Undergrad...Postgrad...what’s the difference?

Whether you are just starting to consider postgraduate study options, or are getting ready to begin a course, it is important to be aware of the reality of postgraduate study. Some people believe that it is just an extension of undergraduate study, but most people would disagree with this. Even a quick glance on a student forum like www.thestudentroom.co.uk will tell you that people have lots of different  experiences of postgraduate study. This handout explains some of the issues which may arise...

Differences you may experience in postgraduate study

A new environment

Whether you are moving to a different department, faculty, university or even country, there will always be a period of adjustment as you get used to your new role. If you are moving between different cultures, or are switching to a new subject area, you will need to work hard to learn the local customs (cultural and academic). You will certainly find that you have a different relationship with your faculty as a postgraduate, with more responsibility being put on you to monitor your own work. Contact time will almost certainly be more interactive, and academic support may be more -personal. Always be prepared to take advice from tutors and academics when it is offered.

During this time, many students recommend building friendships and “study buddy” arrangements with other postgrad students, as these will be the people most likely to support you personally during your studies. You will typically find that your peers are from a broader range of cultures, so this can be a great experience to meet new people. However, instead of being in a large group of undergrad students, you will now be in small group of students who are all working on different topics. This is where all the independent learning you worked on at undergraduate level will come in handy. 

A new workload

You will certainly be aware that your workload will increase at postgraduate level, but many students are shocked by the shift in expectations. The level of reading required is usually dramatically higher, so make sure you do any advanced reading whilst you have the chance. If you were the type of undergraduate student who always read everything available, you may find postgrad study a shock, as the quantity of background reading in your area of study will probably be too much to fit in. Selectivity is the key here - see our handout on reading strategies.

Note also that you will probably be working on one long piece of work instead of regular short assignments, so it will be up to you to manage your time. Always try to do some work on your main project at least once a week, otherwise it can be very difficult to maintain motivation. The longer the break, the harder it can be to resume.

New challenges in work

Whilst your undergraduate studies most probably focused around grades, it is important to realise that your study objectives are very different at postgrad level. Your performance may be measured based on productivity and research potential, and funding may be a core driver for your work. Your targets – once set externally – will now mostly be self-imposed, and if you are continuing with research-only studies, you may find that you have to be your own teacher.

Levels in study

Whilst your workload and (potential) contact time will vary, depending on your course of study, it is always expected that your work will be at a very high level (it is sometimes said that postgraduate work must always be at 2.1 level or above). Work at postgraduate level is not just “more of the same”, but will need to be much deeper than at undergraduate level. If you don’t feel comfortable with the term critical thinking, now is the time to make sure you know exactly what it mean – see our handout on Critical Thinking. 

Another key aspect of postgraduate study is referencing, which needs to be of very high quality at postgrad level. Also, due to the sheer number of references you will be using, it is a good idea to keep a note of everything you read, as you may need it later. There are also pieces of software available at the University of Portsmouth (including free training) such as EndNote Web, which will allow you to collect your references in one place. You will also need to develop your research techniques and skills (possibly with help assistance from your faculty – look out for any training offered), and will need to experiment with different study and research techniques to see which work for you.