After completing your first qualification at a distance learning or traditional university, the next step is to consider postgraduate studies. Postgraduate courses refer to studies that are completed after obtaining a qualification. This type of course comes in the form of a postgraduate diploma, honours or masters, or even a doctorate in some fields.
Work experience may count towards your entry requirements in some cases, but often, a completed undergraduate qualification is needed in order to study further after your initial graduation. A qualification such as the MBA (Master of Business Administration) for example has a very strict set of requirements that include a minimum age of 25 and at least three years of work experience on top of the required undergraduate qualification. A qualification such as BCom Honours meanwhile requires a bachelor’s degree or national diploma, and a Postgrad Diploma in Management requires a BA or national diploma and a minimum of two years managerial experience.
Reasons to Consider Postgraduate Studies in South Africa
Some of the reasons that you might consider postgrad studies in South Africa include the following:
- Enhanced employability
In many fields, a postgrad applicant is considered a better prospect than an applicant without further qualifications in his or her field of expertise. The skills developed over the course of obtaining postgrad qualifications are therefore very useful for helping you stand out in a competitive job market. Even a year of additional study can help you gain critical insight into your chosen career, which enhances your employability and helps you along your career path.
- Career progression
On a related note, career progression is another benefit of studying further. Whether you are adding to your set of specialist skills or aiming for more of a management role within your chosen field, gaining additional qualification helps you progress up the proverbial corporate ladder by opening the door for promotions and growth.
- Career diversity
On the other hand, if you qualified in one field but long to make a change in direction, studying further is a great way to do so. You may have obtained your undergrad qualification in a broader field, choosing to specialise in something related or similar as a postgrad student. You may have completed your original degree many years ago, only to decide to go back to business school much later. Whatever the case, changing careers becomes a lot easier with the help of postgraduate degrees or diplomas.
Investing in your future by increasing your current qualifications is the most effective way to map out a career path that is geared towards success. To learn more about our postgraduate courses in South Africa, contact REGENT Business School today.