Taught Postgraduates - current and recent

Welcome to Manchester

As a Master’s student, or Taught Postgraduate (PGT), you have a lot to fit into your schedule, and the Careers Service aims to support you with the right resource at the right time:

  1. Start by registering on CareerConnect, our platform for vacancies, events and appointments.
  2. Make the most of your time in Manchester - watch our video guide, and look ahead using our Master’s Timeline (below) to plan out your recruitment year.
  3. Check out Careers events which are well-suited to Master's students.
  4. Look to the future - take inspiration from our Master’s Alumni Q&A videos, and from other Master's graduates' career paths on LinkedIn.
  5. Understand the value of your Master's degree, and be ready to talk about it in applications and interviews.

Careers goals for Master's students

Time management and resilience are key during your year of Master’s study. Recruitment begins early in the UK academic year, so we want you to explore, prepare and apply for positions at the right moment. Below you will find our suggested timeline for Master’s students to follow, to make the most of your time in Manchester and secure your next role, be it employment, a PhD or something else.

A note on direct hire roles. As a Master's student, you have the option to apply for individual positions which are not advertised as "graduate" roles, particularly if you already hold workplace experience. Balancing these two types of application is an important skill, as graduate roles/schemes will expect enthusiasm and a willingness to train. Direct hire roles will expect the confidence that comes with experience, and a strong sense of the value of your Master's degree.

Timeline

Before you arrive in Manchester (Jun-Aug)

Get started by researching your target employers or PhD research groups, and by preparing your application documents. This may include a separate strategy for part-time jobs alongside your studies. If you are new to the UK, check out our Introduction to the UK Job Market.

Autumn/Fall recruitment season (Sept-Nov)

Apply now. This is the busiest time of year for many UK recruiters. As a Master’s student, we recommend you consider both experienced hire (or direct hire) roles, and those targeting new graduates, as you may be eligible for both. Careers Fairs and Interview preparation are key resources to check out. PhD opportunities may also be available early in the year, so check to see if they are open.

Winter break (Dec-Jan)

Winter months in the UK see a slowing down in recruitment. This is a good moment to reflect on your work so far, and think ahead to consider what comes next. On-demand Careers Service resources can help during this quieter period.

Spring recruitment season (Feb-Apr)

Apply again. You will see more vacancies appearing at the start of the second semester. This may include internships, but be aware that summer internships may not be an option if you are expected to work on your Master’s dissertation full-time during the summer months. You may also see more PhD opportunities being advertised. Now can be a good time to contact potential PhD supervisors, to have their insight when you are invited to interview.

Targeted applications (May-Jun)

Companies hiring into specific roles will often do so up to three months in advance. Now is the time to look for these direct hire roles through our Which Career? pages. Schemes like Manchester Graduate Talent (roles in Manchester, exclusively for our graduates) will also be open by this point. If you have not been successful in your applications yet, we can still help you explore your options.

Dissertation write-up (Jul-Aug)

This can be a quiet time of year for recruitment, but be persistent! Careers staff are available all summer to support you while you work on your Master’s dissertation, as well as after you leave the university.

New recruitment year (Sept onwards)

As your Master’s course ends, you can decide how best to continue job hunting, and whether any visa resources may need to be considered.

Make the most of Manchester

You have many opportunities to build your CV as you go through your Master's year, but do not lose sight of your goal. Prioritise the time you will need to complete your studies and secure your degree, then ask yourself what else can be be worked into your schedule.

Building experience

Everyone leaves university with a degree, so how do you plan to stand out from the crowd? Building experience can be part of your Master's year, but in balance with your studies and other time commitments.

Enhancing your skills

How well do you know your skill-set, and how will it change during your Master's course? You will need to explain this to recruiters and interviewers, so be ready to talk about yourself. If you want to use AI to help you do this, follow our guide so that it serves you well.

Making connections

Inspiration can come from understanding the paths of others. The University of Manchester has a vast network of graduates. Build your own network throughout your Master's year, to make the most of this.