Skip to content
Skip to main content

About this free course

Become an OU student

Download this course

Share this free course

Succeeding in postgraduate study
Succeeding in postgraduate study

Start this free course now. Just create an account and sign in. Enrol and complete the course for a free statement of participation or digital badge if available.

7 Preparing for postgraduate study – evaluating your readiness

You should now be quite well-informed and familiar with some of the main demands, key skills and core attributes expected at Master’s level. You will also have an appreciation of how levels and qualification frameworks in the UK and Europe relate to each other. So, let’s recap briefly on what you will need to do. To study successfully at postgraduate level, you will need to be able to:

  • find and read research material (primary and secondary sources) at the forefront of your field of study or discipline area
  • critically analyse, evaluate, and effectively communicate findings, theories and methods
  • follow academic convention when presenting findings and ideas, citing your sources
  • plan, organise and manage your study time effectively
  • reflect on your learning and development needs.

You will also need to pay particular attention to any further detailed information about entry requirements for your intended qualification, which may include:

  • other knowledge and skills you might need (such as level of English, if this is not your first language)
  • requirements relating to the context of your study (for example, Education students may need access to a group of learners; Healthcare students may need access to a healthcare setting)
  • advice about routes through the qualification, and time limits for completion
  • information regarding credit transfer arrangements or prior knowledge and experience.

Activity 4 Checking how well you are prepared for postgraduate study

Timing: Allow approximately 10 minutes
  • Evaluate how well you are prepared for postgraduate study by downloading and completing the academic and professional skills checklist [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .
  • Identify specific areas that you’d like to focus on and develop further at this stage.

Keep this checklist close to hand as you proceed through this course. It will help you to evaluate your skills development and facilitate your transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study. You’ll be prompted to review your progress in relevant skills at the end of each session.