Understanding Postgraduate Education

Are you considering taking your education to the next level? Upon successful completion of an undergraduate degree, why not take the next challenge and delve deeper into your chosen field? Explore the wide range of postgraduate courses Griffith College offers and discover how you can gain specialised knowledge and enhance your career prospects.

What is a Postgraduate Course in Ireland? 

A postgraduate course is a program of study pursued by students who have successfully completed their undergraduate degree at a university or college. Often referred to as a master’s level education, it is designed to provide students with a richer understanding of a specific area of study.  

There are three distinct types of postgraduate courses, all with varying study modes. Continue reading to find out which suits your needs best!

Certificates: 

Swift and focused, certificates are an effortless way to jump-start your Master’s level education. Typically requiring a year or less of part-time study, these programs are highly specialised, designed to provide an in-depth exploration of a specific subject area. Some certificates, such as our Certificate in Art and Design, provide an excellent foundation to prepare for further progression. Others, like our Certificate in Addiction Studies (Gambling), enable graduates in the fields of human and health sciences to deepen their understanding in a more specific area of study. Overall, they offer an efficient avenue for gaining practical experiences and knowledge to enhance your career prospects. 

Diplomas: 

For those seeking a new career direction, a postgraduate diploma can be particularly advantageous. Diploma courses often cover the same coursework as a Master's degree but without the research or dissertation component, resulting in the course being completed in a shorter period of time. However, many of our Postgraduate Diploma courses provide students with the option to progress to a related Master's degree, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Interactive Digital Media.  

Master's Degrees:  

Master’s degrees represent the most common type of postgraduate education. Both MA and MSc programs offer students a unique opportunity to engage in deep and extensive study within their chosen field over one or two years. These degrees often culminate in a research project, typically in the form of a dissertation, providing you the opportunity to contribute original research to the subject area.  

More specialised Master’s degrees, such as the MBA and LL.M., are ideal for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise and advance in their careers in the fields of Business and Law, respectively. 

Benefits of Pursuing a Postgraduate Course in Ireland:

Postgraduate courses offer a range of life-changing benefits. They offer a deeper understanding of your desired area of study, which can lead to:  

• Becoming an expert in a particular field of study through conducting in-depth research.
• Increased job opportunities and potentially higher-paying positions.
• Developing valuable connections with industry professionals through professors, researchers, and fellow students who share the same interests.  

Things to consider: 

With the diverse range of postgraduate courses on offer here at Griffith College, you may feel spoiled for choice! To ensure that you pick the right course for you, consider what you are genuinely passionate about, and which type of Postgraduate degree is best suited to your needs as you prepare to take the next step in your academic journey. 

Whether you aim to advance in your career, contribute to the world of research, or explore a passion in depth, postgraduate education can be a fulfilling and rewarding journey, offering a multitude of opportunities for professional and personal growth. Discover the extensive range of postgraduate courses available at Griffith College and take the first step toward advancing your education and career prospects.  

Don't hesitate to contact us with any queries! Our dedicated team of professionals want to help you with the first steps of starting your journey with Griffith College.