Postgraduate Taught study at BU
- Build on your undergraduate degree: Postgraduate Taught courses help you deepen your knowledge, develop advanced skills, and explore your next step after graduation. Most courses take one year full time, or 2 years part time
- Strengthen your position in a competitive job market: Postgraduate study can improve employability, support career progression, or open up specialist roles requiring higher level study
- Pursue a different field with our conversion courses: These courses can help you change subject or career direction without prior subject experience.
- Progress with ease and confidence: As a current BU student, you already know the campus, systems, staff and support services - making progression into postgraduate study more straightforward
- Get expert advice before deciding: We’re here to help guide you with what comes next in your career. You can book a one-to-one session with a careers expert for personalised, impartial guidance on whether postgraduate study is right for you
- Receive exclusive BU graduate benefits: These include a fast-track application route and discounted fees.
About postgraduate study
What is postgraduate study?
Postgraduate study is a higher‑level qualification undertaken after your undergraduate degree, focused on advanced learning in a specific subject area, or helping you change career direction.
People often choose it to strengthen employability, gain specialist expertise, or prepare for particular career paths or further research.
Why consider postgraduate study?
For some graduates, it can be a practical way to strengthen employability, develop higher level skills, or gain specialist knowledge in a competitive job market.
It isn’t the right choice for everyone, and timing matters, which is why access to expert advice is an important part of exploring your options.
Explore our postgraduate courses and discover what could be next for you.
Osher
MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects student
Starting the master’s felt completely different from starting undergrad. I wasn’t overwhelmed this time. I knew the facilities, understood the systems and felt at home on campus.
Why stay at BU for postgraduate study?
Continuing your studies at BU offers familiarity and continuity. You already know the campus, the area, and the support available, which can make progressing into postgraduate study more straightforward.
Staying at BU can mean:
- No need to relocate
- Familiar academic and support environments
- Existing relationships with staff and services
- Greater confidence stepping into higher-level study
- The opportunity to continue with your favourite societies or keep playing the sport you enjoy the most
- Ongoing access to university facilities and support services
- Access to scholarships
Exclusive benefits for current BU students
As a BU student or graduate, you can access a range of benefits if you choose to continue your studies here, including:
- A fast-track postgraduate application route
- Tuition fee discounts for BU graduates
- Accommodation guarantee
Financial support
Eligible students can apply for a government postgraduate loan of up to £13,206 (2026/27), paid in instalments across the academic year.
BU graduates may also benefit from exclusive financial support, including a 20% tuition fee discount and non-repayable scholarships of £2,000 or more for those achieving a 2:1 or above. Doctoral students can apply for a separate doctoral loan of up to £31,122 (2026/27).
Will shares why he chose to stay in Bournemouth for his Master's degree, from great lecturers to the alumni discount and scholarship that made postgraduate study affordable.
Next steps
Get personalised adviceIf you’re unsure what to do after graduation, a Careers expert can help you explore whether postgraduate study is right for you — and what options fit your goals.
You may also find it useful to talk to your course tutor or academic staff about subject specific progression routes.
Book an appointment with a careers consultant
Explore postgraduate coursesExplore our range of postgraduate Master's degrees to find the right choice for you. Did you know we also offer January entry?
Attend a Postgraduate open eventFind out more about Postgraduate study at BU, including detailed information on our postgraduate taught courses.
Register for a postgraduate open event
Apply onlineIf postgraduate study at BU feels like the right choice, you can apply using our fast-track route, designed to be quicker and simpler.
Apply online via fast-track applicationElla explains why staying for postgraduate study was an easy decision