Thinking About a Career Pivot? PG Study Might Be an Option
Happy New Year everyone! 🎇
We’re two weeks into 2026, and I know a lot of people start the year thinking about things like “I need a better job” or “I don’t think my current path is for me.” One option that doesn’t always get talked about enough is postgraduate (PG) study. I’ve been chatting to quite a few people recently who are considering a master's or even a PhD as part of their “New Year, New Me” plans, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts.
Why consider PG study?
Conversion courses exist for a reason. If you studied one thing at undergrad but now you’re interested in areas like tech, psychology, marketing, or management, PG study can be a genuine reset rather than starting from scratch again. • It helps you specialise.
An undergraduate degree is often the baseline now. A masters can help you focus on a specific area you’re interested in and stand out more when applying for jobs.
• The people you meet matter a lot
One thing people don’t always mention is the networking side. PG courses tend to have a mix of fresh graduates, people changing careers, and professionals coming back to study. At the University of Nottingham, things such as the Researcher Academy and PG spaces can actually lead to opportunities beyond just the course itself.
What about support and funding?
Moving to PG can feel intimidating, especially financially, but there’s usually more support than people expect — including postgraduate loans and university scholarships, as well as Careers advice aimed specifically at postgrads. If you’re considering it for 2026
Most Autumn 2026 applications are already open, so even just having a look at courses and requirements now can help you figure out whether it’s something you want to work towards this year. If you’re interested, check out this blog written by a PhD student at the University of Nottingham for a real insight into PG life: career insight.
What are your goals for 2026? Are you thinking about a specific course or feeling unsure about the jump from undergrad to PG study? Let’s chat in the comments. 👇
Hope this helps!
#UoN Student Ambassador, Leena
We’re two weeks into 2026, and I know a lot of people start the year thinking about things like “I need a better job” or “I don’t think my current path is for me.” One option that doesn’t always get talked about enough is postgraduate (PG) study. I’ve been chatting to quite a few people recently who are considering a master's or even a PhD as part of their “New Year, New Me” plans, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts.
Why consider PG study?
•
You’re not stuck with your undergrad subject
An undergraduate degree is often the baseline now. A masters can help you focus on a specific area you’re interested in and stand out more when applying for jobs.
• The people you meet matter a lot
One thing people don’t always mention is the networking side. PG courses tend to have a mix of fresh graduates, people changing careers, and professionals coming back to study. At the University of Nottingham, things such as the Researcher Academy and PG spaces can actually lead to opportunities beyond just the course itself.
What about support and funding?
Moving to PG can feel intimidating, especially financially, but there’s usually more support than people expect — including postgraduate loans and university scholarships, as well as Careers advice aimed specifically at postgrads. If you’re considering it for 2026
Most Autumn 2026 applications are already open, so even just having a look at courses and requirements now can help you figure out whether it’s something you want to work towards this year. If you’re interested, check out this blog written by a PhD student at the University of Nottingham for a real insight into PG life: career insight.
What are your goals for 2026? Are you thinking about a specific course or feeling unsure about the jump from undergrad to PG study? Let’s chat in the comments. 👇
Hope this helps!
#UoN Student Ambassador, Leena
(edited 1 month ago)
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