Further study

There are many things to consider when thinking about whether to undertake further study:

• Why do I want to do it?
• What value will it add to the skills and knowledge I already have? How will it contribute to my employability and career prospects?
• How will further study fit in with my career and life goals?
• What demand is there in the workplace for the skills and knowledge I will gain?
• Would I be better to get a job, gain experience and establish a good track record?
• Is there a valid reason for further study or does it just postpone making a decision about employment?
• Should I enrol for further study straight after my degree or should I wait until I have some work experience?
• Am I strong enough academically to undertake further study? Do I have the necessary background knowledge and skills? Does further study suit my personality?
• How much will it cost, how will I fund it, and how long will it take me to pay back my student loan...?
• Where should I undertake this further study? Is the course I'm interested in the right one?
• Am I clear on what the course involves?
• How will further study affect my lifestyle?
• Where do I want to live?

Graduate earnings report
In 2009 the New Zealand government published research on graduate earnings.

• Read a summary of the Graduate earning report
• Read the whole report "What do students earn after their tertiary education"

Career benefits
Our Postgraduate Careers Consultant has put together a brochure summarising the career benefits of postgraduate study. Download the brochure below:

Postgraduate study at The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland has New Zealand's widest range of research facilities, and offers the broadest range of doctoral and other postgraduate courses. This is an ideal environment to build on your undergraduate studies and widen your field of knowledge and expertise.

To learn more about postgraduate study, see Future postgraduates.

Short courses and workshops

You could also take a Short Course to build on your existing skills.

The Business School offers practitioner-focused business and management Short Courses. To see a list of available courses, visit the Short Courses website.

The following centres also offer courses aimed at helping you develop particular skills, such as the use of specific computer programmes or IT systems:

• The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE)
  
• The Centre for Academic Development (CAD)
• The Student Learning Centre (SLC)

Library courses

The University Library offers courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Courses range from general IT skills to more specific courses.

We encourage all students to sign up to a course to learn how to use information management systems for effective research. All Library courses are free for University of Auckland students and staff.

To find and book Library courses, visit the University Library website.

Other New Zealand websites

• Careers New Zealand:
  The Education and Training section provides comprehensive information about courses and training providers in New Zealand.
• International students can find out about studying in New Zealand on the NZ Educated website.
• New Zealand Qualifications Authority:
  Information about studying in New Zealand and who provides these qualifications.
• Universities New Zealand:
  More information about studying in New Zealand for domestic and international students.

Sites covering many countries

• Scholarstuff.com:
  Colleges and Universities page - links to university websites in the US, Canada, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and NZ, Mexico and South America.
• DMOZ open directory project:
  Listings of colleges and universities all over the world.
• Braintrack University Index:
  A directory of universities in 194 countries.

UK and Europe

• British Council:
  Information about studying in the UK, scholarships, entry requirements and more.
• Postgrad.com:
  Guide to studying in the UK. Search for the course you want to study or browse the A-Z listing of institutions.
• Prospects UK:
  Select "postgrad study" from the home page. There is a section for international students.
• DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service:
  Studying in Germany.

Australia

• StudyLink Australia:
  Has information on courses in Australia for undergraduates and postgraduates.

Asia

• The University of Hong Kong
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Nanyang Technological University

USA

• Peterson Education:
  Tertiary and ESL providers.
• Embark:
  Studying and funding studies in the USA.
• US News and World Report - Rankings
• Kaplan:
  Assists with admission to universities in the USA.

Educational Exchanges

• University of Auckland's Student Exchange Programmes
• AIESEC
• Fulbright NZ Awards
• Council on International Educational Exchange

Libraries
The University of Auckland Library also has many directories of overseas universities and other resources to help you.

• University Library

Web articles
The two articles below are from organisations which publish good advice for students and graduates:

• Prospects UK: About postgrad study: Why do postgrad study?
• Graduate Careers Australia: Postgraduate Study
   

 Last updated: November 2011