Introduction to Postgraduate study

People undertake postgraduate study for all sorts of reasons, which is why our postgraduate population here at University of Galway represents almost every possible age and geographic demographic and forms a diverse, interesting, and motivated section of our community. Approximately half of our postgraduates come from undergraduate courses in the university. Having acquired a taste for learning and for their subject, they want to improve their employment opportunities through further study.

Some people take a postgraduate course while continuing to work in order to enhance their career opportunities. Some want to make a sideways move in a career or start over in a new one and others come from abroad to diversify their research interests. Some are returning to education after an important life event. Some undertake postgraduate study simply for love of learning and their subject. Whatever your reason, there’s a course for you at University of Galway.

Watch our Introduction to Postgraduate Study video here.

Thinking about the best type of postgraduate course for you  

Think about the reasons you are considering postgraduate study, and the type of student you are, because knowing what you want to get out of your study can be a big help in choosing the right course. Whatever your reason, there’s a course here for you, and with more online and blended courses than ever, there’s an option for everyone.

Taught courses
Taught courses (e.g., master’s, postgraduate or higher diploma, postgraduate certificate) are the traditional type of learning led by the faculty staff. They involve attending lectures, self-directed study, assignments, and in-college examinations.

Modular courses offer the option of taking a number of modules over a set number of years. 

Conversion courses offer you the opportunity to convert from what you were studying at undergraduate level to something different at postgraduate level.

Research degrees
Students can gain both master’s and doctoral degrees through research programmes.

Full-time and part-time courses
Some courses have full-time and part-time options, with part-time courses usually spread over two years.

Online courses and blended learning courses
Both online and blended learning courses involve self-directed learning with materials supplied online. Blended courses include an element of face-to-face contact hours.

You will find a full list of our course offerings here.