Postgraduate study encompasses many different qualifications and is designed to allow you to explore a subject in greater detail after completing an undergraduate (Honours) degree.

You can study for your postgraduate qualification on a full or part-time basis and we also offer additional flexibility with a number of our postgraduate courses beginning in January, as well as September. International students may find the Pre-Master's courses delivered through Bournemouth University International College are the perfect way to prepare for postgraduate study.

There are three main qualifications you can gain if you choose to undertake a taught postgraduate course:

  • Master's degree (MA, MSc, MBA, LLM)
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
  • Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).

Master’s

A Master’s degree usually takes 12 months to complete (full-time) and is a full taught programme, followed by a final project or dissertation. You can study for a Master’s level degree in a wide variety of subjects. Depending on which field you are studying, you will receive an MA, MSc, MBA or LLM.

We also offer Master's Degree Apprenticeship (Level 7), which combines work and university study within your standard working week, enabling you to earn a Master's degree while gaining practical experience. It is tailored to specific industries, offering advanced training alongside academic learning. Youl would receive a salary from your employer, and tuition fees are covered by the apprenticeship, making it a cost-effective pathway to a postgraduate degree. This model aims to enhance professional expertise by aligning educational outcomes with industry needs.

PG Dip

A PG Dip is the next step up from a PG Cert and is also a qualification in its own right. It can also be used as in interim award towards a Master’s. It usually takes nine months to complete (full-time) and involves all of the taught aspects of a Master’s, without the final project or dissertation.

PG Cert

A PG Cert is a standalone qualification and is the first stage of a Master’s degree. It is assessed through taught modules and project work.

We also offer a number of postgraduate research qualifications - you can find out more about these degrees in our postgraduate research section.