Planning for further study

There are a number of aspects to consider when your are considering postgraduate studies.

Time commitment and management

Life becomes busier once you commence your studies, and even more so at exam time. A minimum of 10 hours every week per unit studied is recommended. A four unit study load means a 40 hour week - and usually more when assessments are due!

Time needs to be put aside for:

• classes, research, reading, exam preparation, assignment or thesis writing and meetings with supervisors.
• some realistic leisure time for yourself and your family.

Financial commitment

When calculating the costs of study, you should consider:

• initial course fees (each university can differ)
• course materials
• possible loss of income
• long term earning potential.

Where to study

There may be a number of universities offering the qualification you'd like to study. Some things to consider when deciding where to study:

• commuting time or off-campus study options
• cost of living
• course availability and credibility
• teaching expertise and research opportunities and
• postgraduate support services.

Choosing a supervisor

Your working relationship with your supervisor will vary depending on your course and type of study. Research based qualifications require a lot of contact with your supervisor so it is important to make sure you find a supervisor that meets your needs. You should consider the following:

• Will I get along with this person?
• Will they meet my study needs?
• What do they expect of me?
• What do ex-students have to say about their working relationship?
• Do they have expertise in my areas of interest?