Postgrad explosion
Matt Atkins
- February 2010.
A study by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and the British Library, shows that between 2002 and 2008, the number of postgraduates studying at UK universities jumped 12% from 248,000 to 278,000.
Postgraduate Study in the UK also reveals that the biggest jump in numbers came from students living outside the United Kingdom. Its figures show that 44% of doctoral and research programmes, and 50% of taught Masters places were filled by international students.
High price
This growth has been matched by an increase in fees, which aren’t subject to government restrictions, and which says the HEPI study, have become a ‘significant source of income for universities.’
The study shows that UK students are charged an average of £4000 for a one year Masters course, while students from outside the EU can pay up £12000. Fees for international students rose by up to 46% during the five years that the report examined, depending on the subject studied. The figures back up claims that some universities rely on fees from international students to maintain their viability.
The boom in postgraduate numbers comes in the midst of fears that universities may begin to cut staff and increase class sizes as a result of the recession - a worrying eventuality for both academic departments and students. The trend could also prove problematic for academic research in years to come.
Positive spin
The results of the HEPI study are echoed in research by the Higher Education Service Unit (HECSU). Though their study, What do Masters Graduates Do? has a slightly more positive spin on the future of UK research.
‘The research showed a very small increase of 0.7% in the number of Masters graduates since the previous year, which I’d expect to increase as the effects of the recession continue to be felt on the graduate labour market,’ says HECSU’s deputy research advisor, Charlie Ball, speaking of the work which saw 2008 Masters graduates surveyed over 12 months from January 2009.
HECSU’s research also highlights the benefit that further qualifications can bring to the graduate job-hunt. It shows that Masters graduates were less affected by the early stages of recession, and experienced lower levels of unemployment than their first degree counterparts.
However, with more graduates now opting for further study, harder times are expected to follow. ‘We expect that the full effects of the economic downturn will be more apparent for the most recent crop of Masters graduates,’ says Charlie. While a postgraduate degree may make you more employable, it might not necessarily help if you fail to research your chosen sector or to take on work experience.
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