession, and I can't wait to get started!
Shu-Ti
MA Children's Book Illustration graduate

Careers advice and preparation

Our dedicated careers and employability service offers advice and guidance for postgraduate students to amplify their career possibilities and stand out from the crowd.

As well as offering careers advice, help with your CV, job searches and interview prep, we also offer:

Placement support

Placements are an excellent opportunity to experience the UK job market, gain valuable employability skills for your future and build your professional network.

If you have chosen a course with a placement, it is essential to engage early with the support on offer to you to ensure the best chance of securing a placement. Placements aren’t guaranteed but there is a variety of support available to help you.

You'll be able to:

Email [email protected] for more information.

If you're already a student at ARU, you can find out more about accessing our services on the careers and employability page.

Changing career

If you’ve been working for a number of years and want to change direction, postgraduate study could help you take the first steps towards a new and rewarding career.

There’s a range of ways to study, including part-time and distance learning, and a number of qualifications – as well as Masters degrees, you’ll find MBAs, Professional Doctorates and continuing professional development (CPD) courses on offer.

Alternatively, if you have an undergraduate degree and are looking to switch to a new industry or role, our conversion courses are designed to help you transition into a new profession with a formal qualification.

Career progression

For some careers, postgraduate qualifications or training are a requirement. In other sectors they’re not necessarily a prerequisite, but increasing your skill set can pay dividends. The higher-level skills and knowledge you’ll gain are sought after by employers, and can be a springboard into more senior or specialist roles. You might find that your employer is able to fund your course.

No matter which subject you choose to study, you’ll be gaining an important range of transferable skills. From an employer’s point of view, an aptitude for critical thinking, project management, time management, problem solving, research, and data analysis can be invaluable.

Work-life balance

Flexibility is one of the great benefits of postgraduate study: part-time courses, 24-hour libraries and virtual learning all make it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance and study around your existing commitments.

By opting to study part-time it has given me the most incredible opportunity to take my time as I explore an art environment that is exciting, contemporary and relevant. I can soak in the experiences that ARU offers me and finely tune and hone my skills.
Deborah
MA Fine Art student

Flexible courses

Full-time degrees provide some flexibility, with personalised timetables or time during the week when you don't have to be on campus. Part-time study is also a popular option.

Alternatively, distance learning courses are ideal if you don’t want to take time away from work, or you have responsibilities at home.

You might prefer to start your course in January because it fits in better with other commitments. Browse our range of courses starting in January. Most courses also offer September starts.

Local campuses

It’s easy for you to study close to home or work, at our city-centre campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle. We also offer a small number of postgraduate courses through our partner colleges.

Twenty four-hour learning

Study at a time that suits you with our virtual learning environment (VLE). It’s an online system that gives you access to files, resources and activities specific to the modules you’re studying. You can also get support and feedback from your course tutors through the VLE.

We've made sure that our campus libraries are packed full of the equipment and resources you need.

We've a huge online collection of e-journals, e-books and databases, and they’re all available 24/7.

During semesters, our campus libraries in Cambridge and Chelmsford stay open 24 hours, four days per week. There are plenty of study spaces with networked PCs and wireless connectivity. Our friendly and expert library staff are always on hand to offer guidance and support.

Becoming an expert

Postgraduate study gives you the opportunity to learn from experts – and ultimately to become an expert in your own right if you choose to progress to doctoral study.

Research* consistently shows that experts are made, not born. Those who are leaders in their field have studied hard – and, crucially, studied with devoted teachers. We know that the development of real expertise takes time, effort and commitment. Our experts will be on hand to guide you through your postgraduate career.

My experience with ARU was worthwhile as I was guided by the friendly staff out there, regarding every aspect crucial for a student’s progress. The teaching and support staff gave a fruitful experience indeed, as the pragmatic approach with course subjects led to enhancements in regard to my analytical skill sets.
Venkatesh
MSc Supply Chain Management student

Taking on an intellectual and personal challenge

One of the greatest benefits of postgraduate study can be your own, personal development. Taking time to absorb yourself in a subject you love and further your expertise can be hugely rewarding.

Most of our postgraduate programmes involve a dissertation or research project: a stimulating intellectual challenge that, once completed, is testament to your knowledge and understanding, and your ability to think critically.

Studying for enjoyment

If you’re passionate about your subject, having the time and opportunity to explore it in depth can be immensely fulfilling.

For someone who loves their subject like I do, to have access to extensive research tools and study resources that help you to improve your understanding is an absolute joy.
Kelvin
MSc Marketing graduate

Funding for postgraduate studies

Funding is an important consideration for most postgraduate students. The good news is that, since September 2016, the UK Government has offered a postgraduate loan for new Masters students.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate students, and there is also funding available from charities, trusts and foundations, as well as public bodies such as the NHS.

Employment support

ARU Temps can help you find paid temporary work to fit around your studies. They’re also on hand to help you find permanent work once you graduate.

You’ll find ARU Temps on our campuses in Cambridge and Chelmsford, or you can drop them a line at [email protected]

Study skills support

Once you join us as a student, you might like to brush up on your study skills – particularly if it’s been several years since you graduated.

Our campus libraries and Student Services team offer drop-in sessions on academic writing, research skills, referencing and more.

If you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, our Study Support Service can help you with one-to-one consultations, drop-in services, workshops and advice.