Take the Next Step in Your Career
Be a part of something special whilst taking your studies and career to the next level. World changing research happens every day at universities, with breakthrough PhD studies bringing innovation to the forefront. Undertaking a Postgraduate course will boost your knowledge and specialist skills within your chosen field, propelling your career in organisations big and small.
Whether you are continuing your studies or returning to university after a break, we're here for you. Choose from a wide range of theoretical or practice-based postgraduate and Masters degrees in Business, Health, Outdoor Studies and more, with full-time, part-time and distance learning options available. We have January, April and September start dates on offer to provide greater flexibility and help you manage your studies around your work, family and lifestyle.
Why Choose Cumbria?
Personalise your degree to suit your work, family and lifestyle commitments. At Cumbria, we want to offer our students as much flexibility as possible, which is why you can choose your preferred start date, mode of study, and even the pace of your course.
Learn from expert academics who are passionate about their subject fields and will get to know you as an individual. They’ll provide tailored guidance that encourages confidence and personal growth.
Be part of a supportive and welcoming community. Our support teams are here to guide you with all areas of student life, from wellbeing services to professional learning opportunities, cost of living support and more. We’ll give you all the tools you need to excel in your studies and go far in your chosen career.
Learn More About Postgraduate Study
PG Diploma & Certificate
A Level 7 qualification, PG Diplomas & Certificates take less time to complete than a traditional Masters.
A PG Certificate is equivalent to one-third of a Master’s, whilst a PG Diploma is valued at two-thirds. Some courses may offer the opportunity to top-up PG Certificates and Diplomas to a Master's level qualification at a later date.
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PG Certificate in Education
If you already have a degree, a great next step is training to teach. A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is equivalent to 60 credits of a Master’s degree and is available in a number of specialisms.
A PGCE course gives you the skills you need to teach your passion in a classroom setting. Typically lasting one year, students undertake school placements, supported by one-to-one academic support in preparation for their teaching career.
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Master's Degree
A Master's Degree is a complete Level 7 qualification and can be an opportunity to explore an area of interest in further detail or take the next step towards a Doctorate.
While at the same level as a PG Diploma or Certificate, this qualification requires an intensive period of study and the completion of a dissertation.
A Master's can take one to two years to complete through full-time study. Students can focus on a taught or research course that will increase employability.
Doctorate Degree
The highest level of qualification, a PhD offers the opportunity for students to make a significant contribution to their field of study. As a research based qualification, with potential taught components, a full-time PhD typically takes three to four years.
Students will become experts in their field, collaborating with others to conduct and publish a piece of research.
Postgraduate Degrees in January
Offering greater flexibility around your home and work life, January entry gives you more time to get everything ready before you start your degree.
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Postgraduate Degrees in April
If you don’t want to wait until September to start your postgraduate degree, our April intake gives you the chance to begin your studies sooner.
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Postgraduate Degrees in September
A wide range of our courses have September start dates, which is ideal if you are transitioning to postgraduate study after completing your undergraduate degree or are returning to university after a break.
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Online and Distance Learning Postgraduate Degrees
Study online from wherever you are with our distance learning courses. With all your classes completed remotely, you can fit your studies around your schedule and work commitments.
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Hear from those who...
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![Jen Ager, MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning]()
I wanted to pursue something that would be transferrable outside the world of teaching. With the support of my employers, I reduced my teaching timetable further and embarked on the MA on a two-year, part time basis and continued to teach two days a week.
Jen Ager, MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning
A Cumbrian local, Jen chose to study at Cumbria's Ambleside campus as they were familiar with staff and their reputation.
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![Sue Pemberton, PhD Occupational Therapy]()
I came to the University of Cumbria because the supervisor for my PhD is a specialist in my area. During my research I was working in the NHS four days a week, running a family and, in my last year, setting up a new business. Your supervisors can guide and support you but this is your original study. It is a journey that challenges you to create new knowledge rather than collate the thoughts of others.
Sue Pemberton, PhD Occupational Therapy
Yorkshire-based Sue chose further study to advance her work helping people with long-term conditions.
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![Joseph Rudd, PGCE Primary Education with QTS]()
I couldn’t have felt more supported by the staff at the university and I truly believe that they quickly equipped with me the skills necessary to find my feet in the classroom. I count myself lucky that I have had the opportunity to be taught by them.
Joseph Rudd, PGCE Primary Education with QTS
