January 2006 NUI Galway Postgraduate Studies Fair

This year's annual Postgraduate Studies Fair at NUI Galway, which will showcase over 150 programmes on offer at the University, will take place on Monday 6th February, from 1.30 pm–6.30 pm. The popular exhibition takes place in the main Sports Hall of Áras na Mac Léinn (Student Centre).

The Postgraduate Studies Fair will give prospective postgraduate students the opportunity to check out their options for next year. Academic staff will be available at over 60 stands which will also be staffed by personnel from Postgraduate Admissions Offices, the Adult Education Office, and the Careers Service, who will provide advice and answer any administrative queries.

This year, due to popular demand, the Fair will be supplemented with talks on research and funding, a careers presentation, and postgraduate students will give a talk on "What it means to be a Postgrad".

Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Admissions Officer at the University, said students considering continuing their studies could not afford to miss this year's Fair.

"For graduates already in employment who may want to supplement their qualifications with a part-time postgraduate degree or diploma, this exhibition is an ideal opportunity to find out about the many options available in postgraduate studies," she said.

"Postgraduate study pays, as it enables the individual to specialise in a particular area and improve their employment prospects. Indeed well over a third of Irish graduates are now topping up their basic degree with a postgraduate qualification."

John Hannon, Senior Careers Advisor at NUI Galway said postgraduate students have an excellent track record in terms of employment.

"NUI Galway's most recent Postgraduate Students Survey shows that 75% of postgraduates are now in employment, while a further 17% are in further education and training."

NUI Galway currently offers over 100 taught programmes and over 50 programmes which can be completed by research. The University also offers a number of postgraduate courses taught through Irish and online distance learning is available in certain disciplines.